Grieving over the loss of his wife, therapist, Jimmy Laird bends the rules of psychology by encouraging his patients to do exactly what’s best for them as a “psychological vigilante.” One of his patients Sean, gets booted out by his family forced to stay with Jimmy for a few weeks. Meanwhile, Jimmy’s best friend, Brian prepares for a wedding. Jimmy’s daughter, Alice and his fellows therapists, Paul, Gabby have their own predicaments.
Shrinking’s first season officially streamed in 2023 (same year Killers of the Flower Moon came out) on Apple TV Plus. It received praise from critics and streamers alike. A third season is currently streaming.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Healthy & Unhealthy Aspects
Healthy: Jason Segal, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Christia Miller all did a decent job for their respective performances.
In addition to headlining and co-creating the series, Mr. Segal served as an executive producer along with Bill Lawrence (Scrubs) & Brett Goldstein.
Funny Moments made me laugh.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
The Tone balances seriousness and comedy.
Pacing for each episode felt natural.
Jimmy’s interactions with his patients, friends and daughter serves as the main highlight.
Lily Rabe (American Horror Story) has a recurring role as Paul’s estranged daughter, Meg.
Unhealthy: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
Episode 1 – Coin Flip
Jimmy encourages a patient to partake in mixed martial arts at a gym.
Jimmy has a funny moment with Paul.
A soccer game goes awry.
Episode 2 – Fortress of Solitude
Second episode’s title is named after Superman’s place.
Due to Sean’s legal issues, Jimmy attempts to help him by calling his friend, Brian. He works as a lawyer.
Jimmy visits a councilor at Alice’s school. He also plays pickleball with Brian. You might be wondering, what’s pickleball? It’s a game like tennis.
Episode 3 – Fifteen Minutes
Paul goes for a checkup.
Gabby confirms her current status.
A bike scene made me laugh.
Episode 4 – Potatoes
Jimmy learns a deep secret.
Jimmy’s reaction towards the end is priceless.
Paul has a personal struggle.
Episode 5 – Woof
Jimmy tries to convince Sean to get over his conflict.
Sean does something crazy.
Alice has a chat with Gabby.
Brian brings up his background.
Episode 6 – Imposter Syndrome
Jimmy hosts an engagement party.
Somebody indulges on “candy.”
One character utters out Tommy Boy’s catchphrase, “Holy Schikes.”
Episode 7 – Apology Tour
Picking up where the previous episode left off, a pair have a “wake up call.”
Jimmy tries to reconcile with Brian.
Alice discovers a secret,
Paul spends quality time with his daughter, Meg. He also goes for a checkup on his health.
Episode 8 – Boop
Jimmy, Paul & Brian search for Alice.
Gabby attends an art show. She has an awkward encounter with somebody she knows.
A car scene’s played for laughs.
Episode 9 – Moving Forward
Focal characters come to terms regarding their inner struggles.
At one point, Alice says, “I got a rock.” A reference to Charlie Brown. It’s funny because old and new Peanuts cartoons are also streaming on Apple TV Plus.
Episode ends on sad note. In the words of Lumpy Space Princess or LSP from “Adventure Time,” “Oh my glob you guys, drama bomb!”
Episode 10 – Closure
After ten episodes, Jimmy and the others move forward with their lives.
As everybody gears up for Brian’s wedding, Jimmy nervous to deliver a speech.
Last scene sets up Season 2.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Initially, I thought this show was gonna be a unfunny. Turns out to be very good yet well written. I thought it was better than “The Studio.” I didn’t write a review on Season 1. The latter’s a 7/10 or B- for me. As for the former, it’s highly enjoyable. If you’re looking for something different to watch, check out Shrink’s first season. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 