Shrinking Season 3, Episode 8, “Depression Diet,” follows the ensemble as they try to confront hard truths and the possible paths to move forward after them. This episode, written by Emily Wilson and directed by Anu Valia, strikes an excellent tonal balance. In the wake of Maya’s devastating, untimely death, Gaby, in particular, tries to keep her head above water. Gradually, as that becomes harder to do, Shrinking accompanies her into the darker places.
In that (and other storylines), “Depression Diet” illuminates aspects of the season – albeit more minor ones – that could use more screen time. Regardless, this episode finds necessary depth and levity across the board, like in stories that include firsts for Brian and Jimmy. In perfect Shrinking fashion, “Depression Diet” is another good one – another win for character-driven storytelling.
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Brian, Liz, and Creating Boundaries
Only Shrinking could rename one of its characters as a bit and instill enough confidence that it will stick (to some degree) for the rest of the show. That joke lands way better than the immediate expedition of Matthew’s shoe hustle. The “Angela” bit may have a more lasting presence than Brian and Charlie’s newly-established boundaries with Liz. Broadly, it’s great to see Brian and Charlie as a unified front in “Depression Diet.” They’re one of the best couples on this show, and there still isn’t enough of them, three seasons into Shrinking’s run.
The doubt in their boundaries stems from their inability to be assertive. It takes Liz to push them to fire her. Of course, it would be great if these two characters who are building their family together could make these decisions without that external force. However, the inclusion of Liz reflects Shrinking’s thesis about support systems helping the characters through difficult choices and tough times. It’s also incredible that there’s still so much love between the trio.
Even when Liz takes Sutton to her first brunch, these boundaries don’t break their friendship but strengthen it. By the way, Michael Urie, Christa Miller, and Devin Kawaoka are incredible in that scene. Their performances complement that absurd context and then soften into this really wonderfully vulnerable place. Even that scene between Liz and Ava is a great representation of a healthy(ier) way to resolve a conflict. It’s a reflection of Liz’s growth that she doesn’t put her walls up when Ava turns the topic of overstepping onto Liz. She takes it (and the carb wands!) to heart and sets out to make a change.
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Jimmy, Sofi, and First Dates
Everything – the writing and Jason Segel & Cobie Smulders’ chemistry – is enjoyable about Jimmy and Sofi’s very new relationship. Even the uncomfortable, awkward beats are tooth-achingly charming. With all the anticipation, Shrinking doesn’t need to fabricate how much every step forward means for Jimmy and Sofi. “Depression Diet” does a particularly excellent job of exploring that for Sofi. As for support systems, the episode takes a couple of minutes to show Alice, Derek, and Sean cheering Jimmy on before his second first date with Sofi. It’s seemingly inconsequential, but it’s a touching depiction of how close these characters are – down to Derek’s “toothpaste” story.
“Depression Diet” creates a compelling conflict by instantly undercutting their second chance with the unavoidable presence of Sofi’s ex-husband, Nick. Even so, Jimmy and Sofi’s connection is never in doubt. Jimmy’s resistance to “Jimmying” proves as much. His persistence also makes the cut to the makeshift couples therapy session that much funnier. These scenes are certainly a unique way to learn about Sofi and her marriage. They do enough in a short time to believe that Sofi’s boundary in reclaiming her house key is a major win.
Throughout all of that, Shrinking makes multiple choices to keep Jimmy and Sofi in a solid place. There are so many chances for things to go south, and they don’t. All of which lends itself to that pretty cinematic first kiss. The “Just tell me when” and “Now” exchange is so romantic. The scene only gets better when Sofi runs into Jimmy’s arms and makes that leap of faith, which Jimmy reciprocates. It’s just perfectly them and well worth the wait.
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Gaby, Paul, and the Horse
Like the other stories, it’s endearing to watch Gaby’s community rally around her from the episode’s first minute with Liz and Gaby’s phone call. More specifically, the work that Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford do in “Depression Diet” is on another level. Their characters’ dynamic has been one of the best and most consistent this season. The further exploration of Gaby and Derrick’s relationship has also been a joy to watch. This episode does so as Derrick tries to take Gaby’s lead. It’s sweet that he goes to Jimmy and Paul for extra support. It’s extra excellent that Derrick winds up having to ask for Paul’s blessing to eventually propose to Gaby. That tonal shift showcases Shrinking’s skills at knowing when to find humor and use it to diffuse some tension.
The structure of “Depression Diet” also creates a personal arc between Gaby’s debrief with Jimmy and Paul and the one with just Paul. Shrinking steadily increases the pressure on her shoulders as the professional and personal meld together. Even as the question of “what if” looms large, Gaby tries to show up for the people who need her. Sadly, the veterans’ support group scene mostly works best for Gaby and Paul. Since it hasn’t been featured all that much since its conception, any connection between the veterans and Maya is rather thin.
The same is not true for Mark and Donna, who bring Maya into Shrinking. The “loss of trust” between them and Gaby is more than understandable, yet brutal to watch for Gaby. Their decision is the final domino to lead Gaby to that contextual and literal dark, final scene. Therefore, it feels more than realistic for Shrinking to leave Gaby in a place where she rejects getting back on the horse. Williams’ performance in this scene is enough to bowl one over. She more than wears Gaby’s heart on her sleeve. She lays all of those raw emotions on the table. Without that vulnerable performance, Shrinking doesn’t earn Paul’s “Woof.”
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