As a mental health professional with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Brett Goldstein’s character in “Shrinking” is one of the most thought-provoking and emotionally impactful portrayals I’ve seen on screen. Coming from someone who has witnessed the complexities of human emotions and the healing power of therapy firsthand, this show truly resonates with me.
The following article contains SPOILERS for Shrinking Season 2. If you still need to catch up with the series, be sure to check out the six episodes that have aired (with more to come) with an Apple TV+ subscription.
Season 2 of the series “Shrinking” is set to air on television schedules in 2024, which means I can watch it every week as it comes out – and I must admit, Brett Goldstein’s character has left me emotionally shattered… but in a positive sense.
To begin with, let me express that I am an ardent supporter of the series Shrinking. Ever since its debut, I’ve been a devoted fan and genuinely adore it. When I learned that Brett Goldstein, one of the show’s creators, would appear in Season 2, my excitement soared. However, I never imagined that the character he would portray would be as surprising as it turned out to be.
If you need to catch up on Shrinking, look away! But if you are caught up, keep on reading.
So, Overall, Shrinking Season 2 Is Just As Good As Season 1
As a devoted fan, I often worry when a fantastic dramedy gets renewed because sometimes the quality can start to dwindle as the seasons progress. However, in the case of Shrinking Season 2, I’m thrilled to report that it has not only maintained but surpassed the brilliance of the first season.
The entire cast of “Shrinking” has grown into a family, and they collaborate seamlessly. Their narratives and scenes are captivating, managing to evoke both tears and laughter in quick succession. I’ve shed quite a few tears over the six episodes released so far, and I have no doubt that number will keep rising.
However, let me tell you about a major contributor to this – the character of Goldstein, which I’ll elaborate on shortly.
I Didn’t Know Who Goldstein’s Character Would Be, But I Never Expected Who It Is
It’s likely that if you’re familiar with Apple TV+, you recognize Brett Goldstein. While he has been part of various films, it’s primarily his roles in the hit series “Ted Lasso” and his current role as a co-creator of “Shrinking,” alongside Bill Lawrence and Jason Segel, that have made him widely known.
Currently, he’s included in the TV show “Shrinking,” but let me challenge you with a guess as to whom he portrays – I’m confident that you won’t be able to figure it out because, truthfully, I couldn’t either.
Goldstein is cast as the man who drove drunk and killed Jimmy’s wife and Alice’s mother – the character named Louis. Frankly, among all possible choices, I never fathomed he would be the one. I assumed he’d just be another one of Jimmy’s clients. The surprised gasp that escaped me echoed through the apartments.
However, let’s move past that detail for now. With Goldstein portrayed as Louis, what direction might their narrative take next? And how can they humanize the character who murdered Jimmy’s wife to make him more relatable? Here’s an idea: They manage to do so effectively.
It’s Tragic What He Did, But The Show Makes You Think About The Other Side Of Things In A Great Way
I feel compelled to express my sentiments about the tragic incident that Tia, Jimmy’s wife and Alice’s mother, has faced. Needless to say, driving under the influence can lead to disastrous consequences as this situation illustrates. It’s a choice that none of us should ever make, and I believe we all share similar sentiments about it.
However, I must point out that examining the concept of reduction often leads us to understand the perspectives of those responsible for the catastrophe from a different angle. At times, indeed, it is an individual with a shocking disregard for consequences and carelessness in decision-making who brings about such misfortune.
At times, much like Louis, my perspective of life can feel desolate, as Brian put it. Yet, I can’t help but wonder about the events that led Louis to turn to alcohol and drive the car that struck Tia, causing her immense suffering. To me, he’s just the man responsible for inflicting such pain.
It really does make you think, though, about the amount of pain and suffering someone must be going through that leads them to make terrible, horrible decisions, and we don’t know about it. And you can tell from the moment you meet Louis that he is going through it. I can’t help but feel bad for him, even after what he did.
Furthermore, His Character Shows The Capacity Of Forgiveness In So Many Ways
This is what made me sob, especially in Episode 6—the idea of forgiveness.
In therapy, seeking forgiveness can often feel elusive. Overcoming the deepest hurts inflicted by others requires a remarkable amount of resilience, and it’s an accomplishment that is seldom achieved easily. Indeed, as Louis had pointed out, Alice held every justification for refusing to forgive him, despite his constant regret and thoughts of her mother. However, even in the face of great suffering, he was still remorseful.
However, she responds by saying “I forgive you.” She aspires to act this way because it mirrors her mother’s actions. Riley Utley from TopMob interviewed Lukita Maxwell, the actress portraying Alice, about this instance, as Alice is striving to cultivate compassion amidst all the challenges she faces.
She mentions it towards the end, something reminiscent of what her mother might have done. I believe she’s a young woman navigating her identity in this world, particularly after experiencing profound grief. This loss has marked her life significantly and will continue to do so. However, she aspires to embody someone who can forgive, navigate life with empathy, and compassion.
This kind of writing stops you dead in your tracks when you see it. It causes you to ponder, seated on the couch, whether there might be someone in your life whose forgiveness could help you advance. Essentially, Brett Goldstein’s character embodied that concept – forgiveness. I just can’t seem to stop crying over it.
Oh, the transformation I feel, going from shouting and anger towards a character in one moment, to understanding and empathy in the next – it’s simply breathtaking! And what a powerful lesson that storyline conveys, a message of forgiveness and compassion that our world truly yearns for.
I’m Not Sure What Will Happen In The Future With Him, But I Sincerely Hope I See Him And Jimmy Talk, Too
For Louis, it remains uncertain what lies ahead in “Shrinking.” The series has presented a significant amount of events so far – the heated argument in the coffee shop, Jimmy’s outburst among them. It’s hard to predict what future episodes might hold.
Instead of asking for much more than what I can reasonably expect, all I long for is the opportunity to witness their dialogue reminiscent of Alice and him conversing. I’m uncertain if Jimmy will display as much emotional openness as Alice did or offer forgiveness swiftly, or perhaps even listen attentively. Regardless, observing a conversation between them, especially one devoid of yelling from Jimmy, would be highly beneficial.
Expressing gratitude for the thoughtful portrayal of forgiveness in the show, I believe Goldstein’s character was an exceptionally effective choice to convey this message. Apple TV+ deserves praise for making this selection. This series has left a profound impact on me, altering my perspective in ways I never expected. It stands as one of Apple TV+’s finest productions due to its ability to transform your thought process upon completion.
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2024-11-16 19:07