Shrinking Season 2, Episode 7, “Get in the Sea,” molds secrets into tidal waves that leave nearly every character catching their breath. This episode, written by Kyra Brown & CJ Hoke and directed by Randall Keenan Winston, brings everything brewing this season to the surface. While that sets Shrinking up for an exciting second half of the season, it underlines the sophomore season’s flaws. Even so, “Get in the Sea” has narrative strengths, proving Shrinking can improve its drawbacks in the season’s remaining episodes.
MORE: Before you go any further, check out our review of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 6, “In a Lonely Place.”
Gaby and Derrick Are Everything
This episode builds on the dynamic that Shrinking Season 4, Episode 4, “Made You Look,” introduces – Gaby and Derrick. Despite the pair having only had two episodes featuring on-screen interactions, Jessica Williams and Damon Wayans Jr.’s performances breathe life into their characters’ relationship. Their work supports the writing that diverts from Gaby’s other, most recent relationship with Jimmy. From the ranking of Gaby’s partners alone, Shrinking doesn’t shy away from how different this relationship is from what she had with Jimmy.
Understandably, Gaby and Jimmy are chaotic and confusing. “Get in the Sea” presents Gaby and Derrick as charming and confident. Their inconsistent communication becomes a vehicle to elevate the (good) tension between them. Every one of their few scenes intentionally opens Gaby up to those feelings again and reveals more about Derrick. He’s a good man with a good heart! However, it’s odd that it takes Derrick, who is distinctly new to this friend group, to rally everyone so Brian can come to an obvious realization.
MORE: Don’t forget to read our review of Shrinking Season 4, Episode 4, “Honesty Era.” Here it is!
Shrinking Needs More Brain — Still
Unfortuantely, Brain’s arc is once again where Shrinking Season 2 falls apart a bit. This season does an excellent job with the character when he takes prominence. Shrinking Season 2, Episode 3, “Psychological Something-ism,” does incredible work with Brian and Jimmy’s friendship. “In a Lonely Place” uses monologues to define his dynamic with Louis and his fondness for Tia. Both examples emphasize a greater need for Brian on-screen. Michael Urie handles the responsibility well. More importantly, on-screen significance improves the character and impacts every dynamic that includes Brian.
“Get in the Sea” emphasizes how important that work is because of how short the adoption storyline falls. At first, it seems Shrinking may tell a story where a character decisively does not want to have children, but then it quickly evolves into a place where Brian just has to convince himself that he does. So, it’s not shocking that “Get in the Sea” ends with Brain realizing that he wants to wait. However, even that predictable end (for now) isn’t satisfying because of the minimal attention this life-changing storyline has this season.
Brian’s indecisiveness is a defining character trait, but it doesn’t negate his ability to have conversations with Charlie about starting a family or anything else. Brain spends more time talking to the other Shrinking ensemble members about this decision than Charlie. All his scenes with his husband feature different characters, whether the adoption agency employee or everyone in the ocean. There is never an independent chance to see their lives, let alone their relationship. Beyond how that disconnect influences this storyline, it’s frustrating to know more about Summer, Louis, and even Derrick than Charlie and his relationship with Brian this far into the season.
MORE: Have you read our review of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 2, “I Love Pain?” Here it is!
Liz’s Sea Is Mac – But What About Derek?
Shrinking can do better with Brian because this season does great with Liz. Of course, Liz’s storyline this season takes her down a dangerous path, but it’s narratively consistent. Mac certainly appears out of nowhere in the show’s universe, but his purpose is clear upon his introduction – he is Liz’s sea. When Brian finds clarity in the literal ocean, Liz discovers that by kissing Mac in his microbrewery. It’s a disappointing but expected turn, specifically after Liz and Derek’s final conversation during “In a Lonely Place.”
In “Get in the Sea,” Mac swoops back in and says all the right things – he even hangs up Liz’s dog pictures in the brewery (And that “Somebody Else” by the 1975 needle drop?). He’s all the things Liz doesn’t believe she’s getting from Derek (and life). This episode never pretends the infidelity is appropriate, but it and the season’s previous episodes put in the work to understand why Liz finds herself here. Likewise, “Honesty Era” makes Paul the perfect person for Liz to turn to during this time, even if they are both begrudged to do so. Though Alice and Paul remain that park bench’s primary residents, Liz’s vulnerability (and tropical candy) suggest that it should become a go-to spot.
Regardless, that rare but necessary dynamic leads to the episode’s best scene. Ted McGinley leaves it all on the table (literally) in Derek’s reaction to Liz’s infidelity. The heartbreaking reality is written across Derek’s face. The script embraces both characters’ faults and strengths – it’s sharp. The bit where Derek admits to going along with the jokes at his expense is brutal. The script shows a complete understanding of both characters and their marriage, and all of that feels so incredibly fragile in Christa Miller and McGinley’s performances.
MORE: Relive the beginning of this season by reading our review of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1, “Jimmying.” Here it is!
Alice, Jimmy, Secrets, and Selfishness
Shrinking hones in a harsh truth in that scene that carries itself until the end of “Get in the Sea.” Is it best to tell the secret or let someone find out? The secret usually leaves a destructive path in its wake no matter how it outs, but sometimes, there’s just enough space for amends. This episode puts that into perspective with Alice and Summer, as well as Sean and his dad. However, it is unfortunate that Sean and his father don’t share at least one scene on screen. Nevertheless, Shrinking bakes an evergreen reminder into Alice and Summer’s reconciliation – everyone is fighting a battle, whether apparent or not.
“Get in the Sea” goes out of its way to reinforce Jimmy’s “hot streak.” Whether it’s him saying so himself or his patient Dan repeating it, Shrinking depicts Jimmy as someone doing better than when the series began. That point comes through during Jimmy and Alice’s scene when Jimmy admits to not seeing others and their problems in the throes of his grief. Jimmy’s announcement of such feels like an example of his growth beyond that point – and it is. But one of the best things about Shrinking is that it lets its characters have messy, non-linear, (mostly) realistic journeys. All that work – with that “hot streak” and beyond – is in jeopardy when a secret threatens to be the undertow in Jimmy’s calm sea.
MORE: Did you know that Shrinking has already been renewed for a third season on Apple TV+? Check out all the details here!
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What did you think of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 7, “Get in the Sea?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Shrinking stream on Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
