We often talk at length about the scenes that are emotionally driven, profound, and perhaps even heartbreaking, but we rarely take a beat to affectionately scream about and praise the scenes that encapsulate pure, inimitable joy. The scenes that are so ridiculously human and ordinary that we may even take advantage of them. Sitting down with Michael Urie at the Shrinking junket, I knew I had to bring up the carpool karaoke of “Confrontation” from Les Mis in Season 3’s fifth episode, “Hold Your Horsies.”
As a Broadway actor and theatre fan, it was obvious from the jump that the scene was an absolute blast to film for Urie, Jason Segel, and undoubtedly even Harrison Ford, who was in the dark about it until the day of filming, and surprisingly, “isn’t a musical theater fan.” Specifically, Michael Urie calls the scene “a gift from the Shrinking writing Gods,” and it absolutely is, reflected in the sheer joy palpable throughout that number where both Urie and Segel are fully locked into nailing the heated track. “I’m not playing Brian anymore. I’m playing Inspector Javert. I fully intend to be offered the national tour of Les Mis after this show airs,” Urie jokes, enthusiastically. (He should, though. He really should.)
And while Urie notes what a joy the scene was, looking back, he fully reflects on Harrison Ford’s unbeatable performance, noting how he’s in the backseat, “going through every human emotion.” Ford’s character has no lines in this scene, but “all you want to do is watch him.” Excitedly, Michael Urie continues to praise the legendary actor’s prowess by emphasizing his “illustrious career” and that the work we consistently see is “a masterclass in film acting.” What Shrinking has ultimately done by effortlessly bringing to life Harrison Ford’s impeccable range is no small feat. Many of us grew up with his films, but there’s no denying that what he does with Paul is special.
The scene is wildly joyous and downright impeccable to bear witness to as a musical theatre fan, ensuring that it’s brought to life in a manner that’s thoroughly memorable. Jason Segel also brings his A-game as Jean Valjean, allowing the scene to stand out in the same hilarious manner that Brian’s monologue from Season 2 does. We can now add this carpool sing-along of Les Mis to our list of incredible moments of levity to turn back to on a rainy day.
And keeping up with the Broadway theme, Lady Geeks also learned that if Sutton Foster is back on stage, “whether the production is age-appropriate or not,” Brian and Charlie will be taking her namesake, Baby Sutton, to see the production. Imagine knowing you’re named after such an icon? Talk about the luckiest kid on TV right now.
Shrinking Season 3 is now airing on Apple TV+. Check out the full interview with Michael Urie below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Apple TV+