Shrinking Season 2, Episode 10, “Changing Patterns” Spoilers Ahead
Written by Ashley Nicole Black and directed by James Ponsoldt, Shrinking’s “Changing Patterns” is an emotional roller coaster, stacked with excellent beats of development and compelling performances that are both outright hilarious and achingly heartbreaking. Alice’s birthday is a big deal in the show’s history, and this one ensures that we’re floating on a weightless cloud of joy before it yanks the magic away from us and forces us to tumble down. Hard.
With two episodes left after this, it’s wild to think of where the show will go and how many stories can or will be wrapped up. More than anything, this episode is about taking chances, good or bad, and doing the things that scare these characters. The end result is a resounding curse that might haunt me for a while.
Shrinking Season 2, Episode 9 Ruins Another Birthday for Alice
Interestingly, while I imagined that Alice would be upset to learn about what Jimmy said to Louis, I didn’t think she’d be this heartbroken. Their closeness makes sense to a degree, but the fact that we didn’t see how it happened, only that it did, makes something about it still feel rushed. However, because of the performances Brett Goldstein and Lukita Maxwell continue to deliver in these scenes, Louis and Alice’s friendship is one that I hope the series continues to evolve.
Yet, to rewind for a bit, what doesn’t feel rushed is the fact that Jimmy buys Alice a car, just like the one Tia had. That particular detail makes so much sense that I wept when we saw it.
Plus, bring in Colbie Smulders as the seller and maybe a potential partner for Jimmy? My broken How I Met Your Mother and MCU heart might actually heal. While that surprise guest cranks up the dial and the celebrations give Alice a moment with each of her grown-up pals, it’s the heartbreaking realization that this will likely push all progress back a few steps. The fact that the episode shows us her conversation with Paul and ends the episode where it does is proof of the detail that progress isn’t linear. Also, it’s easy to appreciate that Alice knows this and says it aloud to Paul, too. Yet, everything with that ending is going to be fascinating to explore because as mentioned in my review of “Last Drink,” Jimmy still needs to heal—really heal. And, in many ways, their healing is tied together.
The evolution of light to darkness in Shrinking Season 2, Episode 10, “Changing Patterns” is no accident. Sometimes, in order for patterns to truly change, characters have a great deal of work to do to ensure the changes stick. And right now, we’re merely scratching the surface. Because, ultimately, this is all tied to Gaby’s decision with her mother and even Paul’s choice to officially ask Julie to move in. Progress isn’t linear, and big decisions often impact those around us, too.
Further, it bears repeating that Lukita Maxwell knocks everything out of the ballpark once again as the characters orbit around Alice and touch base with their own mistakes. She is, in every way, the performer of this season, and it continues to be astounding to see her layer the character with as much depth.
If last week’s “Full Grown Dude Face” focused on spotlighting how it takes a village, this next chapter highlights the unruly path toward making legitimate progress. Alice’s birthday is a catalyst in more ways than one for those around her to take the necessary steps to better themselves, and as one of the strengths this season, Shrinking’s means of emphasizing the significance in conversations is no small feat.
The Real Liz Is Back
In addition, Shrinking Season 2, Episode 10, “Changing Patterns,” thankfully puts an end to Liz’s “yes, baby” talk and brings the real Liz back to us. Yes, she messed up. Yes, Derek forgives her. Yes, they’re on the right track, and he’s even fond of Mac’s beer, so this whole thing was pushing it five steps too far, and I’m happy that it feels like the last few moments kick her back to her usual attitude. Having Brian confront her about it also works to show us that his instincts remain intact while simultaneously giving us a subtle nod to the type of parent he’d be—one who never wants his kid to fake something.
It also bears repeating that Ted McGinley remains incredible because I truly can’t believe that two weeks ago, this man was making me cry over grilled cheese, and now I’m a little (read very) emotional over his expression while he eats cake. That’s the face of a man whose wife is back, and he’s indisputably grateful for it. It’s the face of a man who realizes that life is looking up again, and right at this second, no one deserves it more. The quiet progress is essential to making this season as vulnerable as it is, so bringing this beat into this episode makes it much more emotional.
One Move In, Another Out
The juxtaposing narratives of Julie officially moving in and Paul finally being ready for it versus Gaby telling her mother she doesn’t want her to move in is so heartbreaking. We don’t know Gaby’s mom well enough. We only know what her daughter has said about her, yet the visible ache in her realization hurts to see.
While we know that she’s actively sacrificing her comfort in the beginning and Paul calling her out pushes this decision, it’ll be interesting to see how the next two episodes tie this up, especially since we now have something concrete with her sister. Further, while it feels like Gaby’s arc has taken a slight backseat in this second half, it’s easy to appreciate the subtle work the show does to exhibit how she’s finding her voice again.
Shrinking Season 2, Episode 10, “Changing Patterns,” gives us plenty and understandably holds information back. A penultimate and finale are crucial turning points, which is why it’s so incredible how this episode peels back the curtain a bit. Breakthroughs and good days sometimes coexist; other times, they crash and burn—what that means for the characters, hopefully the next episode will answer.
Stray Thoughts
- Gabitha! The way I cackled.
- Paul being proud of Alice and giving her his hat!?! Oh, I’m emotional. So very emotional.
- The scream I scrumpt seeing Cobie Smulders?!?! Amazing.
- “Bubblegum and donuts” also took me out.
- At some point in my notes, I just wrote, “Why am I crying?” and that seems like the most appropriate reaction for this show.
- I need to know if Louis and Sarah have a chance again. He deserves to be happy. I’m hurting.
Now streaming on Apple TV+: What are your thoughts on Shrinking Season 2, Episode 10, “Changing Patterns?” Let us know in the comments below.
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