Shrinking Season 3, Episode 7, “I Will Be Grape” Spoilers Ahead
Written by Zack Bornstein and directed by James Ponsoldt, Shrinking delivers the type of episode that’s all heart as we approach Tia’s birthday again. “I Will Be Grape” is a lovely reminder of all the ways everyone will be okay, even if at the moment it doesn’t seem possible. And yet, that’s a large part of the show’s appeal. It makes us feel okay, even if we aren’t.
On top of celebrating Tia’s birthday, Derek is making a full recovery with his mother in town after “Dereks Don’t Die,” Paul makes a decision about the practice, and Gaby’s left with horrible news at the end. For all that it accomplishes, this one might just be my favorite episode of the season thus far.
“I Will Be Grape” Is a Beautiful Love Letter to Tia
Flashbacks of Tia will perpetually make me weep and simultaneously grin from ear to ear. We don’t get to spend nearly enough time with Tia as we’d like, but a large part of what makes Shrinking so beautiful is the detail that she’s a constant presence even when she isn’t here. Much of what we know about her relies on the characters telling us about her, and the few flashbacks do an effective job of showing, allowing the balance to be wholly perfect in giving us the chance to care just as deeply as the characters do. Often, when a character dies off-screen before we as the audience get to know them, we aren’t given proper chances to familiarize ourselves with who they really were. Yet, this is why Shrinking shines as such a compelling exploration of grief.
It’s easy for us to grieve Tia alongside the characters, and it’s easy for us to appreciate her just as they do. Because of this, episodes like “I Will Be Grape” are twice as impactful. It’s also effective that we get to see a moment of Tia’s impact through Louis’s perspective when Brett Goldstein’s character returns after Alice invites him to the cemetery. We get a clear sense of Tia’s personality not only through the T-shirts she makes for each of them—Jimmy, Alice, Brian, and Summer—but we understand it when Gaby tells Alice that she took Derrick to “introduce” the two of them and stumbled upon two butterflies getting it on.
Tia’s heart is in Alice. It’s in Jimmy. It’s in the stories they tell her about her, and it’s in the rendition of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” that they sing at the top of their lungs, interrupted gloriously by Sofi’s return, who seems to fit in brilliantly. It’s moments in a TV show like this where you wonder, truly, how much do our loved ones meddle after they’re gone? As someone who has peace in the idea that they become guardian angels of sorts, little signs here and there help ease the grieving process. I’ve always believed that certain blessings came right from my late father, and a moment like this in Shrinking feels like a divine intervention from Tia—a potential partner for Jimmy who can bring him the laughter he’s lost.
It’s also rewarding to see Jimmy in front of a piano again, singing at the top of his lungs—and happy. He isn’t drunk out of his mind this time or puking at an important event, but he’s fully present. He’s doing everything in his power to make Alice’s time at home perfect until she has to go off to Connecticut, and the character journey is so rewarding to see. It’s a conscious reminder of all the work he’s done to get to this moment, and Jason Segel is doing an exceptional job with the subtle emotions he’s bringing to life. It’s also rewarding that three seasons in, the kind of development we’re getting with each of them feels incredibly human and natural. It makes the show stand out even further.
Paul Makes Another Big Decision in Shrinking Season 3, Episode 7
Paul is now talking to more Parkinson’s patients, and it continues to be so lovely to see how the show chooses to explore various journeys. At the same time, it’s understandable that these conversations would weigh on him a bit and lead to the decision of what he wants to do with the practice after he retires.
The decision to give it to Gaby makes total sense, but so does Gaby’s choice not to accept it at the moment, because as we know from “The Field” and “Hold Your Horsies,” she wants something more. She wants a different approach in helping people, and how we’ll get there will not only be compelling to see, but given the last few moments, utterly devastating. We were all rightfully scared to be worried about Maya after last week’s episode, and as we learn here, something’s clearly happened to her. Not to mention, Gaby being the type of person she is, will likely carry it with her, making everything all the more heartbreaking.
Derek’s Mom Is in Town
Derek’s mom, Connie, is in town, and it’s driving Liz mad because the relationship the two women have is rocky. Unlike Paul and the rest of their group, Connie doesn’t have a rock, and she’s all too aware of it. The typical mother-in-law relationship is centered this week, but Derek’s frustrations allow the women to find somewhat of a common ground to fall on.
More than anything, it’s riveting to watch Christa Miller and Candice Bergen go head-to-head with stunning performances. The series consistently bringing in iconic stars to have them act alongside each other remains an absolute gift. It’s also lovely to see Matthew back at home and actually helping out? A+ beats in this episode.
Week after week, Shrinking captures moments of authenticity that are important to remember as the actual world around us continues to fall apart. This week, it gorgeously celebrates the life of a woman who was fully sunshine and a wild heart who danced to the beat of her own drums. Tia gave so much of herself, and in “I Will Be Grape,” the show carefully gives back.
Stray Thoughts
- Alice has to go to Connecticut right after graduation.
- Jimmy is so sad that Alice has to leave right away after graduation!!! I’m sad!!
- Derek’s mom confusing Liz is hilarious.
- “Dick should not be short for Richard.” He’s not wrong.
- “I got 24-hour jazz hands. Fosse. Fosse. Fosse.” So Paul knows about Bob Fosse but doesn’t know Les Mis?? 😂
- Tia flashbacks always shatter me.
- Gaby introduced Derrick to Tia 😭😭😭
- Is Derek’s last name Bishop? Do we finally know this?
- “Who’s the smoke show? It looks like a hot Louis.” 😂
- That’s basically Roy Kent.
- Connie is stressing me out.
- Tuppance 😭 “He named his baby Sutton.”
- I love (!!!) that Brian gets to recount his ridiculous Louis story again! Michael Urie is always such a blast to watch during this particular bit.
- Awww, Louis being happy is so rewarding to see.
- “You shouldn’t have to chew a drink.” Is he wrong???
- Alice being worried about Jimmy is making my heart so sad.
- “Get your own animal sound.” Paul remains unbeatable.
Now streaming on Apple TV+: What are your thoughts on Shrinking Season 3, Episode 7, “I Will Be Grape?” Let us know in the comments below.
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