Shrinking Season 2, Episode 8, “Last Drink,” points a microscope at big mistakes to find the path to better choices for multiple characters. Written by Sasha Garron and directed by James Ponsoldt, this episode is one of the show’s most technically sound. The editing supports Shrinking’s near-suffocating emotional deep dive. For example, the episode’s teaser is an intense 13-minute series of flashbacks, leaving viewers almost wishing for the title sequence.
It’s a testament to Shrinking that those sequences are so immersive. In turn, the lyrics to Benjamin’s Gabbard’s “Frightening Fishes” feel like a lifeboat when they kick in. Likewise, “Last Drink” finds memorable beats to come up for air through its ever-sharpening humor and supportive outlook among its ensemble.
MORE: Before you go any further, have you read our review of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 7, “Get in the Sea?” Here it is!
Liz and Derek Turn Over a New Rock
This episode continues that metaphor most pointedly with Liz and Dererk as the latter considers his next steps after learning that Liz cheated on him with Mac. This story has become one of this season’s most consistent and strongest narrative threads. Shrinking isn’t racing through the story or side-stepping critical points. Instead, “Last Drink” continues this season’s efforts to show every angle of this arc. This episode sits in the emotional trenches with Liz but doesn’t neglect Derek. Christa Miller and Ted McGinley handle that pressure well.
Miller is funny and fragile as Liz braids Alice’s hair and gives her advice. McGinley makes the phrase “grilled cheese truck” a gut punch. Then, they come together to create depth in the stillness of a single handhold. It’s incredible work. Though they aren’t classified among (Liz’s beloved) rocks, “Last Drink” proves that pressure makes diamonds with Liz and Derek. It’s rough to watch both characters spiral about their blame for how they handled their respective mistakes, but both low(er) points lead to significant individual discoveries.
MORE: Have you read our review of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 6, “In a Lonely Place?” Here it is!
Paul Asks for Help from His Friends
Unfortuantely, it’s incredibly realistic that sometimes it takes being in a subjectively “bad place” and making mistakes to learn what’s needed to be and do better for yourself and others. For Paul, that space is realizing that his symptoms are worsening and being vulnerable enough to admit that to the people who love him and the medical professionals trying to help him. Paul’s development, which gets him to this point in “Last Drink,” is subtle. It comes across in his acceptance of Gaby’s water bottle in the first season or not pulling away from Jimmy kissing his hand during “In a Lonely Place.”
Then again, there are also “woof”-worthy pivotal moments, like telling Julie he loves her in Shrinking Season 2, Episode 1, “Jimmying.” “Last Drink” takes more inspiration from that episode, with Paul indirectly asking his loved ones to show up for him. It’s sweet to see how happy Paul is when Sean volunteers to go to the neurologist with him (What’s going on between Sean and Dr. Sykes?!). It’s almost overwhelming to see Paul share his last drink with Jimmy. Shrinking doesn’t shy away from the weight of that scene but uses it to find support for both characters in their most vulnerable spots (so far) this season.
MORE: Revisit Shrinking Season 2 Episode 5, “Honesty Era,” by reading our review. Here it is!
Louis Gets a Heartbreaking Backstory
Support is a massive theme this season; it works in tandem with confronting the past and forgiveness. “Last Drink” examines that theme in Louis’s heartbreaking backstory before the fatal car accident. There’s never a doubt that Shrinking will go back in time, especially after the flashback in “I Love Pain,” it’s more of a when the show will do so. It finds the best time in this episode – with some of the show’s best editing. Shrinking pulls back from the darkness of the present to the vibrance of the past to reintroduce Louis (and Sarah, who only exists in a photo previously) and reinforce Tia’s core relationships.
Louis and Sarah’s relationship gains definition on the bench at the train station and loving debates over Louis’s Miss Congeniality poster. It caves in when Shrinking addresses what and who Louis loses after what he calls “the worst mistake of my life.” While the editing poignantly balances Louis’s perspective with Jimmy’s, “Last Drink” finds additional balance between Louis and Paul’s respective stories. Louis believes he drinks just enough to drive safely, but that ends with deadly consequences. Meanwhile, Paul confronts the sobering fact that one last drink is all his body and overall health can take.
MORE: Do you want more from the show? Check out our review of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 4, “Made You Look.”
Jimmy Discovers the Object of His Anger
Shrinking creates such strong threads between Louis and Jimmy, as well as Louis and Paul, that it’s disappointing that Tia’s ties feel weaker in spots. In its defense, “Last Drink” provides what this season needs – a flashback featuring Tia, Brian, and Gaby (and, eventually, Liz). However, it does so much heavy lifting, specifically for Brian and Tia (Tia is the one who sets Brian and Charlie up! The couple’s first date doesn’t end well because Brian doesn’t ask questions about Charlie’s life!). Perhaps Shrinking would find a different result if “Last Drink” was a series of flashbacks bookended by the present.
It’s odd that Shrinking has yet to make great strides with Brian and his relationship, either off-screen or on it since then. It becomes more glaring when compared to the movement in other ensemble characters’ stories, like Jimmy. Like Louis with Sarah, Jimmy creates a boundary between the person who reminds him of his worst mistake. In turn, it’s both fulfilling and shattering to watch Jimmy realize his anger’s object is himself, not Louis. Jimmy can now work towards eventually forgiving himself for letting Tia and Alice down.
“Last Drink” is a nearly 40-minute reminder that it’s never that simple. Jimmy tells Liz, “I do think that sometimes the idea of forgiving someone feels, like, impossible. Then you realize that the villain in your story is just a person who made a big mistake.” Shrinking insinuates that revelation is about Louis, leading to Louis promising to cut off contact with the few people who saved him from drowning. By the end, “Last Drink” finds Jimmy reckoning with his story’s true “villain” – himself. Once again, Shrinking tells relatable stories through relatably imperfect characters, this time about being our own worst enemy.
MORE: Are you sad that this season is almost over? Shrinking has already been renewed for a third season. Read all about it here!
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What did you think of Shrinking Season 2, Episode 8, “Last Drink?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Shrinking stream Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
