Shrinking Season 2 Review: Dark, Profound, And Still Full Of Heart

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As a gamer who’s seen more than his fair share of dark and light worlds in video games, I can attest that “Shrinking” Season 2 is a rollercoaster ride through the emotional landscapes of real life, much like navigating the labyrinthine dungeons of Skyrim or battling the twisted AI of Cyberpunk 2077. Yet, unlike those virtual journeys, the characters in “Shrinking” are not just pixels on a screen; they’re people we care about, people who struggle with the complexities and contradictions of human existence.

In “Shrinking,” the Apple TV+ comedy co-created by Jason Segel, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein, there’s a persistent undercurrent of melancholy. The series explores themes such as grief, trauma, and our quirky methods to cope with these challenges – ranging from unusual relationships to impulsive actions that seem foolish at times. Despite its charming cast and messy storyline, the show often reveals unexpected moments of darkness, which can surface when characters least anticipate it.

The task for a series such as this one is twofold: first, it must navigate into the depths of darkness while still maintaining its humorous elements, and second, it needs to make the audience believe that this darkness is genuine, formidable, and worth confronting. This is quite an intense combination, as the initial season didn’t always handle effectively. However, with Season 2, the darkness seems more intense than ever, and the show appears to be taking bolder risks now that it has built up goodwill among viewers. Essentially, one of television’s most charming shows is back, and it’s even better than before.

Healing is a journey

In the second season, events continue right after the first one concluded, and while there are minor complications with his patient Grace (Heidi Gardner), things appear to be going smoothly for Jimmy (Jason Segel). He’s continuing his casual relationship with his colleague and friend Gabby (Jessica Williams), life is good with his daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) and neighbor Liz (Christa Miller), and with Paul (Harrison Ford) as a guide, he’s making progress following the loss of his wife before the series began. Last season ended on a dramatic note with Grace hanging off a cliff, but this time around, Jimmy seems to be truly enjoying his newfound well-being. The first season focused on Jimmy’s journey towards emotional recovery, often assisted by his patient Sean (Luke Tennie), a veteran striving for a better life — and as we enter the second season, it appears he’s reaping the benefits of that healing process.

But of course, healing is a journey that doesn’t ever really end, and that means that Jimmy’s about to face a whole new slew of problems. Riddled with anxiety over whether or not he did the right thing with Grace, and facing new questions about his relationships and his own potential selfishness in navigating them, Jimmy is forced to re-examine everything he thought he knew about his own mental health and the circumstances of his life, and this time it might be even harder.

The writing team, although leaner, hasn’t skipped a beat. They deliver top-notch storytelling in the initial episodes of Season 2, developing the plot in a way that seems like a logical progression from where Season 1 concluded, as opposed to a series of contrived issues for dramatic effect. The characters and overall narrative exhibit growth, which is palpable. This development isn’t just about new experiences; it’s about how these new events tie into what the audience already knows, enhancing the emotional depth. It’s as if each episode is a piece of a cohesive therapy session, addressing past and present issues in a holistic manner, and this depth is evident in the cast’s performances.

A great ensemble and a great emotional balance

As Jimmy, I feel like Jason Segel has crafted a character that truly fits him to a T, and every fiber of my being is invested in making this guy come alive. You might know Segel from his heartfelt, sensitive roles on shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” but he’s taking it to another level here. Whether it’s the influence of Harrison Ford, the pleasure of working with such a talented ensemble, or simply his own personal growth, Segel is delivering some of the finest performances of his career. It could be any one of those factors, or maybe all of them, but whatever it is, I’m proud to be a part of it.

Apart from him, Lukita Maxwell, Luke Tennie, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, and Michael Urie (in the role of Jimmy’s best friend Brian) are all delivering exceptional performances that straddle the boundary between humor and irony, lightness and darkness. However, it’s Ford who truly shines, offering a performance that seems effortless yet is nothing short of remarkable. As a seasoned therapist navigating both the professional and personal challenges in his life, Ford masterfully handles the complexities of aging as an artist and a person with sensitivity and authenticity. Each scene he’s in is a delight to watch.

What makes “Shrinking” Season 2 particularly impressive is its boldness to tackle themes beyond happiness. Happiness endures, but it’s not isolated. While the first season delved deeply into the sorrow of grief, this season explores complex emotions such as resentment, regret, repression, and utter despair, all handled with thoughtful emotional depth. The characters are dealing with significant, challenging issues, and it sometimes appears that their struggles are only intensifying. However, because “Shrinking” is so authentically human, so heartwarming, and teeming with the richness of life, we find ourselves compelled to keep watching, as we too can see a path out of darkness alongside these characters.

“Shrinking” Season 2 arrives on Apple TV+ on October 16.

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2024-10-15 10:30