Shrinking Season 2, Episode 4, “Made You Look,” conjures up the characters to begin new chapters, embracing criticism and errors alongside the way in which. This episode, written by Sofi Selig and directed by Zach Braff, packs greater than an emotional punch. Nonetheless, it by no means loses its humorous edge that carries the ensemble – for higher and worse – by means of these darker moments. This half-hour is so tightly scripted that no character or story falls to the wayside, proving Season 2 plans to dive deeper into each facet of Shrinking.
Sean Has a Breakthrough
“Made You Look” exhibits its hand early that the stress between Sean and Liz gained’t linger. The banter between Christa Miller and Harrison Ford is so implausible that it’s straightforward to understand any cause that “Made You Look” makes use of to place them in a scene collectively. This season (or the collection solely, actually) has the chance to maintain the post-it be aware bit going between Liz and Paul. What a hilarious option to get underneath his pores and skin! That teaser can be efficient within the degree of element it offers – Jimmy limits his interference by sending Sean to Paul with Liz, Paul’s handwriting worsens, and Liz admits she’s by no means been a therapist.
Shrinking Season 2 is ready on a distinct, extra urgent battle for Sean – that along with his father. After his (let’s be trustworthy) random look on Shrinking Season 2, Episode 3, “Psychological One thing-ism,” this episode grounds Tim’s presence within the harsh actuality that he and Sean must work collectively. What outcomes is a standout efficiency from Luke Tennie as Sean unpacks his difficult emotions for his father. “Made You Look” holds house for Sean to lastly talk about his father’s habits. Tennie’s authenticity in that scene (and Jason Segel’s supportive presence) makes all of it land with a much bigger “Woof.” It feels extra like a slice of life than a fictional TV present.
Paul Addresses His Ego
The whole lot about that sequence between Jimmy and Sean is intimate for and particular to Sean. As a result of this season veers away from prominently that includes sufferers (to this point), it’s fascinating to observe how Sean’s determination to voice all of that to Jimmy (his pal and former therapist) impacts his relationship along with his present therapist, Paul. He doesn’t ridicule Sean for speaking to Jimmy. As a substitute of straight involving Sean in Paul’s confrontation along with his ego, “Made You Look” makes it extra about Jimmy and Paul and their totally different approaches to the job.
Cleverly, Shrinking frames these inner confrontations with Paul round Meg’s arrival. Her presence is a bodily reminder of the potential development when Paul addresses himself moderately than letting all of it brew beneath the floor. Ford’s skills shine when Paul admits to Jimmy that he’s scared he “is likely to be shedding it.” That “it” holds a number of weight. Contextually, it refers to Paul’s work, nevertheless it’s loaded with significance after seeing Paul’s worry and frustration relating to Parkinson’s illness’s results on his life. It’s completely in character that Paul reacts to his personal braveness and Jimmy’s real with a shocking show of his ego: “I do know.” It’s an excellent expression of Paul’s authenticity and vulnerability.
When Gaby Met Derek
These small but important character improvement beats are among the finest facets of Shrinking Season 2. For example, this episode performs with Gaby understanding she deserves happiness with somebody good for her. As that story turns into outstanding, Gaby’s unresolved pressure along with her sister (and mom) continues to stew within the background. “Made You Look” makes it evident – by means of Paul’s phrases – that Gaby is avoiding a confrontation along with her sister till she will be able to’t anymore. Together with these unanswered cellphone calls since Shrinking Season 2, Episode 2, “I Love Ache,” makes it in order that the story doesn’t fall quick.
As necessary as it’s to know Gaby’s relationships along with her household, it’s additionally been rewarding to see her educational profession. She jokes about shaping the minds of a era, however it’s good to see her mentorship with Keisha. Jessica Williams has wonderful chemistry, whichever type the scenes name for, with each actor Shrinking places her reverse of. “Made You Look” proves that when Williams shares a number of scenes with Damon Wayans Jr. Paradoxically, this season has but to determine find out how to finest make the most of Derek (Ted McGinley), so it introduces one other Derek (Wayans Jr.). Their dynamic is refreshing after seeing the unlucky fallout between Jimmy and Gaby – she deserves a Derek.
Brian’s Empathy and Louis’ Guilt
In the meantime, “Made You Look” reminds Brian that his empathy is a high quality that may make him father when he is able to change into one. The episode’s awkward methodology of elevating the dialog of beginning a household proves that Brian and his marriage with Charlie want extra consideration on Shrinking. Brian picks up a defining but not completely explored thread from Season 1 when he admits that his resistance to beginning a household stems from his perceived similarities to his father. Ideally, this season can unpack that additional, benefiting Brian and the present. Extra conversations surrounding fatherhood additionally imply extra possibilities to get to know Charlie and see their relationship (Michael Urie and Devin Kawaoka have implausible chemistry!).
Nonetheless, Jimmy telling Brian, “Whenever you see someone who actually wants you, you are taking a deep breath, and also you attain out for them,” is an amazing praise by itself. It’s so independently good and an excellent play on the title that “Made You Look” subverts expectations with how Brian practices that on this episode. At first, it looks as if Brian is extending that empathy to the canine, which he (aptly) later names Nick Furry. Then, Shrinking swoops in with one final punch to the viewers’s collective intestine earlier than the display screen cuts to black – Brian empathizes with Louis. The episode’s title, which performs with misdirect, turns into a definitive declaration – Shrinking makes you look till that final second.
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What did you consider Shrinking Season 2, Episode 4, “Made You Look?”
New episodes of Shrinking Season 2 stream each Wednesday on Apple TV+.