Shrinking Season 3, Episode 1, “My Bad,” is an affecting and mostly joyful start to yet another important chapter for these beloved characters. The episode quickly establishes that little time has passed since the Season 2 finale, which makes the weight of those 12 episodes still feel present. Those heavier twists and turns that have occurred recently benefit nearly every character who finds themselves on the precipice of change. This supersized season premiere, written by Brian Gallivan and directed by Randall Keenan Winston, serves as a reminder that these characters comprise one of the best ensembles on TV.
After last season, it works for Shrinking to envelop Derek, Derrick, and Julie even more. The overall chemistry among the cast makes any pairing (Sean and Paul are becoming a favorite!) appealing. That comrade sells every big scene, of which there are quite a few in “My Bad.” Those group scenes are busier due to the number of characters involved, but they aren’t overwhelming and only enhance the quieter moments, like the final one in this episode. There’s always a chance that having this large a cast of compelling characters may result in bloat or underservice, but “My Bad” suggests the opposite for the season ahead.
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Setting Boundaries and Finding Purpose
It’s amusing and realistic that Derrick needs someone to point out Alice because he won’t recognize her with her new haircut. It’s a reflection of how new he is to the show while underscoring how well he fits in it. “My Bad,” using Derrick’s crow story as an underlying metaphor, is hopefully a good sign for his future involvement this season. After all, Derrick and Gaby’s relationship is wonderful. It would be great to see that dynamic evolve if she leans on him while she questions what’s next for her professionally.
The idea that she could leave the practice is such a big question to loom over the season. It’s challenging to imagine that place without her. However, a potential future at Bellevue opens up so many story opportunities for Shrinking. What does Gaby’s time there look like? What does that mean for her relationships in Los Angeles? How do Jimmy and Paul’s workloads adjust in her absence? Do they bring in another therapist? That’s getting ahead of the season, but it’s clear there’s plenty there to explore.
Shrinking doesn’t imply the same for Liz, Derek, and their son Matthew yet. Derek is genuinely concerned about Matthew’s struggles, but “My Bad” mainly plays Matthew (mostly his appetite) as the bud of a joke. Maybe Matthew’s moving home will impact the time Liz has to be Brian and Charlie’s baby’s nanny. Christa Miller and Michael Urie are so good in all of their scenes together, even when they’re about Winnie the Pooh. Maybe even especially then. Brian being considerate of Ava’s feelings is a positive development from him, but it’s also the time he needs to be selfish. Understandably, that storyline is complicated and isn’t going to reach its resolution in the season premiere.
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Learning When It’s Time to Move Forward
While Brian has a ways to go in articulating what he wants, it’s rewarding to watch Alice go on that journey in “My Bad.” It’s entirely understandable that Alice doesn’t want to leave her support system, and it’s relatable for that to be in conflict with wanting to grow at Wesleyan. That said, it’s objectively hilarious to have a storyline featuring soccer in the same episode in which Brett Goldstein appears. Regardless, his scene with Jason Segel is fantastic. It exemplifies the stability of their characters’ dynamic after last season, while providing the season’s framework of taking risks when you’re comfortable.
That frame folds nicely into all the arcs and goes hand-in-hand with the concept of characters choosing happiness – or doing the opposite – with the help of “The Field.” Paul tells Sean that it will likely manifest in wanting his own space and an exclusive relationship. Relatedly, Shrinking’s self-awareness about his relationship with Dr. Sykes (and her not having a first name) is well-appreciated. The little backstory makes her less one-note and may benefit her larger presence with Paul’s appointments.
Even so, “The Field” is more relevant to Sean when he perceives its impact on Jimmy and Alice. That fantastic sequence exercises the comedic timing and chemistry of Segel, Lukita Maxwell, and Luke Tennie. Hopefully, Shrinking will earn the impact of “The Field” on him now that Sean has winked at Paul. Essentially, Tennie is excellent in this role, and it’s exciting to imagine what’s in store for Sean in Season 3. After all, he’s a part of this family. Everyone at that very lovingly loud soccer game, set to Role Model’s “Superglue,” is.
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An Impromptu Wedding
Unsurprisingly, Paul’s storyline is already incredibly strong. Michael J. Fox’s professional history with co-creator Bill Lawrence, his resume as an industry legend, and his advocacy work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation make his presence on this show absolutely wonderful. Fox acting opposite Harrison Ford is unreal. It’s impossible not to lock into their present performances. The one scene establishes a dynamic between them and allows the audience (and Paul) to infer so much about Jerry. It’s such an honest exchange, and then Fox’s comedic timing in Jerry’s last line is perfect. Shrinking knows how and when to find and use its sense of humor.
It also knows when to dial into the drama –“My Bad” earns that “Woof.” The expectation of it feels like waiting for the other shoe to drop. It’s such a great moment because Shrinking sits in what this development registers for Paul and Julie. As for the latter, it’s entirely enjoyable to see more of Wendie Malick as Dr. Julie through the lens of her and Paul’s impromptu wedding. The beat when Julie admits to feeling stupid for caring about it is so human. Paul’s choice to react by showing how much he cares is moving.
Every detail at the wedding (Sugar Ray’s “Every Morning,” Meg not bringing Dave, Stuart rolling the silverware, Gaby giving Paul away, Jimmy’s speech) lands as a celebration of Paul & Julie and Shrinking. Paul telling Gaby, “I’ve always been glad that he was dead, but now I’m even more glad,” when she gives him away, is succinct, revealing writing. It’s only rivaled by Paul telling Jimmy not to be like him. Only time will tell how Jimmy and the rest of the characters will move forward from here.
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