Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1, “Jimmying” Spoilers Ahead
Apple TV+’s Shrinking returns with a near-perfect episode that expertly balances humor and grief with thoughtful narrative arcs that are sure to make the sophomore season a riveting success. Written by Rachna Fruchbom and directed by Randall Keenan Winston, the thematic focus on human fragility ensures that each of our main characters has a meaty route toward growth and a better understanding of themselves.
When we last saw these characters, they were floating slightly above rock bottom. We knew that Grace’s decisions in the Season 1 finale would change much, but the subtlety of how everything pans out is where the episode shines best—the quietly catastrophic ending throws us straight into unruly tides.
Let’s Jump to the Big Question – Who Does Brett Goldstein Play in Shrinking?
When we first learned that co-creator and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein would join the cast of Shrinking, I assumed his role would be that of a patient. Maybe a relative of Liz’s or Jimmy’s who’s in town. It never crossed my mind that he’d play someone with such a pivotal role in the death that essentially makes this show what it is.
Even though we only see Tia in flashbacks, she’s a strong presence that allows us to grieve alongside Jimmy, Alice, and everyone who knew her. She’s there, even when she isn’t, allowing her significance to be consistently felt. Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1, “Jimmying,” takes us back to the tragic day by having Jimmy think about it as he divulges that his biggest trigger is the sound of sirens. (More on this later.) There, we get a glimpse of the nameless drunk driver who’s responsible for killing Tia.
At the end of the episode, in a jaw-droppingly slow scene directed with precision and a haunting poignancy by Randall Keenan Winston, the camera reveals Goldstein’s character, then flashes back to him sitting behind the cop car. A hearty kudos to both Goldstein and Jason Segel because how one of them quietly apologizes and another rightfully detonates is no small feat. And anyone familiar with both actors can be sure of the fact that this storyline is going to make the season that much more compelling.
Stories surrounding drunk drivers and death are a deeply sensitive topic to approach. Are we going to watch Louis (his name is revealed in the credits) atone? Is forgiveness what Jimmy needs as his final step to learn how to manage his grief better? There are a myriad of ways the arc can go, but if there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that the performances will be tremendous. (Yes, Brett Goldstein grumbling and cursing his way through Ted Lasso is always hilarious, but it’s the way he touches on emotional beats that make him such an excellent actor. So, I, for one, cannot wait to see how he digs into this darkness.)
Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1 Is a Reminder of How Grief Strikes
What has been the easiest thing to appreciate about this show since the beginning is that the creators understand that people never get over grief. You go through grief time and again. One day, you’re okay, and the next, the sound of sirens takes you right back to the beginning. Jimmy’s exploration of this specific trigger is especially compelling for me because sirens were my biggest trigger for the longest time. Jason Segel’s performance, in which he discusses Jimmy’s pain with sadness and a hint of understanding simultaneously, serves as a precise showcase of the middle ground many of us walk through. Sometimes, it’s totally fine to mention a trigger when we’re trying to comfort someone else, but other times, it might hit us like a face full of glass. And right now, Jimmy’s in the middle. He blames himself for Grace’s actions, and nightmares about his failure continue to haunt him, but he can still walk someone else through their distinct triggers by bringing up his own.
There’s also something to be said about how a single moment in time could be the absolute worst for one person and yet an ordinary beat for another. The mention of the cops on the scene discussing what they’ll have for dinner puts such a haunting emphasis on perspective, and this is something I imagine we’ll return to a lot when conversations arise after Louis’ return.
It doesn’t help that Alice is also worried about him; however, there’s a silver lining in the fact that he can confide in Paul, who finally tells him that his biggest mistake wasn’t Grace but Sean. This faint bombshell allows Jimmy to make the decision to have Paul as Sean’s therapist instead. This choice then presents viewers with some riveting challenges to see more of Paul’s point of view as a therapist while simultaneously allowing Jimmy to work through the troubles that are now on the way. It’s also another stark reminder of how humans will always need other people, which is essentially this show’s thesis in more ways than one.
Some Characters Are Doing Fine. Sort Of.
Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1, “Jimmying,” is a success because it balances heavier perils with some lighter frustrations to still exhibit that all issues are valid and deserve attention. Gaby is overwhelmed by her new teaching job, so she hasn’t fully moved into her new place. Liz is frustrated with Gaby’s inability to stop sleeping with Jimmy, but she still chooses to rally the troops (Brian and Derek) to help unpack the boxes while Gaby’s at work.
Paul is happily in love but suddenly doesn’t know what to do with the fact that he sees Julie every day (more so, he doesn’t know how to say I love you), but in helping Jimmy with everything he’s going through, Paul pulls himself together by the end and fully opens up.
Often, a first episode back from hiatus fills the space and sets the dominos into motion. Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1, “Jimmying,” lets one of them fall, making it an even more gripping and worthwhile return. There’s plenty in this singular episode that I imagine will come full circle by the end, and it’s going to be so exciting to see it happen.
Stray Thoughts
- “Roomies with bennies” is actually fantastic. And also, Harrison Ford saying the words “roomies with bennies” should land him some emmies. (See, what I did there? Everybody clap.)
- The way that I had to pause until I could stop laughing after Gaby asked Paul if she could walk him down the aisle. The needle drop of “I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love” — P E R F E C T I O N. No notes.
- Alice and Paul’s bench chats are back will always be famous.
- Asking Jimmy to try to be normal is like asking me to stop being emotional. It’s never going to happen.
- I still cannot believe that Brett Goldstein is in this show to make us sob and not because his character has some unhealthy obsession with the Muppets or something. I was not (and I repeat not) prepared for that ending. Like, I had to get up and start pacing because s t r e s s.
- I also cannot believe this episode is called “Jimmying.”
Now streaming on Apple TV+: What are your thoughts on Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1, “Jimmying?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Apple TV+