Shrinking Season Three Review – Harrison Ford Anchors a Cosy, Soapy Confection
In the vast landscape of streaming television, where countless series vie for attention, Apple TV's Shrinking stands out as a dramedy that has quietly built a niche following. Created by the minds behind Scrubs and Ted Lasso, the show delves into the life of a grieving therapist who adopts a brutally honest approach with his patients. Now in its third season, Shrinking continues to offer a blend of warmth and melodrama, with Harrison Ford emerging as its undeniable highlight.
An Ensemble Cast and Evolving Dynamics
The series reunites viewers with therapist Jimmy, portrayed by Jason Segel, who grapples with the lingering effects of his wife's death. His mentor, Paul, played with gruff charm by Harrison Ford, provides a steadying presence, though his own struggles with Parkinson's disease add a layer of poignancy. The cast is rounded out by familiar faces, including Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Damon Wayans Jr., Michael Urie, and Wendie Malick, each contributing to the show's ensemble dynamic.
Season three picks up with Jimmy attempting to rebuild his life after a pivotal moment of forgiveness in the previous season. However, the narrative takes unexpected turns, such as his awkward interactions with the drunk driver responsible for his wife's death, portrayed by Brett Goldstein. Meanwhile, Paul's health decline forces a role reversal, as he seeks support from Jimmy, highlighting the show's themes of mentorship and vulnerability.
Moments of Greatness Amidst Schmaltz
Shrinking excels in its quieter, more authentic moments, particularly in ensemble scenes where the chemistry among characters like Gaby, Brian, and Liz shines through. These interactions offer quick-witted dialogue and a cosy atmosphere, even as the characters frequently overstep personal boundaries. However, the series often leans heavily into sentimentality, with plotlines involving health scares, adoption dramas, and familial conflicts sometimes feeling overly orchestrated.
The show's portrayal of therapy has drawn scrutiny, as it occasionally blurs professional lines with scenarios like therapists seeking out clients in social settings or handling multiple patients from the same social circle. While not aiming for clinical accuracy, Shrinking risks trivialising the therapeutic process, treating it more as a vehicle for conversational drama than empathetic exploration.
Harrison Ford's Standout Performance
Amidst the show's soapy tendencies, Harrison Ford delivers a measured and devastating performance as Paul. His portrayal of a man grappling with Parkinson's adds emotional depth, often feeling like he belongs to a more nuanced programme. Supporting turns, such as Michael J. Fox's guest appearance as a fellow Parkinson's patient, inject humour and insight, though the series sometimes shies away from delving too deeply into its weightier themes.
Parent-child relationships serve as a central anchor, with Jimmy's fraught history with his father, played by Jeff Daniels, offering potential for profound exploration. Yet, the execution can feel heavy-handed, with emotional beats spelled out rather than subtly conveyed.
Final Thoughts on Shrinking's Legacy
As season three unfolds across eleven episodes, Shrinking remains a warm and inoffensive watch, perfect for those seeking comfort viewing. Its blend of comedy and drama, bolstered by strong performances, ensures moments of engagement, even if the overall impact may not linger long after the credits roll. If this proves to be the final season, the series will have provided a cosy, if not groundbreaking, addition to the streaming era's offerings.
Shrinking is currently available for streaming on Apple TV, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its unapologetically soapy world.
