Shrinking season 2 review: Therapy comedy knows itself better in superior sequel

Shrinking season 2 review: Therapy comedy knows itself better in superior sequel
4.0 out of 5 star rating

As a long-time fan of poignant and character-driven comedies, I found “Shrinking” Season 2 to be a delightful exploration of grief, healing, and human connections. Having lost someone close to me recently, I could deeply relate to the raw emotions portrayed in the first episode, making it all the more impactful for me.

*This review is based on episodes 1-7 of Shrinking season 2*

It’s undeniable that the debut season of Shrinking resonated strongly with audiences. Not only did it succeed as a comedic series, but it also captivated viewers with its insightful exploration of grief, the function of therapy, and self-destructive tendencies.

For some, it hit home more than others, but there’s no denying there was another factor at play in the audience response – Ted Lasso.

The eagerly anticipated third season of the renowned series finally dropped, and being connected creatively, particularly through the collaboration of co-creators Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, made it challenging not to draw comparisons. Upon comparison, Shrinking seemed to fall just a bit short.

In a new setting, Season 2 of Ted Lasso finds its own ground – having left Ted Lasso (perhaps temporarily?), it now has the room to establish itself independently, with the anticipation for this subsequent chapter shaped by the preceding one, rather than following in the footsteps of an already acclaimed show that has paved its own path.

It’s not just me, but it appears that even the creative team behind this season has adopted a new perspective.

Shrinking season 2 review: Therapy comedy knows itself better in superior sequel

Season 2 continues promptly following the dramatic finale of the previous season, where Jimmy’s patient Grace was seen shoving her abusive partner off a cliff.

In light of this situation, Jimmy finds himself questioning if his unique approach to therapy, characterized by openness and direct communication where he shares both his own feelings and advice for his clients, is indeed the most effective path to take.

One striking difference that’s apparent from the beginning of this new season is its transformation into a collaborative work featuring multiple characters, rather than focusing primarily on one or a few.

Whenever I find myself reflecting on a show that masterfully expanded its character focus, Ted Lasso instantly pops into my mind. Initially, the first season primarily centered around Ted Lasso, brilliantly portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, and his personal growth journey. However, as the seasons progressed, the spotlight started to shine equally on other characters such as Hannah Waddingham’s Rebecca, Phil Dunster’s Jamie Tartt, and Juno Temple’s Keeley Jones. By the third season, they each received equal attention, making the show a rich tapestry of diverse narratives.

In this case, the shift occurred unexpectedly and rather suddenly. Yet, surprisingly, it turned out to be advantageous for the series.

In this production, Jason Segel is ably assisted by a talented ensemble of actors. Wisely, the script has been tailored to make the most of their abilities. Jessica Williams, Lukita Maxwell, Michael Urie, Christa Miller, and Luke Tennie all have significantly expanded roles, and they excel in the parts they’ve been assigned.

Maxwell and Urie, notably, shine brightly. Maxwell’s character is exceptional due to the captivating roles she delivers, making them genuinely compelling. On the other hand, Urie’s role seemed underdeveloped during season 1.

In this series, his character is integrated more seamlessly into the main plotlines, and he’s given ample opportunities for humor, which he handles exceptionally well.

Additionally, Ted McGinley has been upgraded to a principal character, previously playing a recurring role as Liz’s husband, Derek, during the first season.

His growing role suggests that his humor was recognized and utilized more extensively in this instance. Not only has he taken on comedic parts, but he’s also tackled some serious, dramatic scenes. He’s proven capable of delivering a well-rounded performance, enhancing the endearing and likable nature of his character.

The success of this strategy, of course, relies not only on each of the storylines proving to be engaging in their own rights, but in them colliding to form a cohesive whole, even if it’s more thematic than literal.

In this season, the storytelling shines particularly well. There seems to be a definite narrative arc that runs throughout, one which conveys profound insights about the characters and even broader observations on human experiences, especially our emotions.

Lawrence often discusses how the central theme of Season 2 revolves around forgiveness, contrasting with Season 1’s main topic being grief. This distinction is noticeable from the beginning, and this change in focus adds a more balanced feel to the narrative, as the tone in Season 1 could sometimes be quite intense or jarring.

I regret to inform you that a significant part of this review is missing, because currently we’re not allowed to discuss one element of this season. But rest assured, after watching the finale of the first episode, the reason for the omission should be apparent.

In this tale, the plotline serves as a unifying force, lending the series a clear path and meaningful objective that wasn’t consistently present during its initial season.

In my review for the first season, I pointed out that the show appeared to overlook the core concept revolving around Jimmy’s innovative treatment method. However, in this current run, though it plays a role, the show hasn’t fully centered its narrative around it yet.

It’s fortunate that we don’t encounter the same issue this time, not only due to established expectations, but also because it offers additional narrative elements for depth, and has evolved into a well-rounded character-driven series.

Just like the first season, this one’s a bit of a comedic rollercoaster for me. There are instances where I find myself laughing out loud or chuckling to myself, but there are also moments when the humor feels slightly off-kilter and doesn’t quite mesh with the overall tone of the show. It’s still a fun ride though!

The incessant quips and banter sometimes feel forced, whereas the show’s humour works better when it’s driven by character and plot, rather than over-obvious set-ups and punchlines.

Of course, there has so far been one glaring omission in this review – Harrison Ford.

In a somewhat astonishing turn of events, the creator who brought us Indiana Jones and Han Solo is cast as a secondary character in this Apple TV+ comedy. Yet, surprisingly, he not only fits into the role seamlessly but also outshines his more prominent roles.

While you’re engrossed in the show, it’s almost astonishing that you don’t keep remarking, “That’s Harrison Ford,” instead of “That’s Paul, the therapist.” Yet, some how the illusion is effectively maintained.

In Season 2, his screen time appears reduced compared to before, similar to Segel’s – this is because he has become a regular member of the main cast, rather than the secondary lead character as he was in Season 1.

Nevertheless, his dedication to the character and his knack for comedy is nothing short of amazing, and it’s him who contributes significantly to the show’s hilarious scenes. Simultaneously, the ongoing portrayal of the character’s Parkinson’s struggle is both poignant and handled with great sensitivity.

I’m curious to find out what viewers who enjoyed season 1 will think about season 2. While there may not be as much intense emotion this time around due to a change in focus, it still offers an outstanding collection of episodes.

Regardless, some spectators might attend the performance primarily for Segel, and these enthusiasts could potentially feel a bit disappointed with this latest offering.

If they focus on the other actors as well, they’ll realize that each one is giving an outstanding performance, contributing significantly to the fact that this show is more impressive collectively in its second season.

Season 2 of Shrinking will debut worldwide on Apple TV+, starting with the first two episodes on October 16th, 2024. A new episode will be released every Wednesday thereafter, continuing until December 25th, 2024. Don’t forget to subscribe to Apple TV+ now if you haven’t already.

2024-10-15 10:34

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