Don’t we all love a good flashback? They let us peek into the past, revealing how the characters became who they are today. Sometimes they fill in gaps, and other times, they leave us with even more questions.
The latest episode of Shrinking delivers on this front, providing some actual answers. We get a better sense of Tia and a glimpse into Louis’ life before the accident. For Louis, life was actually quite perfect back then – his girlfriend just moved in with him and they were genuinely happy. But one night shattered it all. Against his girlfriend’s advice to take a cab, Louis got behind the wheel after drinking, setting in motion a tragedy that would unravel his life.
While the accident itself isn’t shown, we’re given a raw look at the aftermath: Louis is facing up to a year in jail. His girlfriend, still devoted to him, plans to visit him every weekend, clinging to the idea of their life together. But Louis is consumed by guilt and chooses to make things even harder for himself, refusing her support. He sends her away with the gut-wrenching words:
“I made the worst mistake of my life. And every time I look at you, that’s all I’m ever going to see.”
This very much echoes Jimmy’s journey. Louis and Jimmy are both broken and push away the people who love them most. Both end up isolated and lost, unable to escape their own misery.
One of the episodes’ most poignant and heartbreaking scenes is young Alice’s desperate attempt to pull her father out of the darkness. She tells him she needs him, suggests activities they can do together but Jimmy, drowning in grief, can’t rise to the occasion and keeps sending her to Liz instead. Thankfully, Liz steps in without hesitation, offering Alice not just a shelter and food, but her heart.
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| "Last Drink" - SHRINKING, Pictured: Christa Miller and Lukita Maxwell. AppleTV+ ©2024 AppleTV+. All Rights Reserved. |
Back in the present, Jimmy is still reeling from the sight of Alice and Brian dining with Louis at the restaurant. When they follow him home, they find Jimmy visibly shaken. This confrontation scene could have been unbearably heavy, but Brian’s knack for injecting levity saves the moment. Even in the most emotionally charged situations, he somehow manages to make you chuckle.
Brian is the kind of character we should love to hate. He is selfish, self-centered, and often hilariously oblivious. Yet the sharp writing and Michael Urie’s performance make him impossible not to love. Beneath all the ego, Brian’s genuine care for others shines through in unexpected ways. Hats off to Urie for navigating that balance so masterfully.
Jimmy is clearly hurt and angry, yet he remains surprisingly composed when it comes to Alice. I expected a harsher reaction and was genuinely concerned he might revert to his old, self-destructive ways. Thankfully, it’s evident that Jimmy has truly grown over the past few months. He’s learned from his past mistakes and is making strides toward a better path. It’s still a very rocky road, but at least now he seems to have a sense of direction.
Meanwhile, Derek is crashing at Gaby’s place to get some space from Liz. While it’s understandable that he needs distance, his choice of refuge raises questions. Why stay with his wife’s best friend? Doesn’t he have friends of his own? We know he’s close with Derek 2 at the very least.
It’s Brian who nudges Derek toward confronting Mac about the kiss. I absolutely love that it hadn’t even crossed Derek’s mind to hunt down “the other guy” and pick a fight, as many men might in his situation. Derek’s calm and kind approach, steering clear of aggression and violence, is an incredibly attractive quality. Shrinking proves once again that sharp, meaningful dialogue can be just as captivating – if not more so – than the typical dramatic blowout.
When the two men meet Mac wonders why Derek doesn’t gloat, especially since it’s clear that for Liz it was never even a question whether she’d leave Derek. She obviously loves him deeply. Mac admits that he doubts he’ll ever find a love as strong and enduring as the one Derek and Liz share. In true Derek fashion, he responds with empathy and kindness, offering words of encouragement. He tells Mac not to give up and to keep searching for that kind of connection – but with someone who isn't his wife.
Derek’s response is a testament to his character – he’s a genuinely good guy, even as he reflects on his own failings. Seeing Liz’s photos displayed at Mac’s brewery jolts him into realizing how much he has overlooked her struggles. He noticed that she was having a hard time, but he assumed she would pull herself out of the darkness like she always did. He has not taken her struggle seriously enough and that’s on him.
Determined to make amends, Derek returns home, makes dinner, and ensures all three of their kids come by for a visit to lift Liz’ spirits. She’s deeply touched and visibly relieved – she really feared her marriage was going to the fall apart.
Paul’s health struggles also take center stage in this episode. He confides in Julie about the lack of sleep, his worsening tremors and memory issues – a significant step for someone as guarded as Paul. While he hints at wanting her to accompany him to his next doctor’s appointment, Julie gently reminds him of the boundaries they’ve established: she won’t go, given her past role as his doctor. Pulling him close, she reassures him with affection and warmth: “You’re a brave boy, and I’m proud of you.”
Paul’s gradual willingness to open up, even as he struggles to articulate some of his fears, marks meaningful growth. What’s particularly remarkable is how natural this evolution feels; it’s not forced but rather a reflection of his personal journey, and it’s genuinely heartwarming to watch.
Ultimately, it’s Sean who steps in to accompany Paul to the doctor. For someone as fiercely independent as Paul, it’s both surprising and endearing to see how much he dreads going to the check-up alone. Allowing Sean, who is technically his patient, to fill such a personal role underscores the blurred boundaries Paul is now more willing to embrace.
Paul: “I have a lot of things and people in my life that I love. So, I want to stay as sharp as I can for as long as I possibly can.”
When the doctor advises Paul to quit drinking, it’s clear he’d rather do almost anything else. But Paul takes the advice seriously and commits to change, marking another step in his growth. In a poignant gesture, he shares his final drink – a well-traveled and probably horrendously expensive bourbon – with Jimmy. The moment is a touching reminder of how much Paul values Jimmy, despite all the teasing and ribbing.
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| "Last Drink" - SHRINKING, Pictured: Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. AppleTV+ ©2024 AppleTV+. All Rights Reserved. |
As the two men share this final drink, Jimmy reveals a crucial realization about his anger. He initially believed he was furious with Paul and Brian for allowing Alice to meet with Louis. But he’s come to understand that his anger was really directed at himself – for failing Alice as a father when she needed him most.
The episode ends with an unexpected turn. Jimmy visits Louis and offers him forgiveness – but with firm boundaries. Unlike Alice’s open forgiveness, Jimmy draws a line: Louis must stay out of their lives for good. Jimmy’s terms are clear: he never wants to see Louis again, nor does he want him near Alice or their friends. Louis is visibly remorseful and promises to keep his distance.
Another episode that masterfully balances humor, heartbreak, and healing, showcasing the characters’ growth while still leaving room for future challenges. The series repeatedly illustrates that the messiness of human connection is deeply moving and profoundly relatable.
What did you think of the episode? What was your favorite moment? Let us know in the comments!
