Shrinking Season 1 Episode 9, “Moving Forward,” marks the penultimate chapter of a stellar first season. And while the season has left its mark as a heart-warming comedy, “Moving Forward,” pulls at our heartstrings, and reminds us of the grief underwriting the story.
Narratively, the back half of Shrinking Season 1 has pivoted from the focus of its first half. Early episodes hold more focus on Jimmy and his patients (particularly Sean), with the rest of the supporting cast in the periphery.
It’s a smart strategy for a brand-new comedy. We meet and get the backstory of the main players (Jason Segel and Lukita Maxwell) right away, then dive more into the rest as the season progresses. Harrison Ford gets an episode to focus more on grumpy Paul, Jessica Williams has an episode to shine as Gaby, and so forth.
As Shrinking Season 1 winds its way down, the time spent with each character per episode has evened out. Rather than focusing on just one side quest, many of our characters are familiar enough with each other that storylines are overlapping.
And, as it’s been all season, none of the pair-ups feel forced. If another show had a patient/tenant hanging out with a neighbor talking business, it wouldn’t always make sense. But Shrinking excels at creating authentic dynamics.
I have to give kudos to Shrinking Season 1 Episode 9 for some really clever writing and editing choices. There are two instances in “Moving Forward” where the scene is alluding to one outcome (which would have been an interesting path to follow) and instead we’re surprised with another.
One is between Gaby and Jimmy. I’m glad she was able to get that closure with Nico after the art gallery debacle. And a part of me did think that she would be charmed by him. But when the screen cuts to black, she’s post-coital with Jimmy again.
I’ve said before that their relationship seems more sibling-like than anything that could turn romantic. And it still feels that way, even after they’ve been together multiple times and broke the news to Alice. I also understand that there’s something to having a no strings attached relationship.
But I fear they’re being a little too cavalier with their relationship. Segel and Williams’ chemistry has been a highlight of Shrinking. I hope this doesn’t sacrifice that dynamic for the sake of drama.
Speaking of Williams — I’ve long touted that she’s the glue of this series. This holds true in “Moving Forward,” when we see her and Harrison Ford’s Paul interact outside of the office. Her facial expressions are captivating when she finds out Paul is seeing his doctor. It’s the funniest part of this episode, by far.
And it helps bring the humor out of Ford as well. Paul has been curmudgeonly all of Shrinking Season 1. But when he’s around Gaby, they bring out the fun in each other. I called it from the beginning that Paul had a thing for his doctor, so I’m happy to see I was connecting the right dots.
It’s great to see this new side of Paul. Ford has another angle to work from, giving his character more depth. And it’s clearing a route back to his daughter, which I’m hopeful means we see more Lily Rabe in Shrinking Season 2.
The rest of the Shrinking Season 1 Episode 9 storylines are building to a natural resting point for the season finale.
Do I think Brian might be trying to pull together a wedding too quickly? Honestly, yes. But is watching Jimmy try to pull himself together enough to officiate the wedding both funny and sad? Also yes.
As I’ve been hypothesizing what a Shrinking Season 2 would look like, I’ve wondered if a new patient would fill the role of Sean. Or essentially take the role of the main “patient” in the season. I’m beginning to worry that it might be Brian.
Earlier in Shrinking Season 1, we hear him open up to Gaby about his parents’ reaction to his coming out. And in “Moving On,” we meet his father, who turns down the offer to be Brian’s Best Man. Harsh.
If Brian ends up heartbroken at the end of Shrinking Season 1, I will personally march down to Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein’s office and give them a piece of my mind.
The last piece of Shrinking Season 1 to tie together is the Sean storyline. He’s had the most character growth by far. I’m thrilled that he’s putting himself out there and trying to start a small business with the support of his community.
I’m not sure the name will stick, but I’m excited to see him and Liz partner up. It’s a natural way to keep him in the mix but also encourages his independence and continued growth.
With all roads leading up, what could possibly go wrong in the Shrinking Season 1 finale? Oh, that’s right — Jimmy and Alice still haven’t had a significant heart-to-heart.
The end of Shrinking Season 1 Episode 9 is one of the more gut-wrenching scenes all season. And it’s hard to say if Jimmy did the right thing or made a mistake with how he handled Tia’s birthday. Jason and Lukita play it brilliantly, and I see that tension following them to the season finale.
Since Alice is upset that she forgot her mom’s birthday, signs are pointing to the major conversation that I’ve been waiting for all season finally happening between the father/daughter duo. I wish they’d had it earlier on in the season, but it does leave the story in an interesting spot to pick up in Shrinking Season 2.
Thankfully, we already know season 2 is in the works!
Stray Thoughts
- Some of Jason Segel’s best work is in his flashbacks with his wife. I hope we see more in Shrinking Season 2.
- The reveal that Paul actually took Julie with him to see Meg and his grandson’s play made me tear up a little bit. I’m so glad to see both his relationship with his daughter and his doctor blooming.
- I thought Meg was being a little harsh by declining Paul’s invitation to Vegas to see him get his award, so I’m glad it all worked out.
- I wonder how Gaby’s potential professorship might affect the story in Shrinking Season 2. It would probably bring some fun new young characters into the mix for Alice.
- I love that Gaby makes a point to acknowledge how representation in all occupations matters, and I do hope to see her in an academic role.
- Liz and her rocks, Liz and Derek, Liz and Gaby are a few of the funniest dynamics in this show.
- Line of the episode – “What is a Goo Goo Doll?”
What did you think of this episode of Shrinking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Shrinking airs Fridays on Apple TV+.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
The post Shrinking Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Moving Forward first appeared on Tell-Tale TV.