Shrinking Season 3, Episode 4, “The Field” Spoilers Ahead
Off the heels of last week’s “D-Day,” Shrinking delivers another brilliant episode that’s equal parts hilarious and emotional. Thoughtfully penned by Ashley Nicole Black and directed by Rebecca Asher, “The Field” gives us the type of answers we aren’t yet ready for while simultaneously kickstarting what’ll undoubtedly lead to more riveting character development.
In many ways, this one’s about Paul’s return to work and the prominent decision he makes by the end, but it’s also a significant reminder that sometimes the ruts people are stuck in are too challenging to climb out of.
Paul Makes a Big Career Decision in Shrinking Season 3, Episode 4
The signs that Paul would be stepping away from a full job as a therapist were obvious from the beginning, but the fact that his decision comes this quickly is both surprising and achingly human. It’s also fitting that the episode it occurs in is aptly titled, “The Field,” considering the legwork in the season premiere, “My Bad,” to make this concept a reality and a recurring theme.
Michael J. Fox’s Gerry returns for a therapy session, yet it’s during their conversation that Paul has his own critical revelation. At the same time, while we might not know too much about Gerry, how Fox elevates and delivers immense heart into the character is such a lovely way to understand that his decision to step back into acting for this role almost feels like fate. Because while Shrinking is a show that features truly astounding performances in every episode, seeing Harrison Ford and Fox act alongside each other is the type of gift that makes the show indescribably special. It’s a rare treat that even the actors have talked about in multiple interviews because there’s something so deeply genuine about the whole thing.
The writing in the episode is also extraordinary as we get to watch these acting legends bring to life the words on the page with tremendous vulnerability and distinct humor. How they elevate the emotions is so uniquely incredible that it allows people to find comfort in this show in a way that cannot be replicated elsewhere right now, and there’s a lot of joy in that fact alone. With this in mind, watching Paul realize that he wants to spend the time he has left with his family broke my heart into a million pieces while simultaneously—somehow—stitching me back together. There’s a lot to appreciate in how organic the revelation is and how honest it is to represent the Parkinson’s trajectory while also emphasizing how deeply this show cares about its individual character journeys.
Gaby Tries “Gabying“
When Gaby can’t get through to Maya, and Jimmy visiting her class as a speaker leads to the proof that his methods do work at times, Gaby pushes through some of her boundaries. She meets Maya at Trivia night, and because it’s conveniently Lord of the Rings themed, it’s enjoyable for her while Maya also gets a win. The night ends with her finally opening up about the fact that it feels like the universe is conspiring to keep her lonely, and suddenly, everything about her reservations makes a ton of sense.
There are parallels in Maya’s journey to Louis’s, which is fascinating on so many levels, considering Gaby’s confrontation with him in “Happiness Mission.” And while the similarities in how they ended up alone aren’t the same, the ache they both showcase is similar in that loneliness can be deeply daunting to a point where those around you see the dark cloud looming over your head.
However, it’s such a lovely detail that Gaby is going the extra mile to try getting through to Maya to show that someone somewhere cares. Knowing that they have an extra session beyond their week together is also a plus for Maya to comprehend that Gaby isn’t just doing this for a cash grab, but because she cares and wants Maya to make a breakthrough from her pain. How it’ll turn out, only time will tell, but these steps continue to make the show so important.
Derek’s High Adventures
Shrinking Season 3, Episode 4, “The Field,” delivers some heavier emotions, but it balances everything faultlessly with Derek high as a kite throughout, thinking that he’s dying and making the kind of phone calls that are wild in every way. Ted McGinley is once again outstanding at his comedic timing, and how this episode pans out is so ridiculously delightful, even if it leads to Matthew overhearing that Liz is embarrassed by him.
It’s also telling that this is the same episode where Liz gives Paul a rock for the purpose of getting his help on Matthew. But ultimately, it’s moments like this that are going to lead to a place where both Liz and Derek can find a better way to get through to him. It’s a realization like this that can lead to Matthew’s own understanding as well.
As “The Field” essentially says, every person knows what they want deep down. There’s a reason that right now, both Brian and Charlie are doing better than ever, and it’s because they have their baby girl beside them. There’s a reason Jimmy and Kimmy didn’t work out. There’s a reason that this is the episode where Paul finally comes to his realization. In many ways, it feels like a huge stepping stone, even if it’s on the quieter end. It feels enormous in its simplicity.
Stray Thoughts
- Kimmy is taking me out 😂😭
- How is this woman a nurse? Does she cry in front of patients like this?!!!
- “Stop staring at me like you’re the last dog at the shelter.”
- Liz’s Altadena sweater 😭❤️
- “Why’d you wait so long to ask me to be your appointment buddy?”
- Yes, it’s fanfare, but I’m going to pretend it’s HARRISON FORD HUMMING INDIANA JONES!!!
- Liz spying on Brian and Charlie is so funny.
- Derek being so excited to meet Marisol is so cute.
- I want to know about this magical toilet.
- Liz gave Paul a rock!
- LIZ GOT AN I LOVE YOU BACK!
- Jimmy teaching this class is wild.
- DEREK AND THE GUMMIES 😂😅
- Derek’s phone calls are taking me out!!!
- Paul knowing about situationships, soft and hard launches, is so funny.
- The montage of Paul seeing everyone and knowing what he wants 😭
- This show needs to start paying my therapy bills for making me cry as much.
- “She’s cute. She’s selfish. She screams to get whatever she wants.” HAHHAHA
- I can’t do this 😭Paul you have to stay forever.
Now streaming on Apple TV+: What are your thoughts on Shrinking Season 3, Episode 4, “The Field?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Apple TV+