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- Who Does Brett Goldstein Play in Shrinking Season 2?
- Why Is Goldstein’s Character So Important in Shrinking Season 2?
- How Goldstein Came to Play His Shrinking Role
As a die-hard fan of Brett Goldstein’s work, I must say his journey has been nothing short of mesmerizing. From his grumpy and egoistic Roy Kent in Ted Lasso to this vulnerable, desperate character in Shrinking, he has shown an extraordinary range that leaves me in awe.
Viewers recognize Brett Goldstein primarily from his Emmy-winning performance in Ted Lasso. What might not be as widely known is that he’s not just an actor; he’s also a writer and producer. In discussing his journey on Ted Lasso, he has shared this aspect of his career. Impressively, he used his behind-the-scenes role to secure the chance to audition for the part of Roy Kent. This risk proved worthwhile, as he convincingly portrayed the character.
Apart from his work on “Ted Lasso,” another series he contributes to is titled “Shrinking.” In this case, he’s not just an ordinary crew member; instead, he co-created the show with Bill Lawrence (who also co-created “Ted Lasso”) and Jason Segel, who stars in “Shrinking.” Goldstein will make his debut in Season 2 of the series. However, until now, fans were uncertain about the character he would portray. Interestingly enough, it seems that this character plays a crucial role in the storyline, potentially undoing all the progress made in Season 1.
Who Does Brett Goldstein Play in Shrinking Season 2?
To fully understand Brett Goldstein’s character in Shrinking Season 2, it’s essential to recall the storyline. The show revolves around Jimmy Laird (Segel), a man struggling to cope with the sudden demise of his wife in a car accident. With his teenage daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) under his care as a single parent, he turns to women, drugs, and escapism to numb his pain, which negatively impacts his work, friendships, and parenting responsibilities. As a therapist, Jimmy starts employing unconventional techniques with his patients, leading to mixed results, but mostly causing problems that have serious consequences for others.
During the initial season, Jimmy gradually discovers ways to mend his life with assistance from his daughter, his mentor Dr. Paul Rhoades (portrayed by Harrison Ford), colleague and friend of his wife Gaby (Jessica Williams), neighbors Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley), and former best friend Brian (Michael Urie). By the season finale, Jimmy appears to be making progress as he regains some stability in his life. His relationship with his daughter improves significantly, bringing her a sense of relief as they both free themselves from the burden of his emotional struggles. Their healing journey is far from over, but they’re moving towards recovery.
In the first episode of Season 2, a man who was behind the wheel of the car involved in an accident that took Tia’s life (portrayed by Lilan Bowden in flashbacks) reappears, stirring up feelings of anger and disgust once more. This individual is played by Goldstein and can be seen sitting in the office lobby. As Jimmy, who had just experienced a good day, approaches with a smile, he instantly recognizes the man, causing his face to pale.
Jimmy is caught off guard and uncertain about handling the situation. Meanwhile, the man appears terrified, yet gathers his strength to speak up, saying, “I’ve come to offer an apology.” Jimmy, attempting to suppress his feelings, responds calmly, “You might want to leave.” The man goes on, “I understand you probably despise me now, but I truly wish…,” before he can finish, Jimmy shouts angrily multiple times, “Leave this place immediately!” until the frightened man exits the building.
Why Is Goldstein’s Character So Important in Shrinking Season 2?
In this instance, Jimmy appears to be troubled, and Paul’s counseling session with Sean (Luke Tennie) includes moments where he offers guidance. These are the same words he had shared with Alice regarding the significance of confronting one’s inner struggles. “It’s unwise to spend your life avoiding your pain,” Paul explains to the veteran, who is now seeking therapy from him. “If you don’t address your past properly, it will resurface. And when that happens…
The conversation between Jimmy and Alice ends abruptly as the scene shifts to Jimmy’s return home, where Alice asks about his day. His response, “Yeah, it was good, it was great,” hints at a different reality since Paul had informed Alice about Jimmy’s tendency to shut down. She senses something is amiss and fears Jimmy might revert to his past behavior. Moreover, the revelation that Goldstein, previously only mentioned, will be making an appearance in future scenes, adds an intriguing twist to the storyline. In a prelude to this, a flashback scene depicts Goldstein being put into a police car, glaring at Jimmy as his face is briefly shown.
Paul concludes his speech to Sean by cautioning that if you neglect these issues, they will return, potentially causing a catastrophic outcome where everything falls apart. It seems the character portrayed by Goldstein is seeking resolution for himself. However, it may be Jimmy who must confront this challenge, regardless of its difficulty, before he encounters his critical moment when it’s too late – the “boom” point, as it were.
It’s not surprising at all that Jimmy chooses to stay away from him. Just seeing him brings back painful memories and stirs up feelings of anger towards this man for his negligent and reckless actions. He took a young woman’s life and destroyed a family, yet he carries on living without facing any real consequences.
Nevertheless, incorporating this character plays a vital role in Jimmy and Alice’s healing journey. Although Tia’s loved ones have improved in coping with their grief compared to earlier times, they are still far from being fully recovered. A significant aspect they have been reluctant to confront is finding forgiveness and understanding for the man responsible for the accident. On the other hand, Goldstein’s character grapples with immense guilt over causing Tia’s death. His wish to meet her family and express his sorrow and regret holds significance for him, despite the belief that he may not be worthy of their forgiveness.
Viewers anticipate discovering more details about Goldstein’s past and his reasons for drinking that fateful night through the upcoming episodes. Portraying a previously unknown antagonist in a sympathetic light might prove beneficial not only for the audience but also for the characters themselves, offering a form of emotional healing.
How Goldstein Came to Play His Shrinking Role
Before discussing Goldstein’s on-screen role in this season, Movieweb interviewed Segel. After the character was created, Segel stated he couldn’t envision any other actor playing him. Segel suggested that Goldstein would have a chance to demonstrate his versatility in a way he hasn’t before. “I have some significant scenes with this character,” Segel said, “and without revealing too much, I wanted it to be opposite someone who felt like a powerful counterpart, and that’s what Brett provides.
Goldstein’s current role stands in sharp contrast to his character as Roy Kent in Ted Lasso. While Kent was a gruff and egotistical English footballer, known for his moody demeanor, Goldstein demonstrated his acting versatility by portraying the emotional growth of this character. By the end of the series, Kent had become a respected and loved figure. However, this new role presents a stark contrast. From the beginning, this character is vulnerable, lacking power and not desiring it. He yearns for forgiveness, which he fears may never come, yet he continues to strive for it.
In his own words, after the popularity of his role as Marshall on How I Met Your Mother, Segel found it challenging to demonstrate his versatility as an actor, taking on more complex characters. He likens the process of casting Goldstein for this demanding role to his own acting journey. With just a minute-long scene, Goldstein demonstrates his acting prowess by making viewers detest him upon learning his character’s identity, yet also evoking empathy due to the vulnerability and longing for redemption portrayed. This emotional range is something Goldstein showcased in Ted Lasso, but not to this extreme, given the high-stakes situation involving life and death.
Goldstein’s lips quiver, his body seems uncomfortable, and tears fill his eyes, making him feel incredibly human. Fans are eager to follow where the story leads as this character continues to stir up trouble not only for Jimmy but also possibly for Alice. He appears at a particularly inopportune moment when the father and daughter are trying to mend their lives. His arrival has already left its mark, and it’s clear that its effects will ripple throughout the season. This powerful performance by Goldstein suggests he’s more than capable of handling his role. Don’t miss Shrinking on Apple TV+.
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2024-10-17 00:32