ShrinkingJimmy Laird (Jason Segel) has an unorthodox approach to therapy, the consequences of which will be explored in season 2 of the Apple TV + series. Season 1 received critical acclaim, including for the performances of Segel, Harrison Ford and Gaby Williams, with the latter two playing Jimmy’s fellow therapists, Paul Rhoades and Gaby. Despite the acclaim, the story of Jimmy telling his patients what he really thinks about their problems has led to some criticism of how the comedy-drama series portrays therapy and mental health that will be dealt with in Shrinking Season 2.
While talking with Entertainment Weekly, Co-creators Segel and Bill Lawrence emphasize that Shrinking Season 2 will directly address the show’s biggest criticism As Jimmy grapples with the consequences of his therapeutic approach. Jimmy will specifically need to confront the fallout of his patient, Grace (Heidi Gardener), pushing her abusive partner, Danny (Tilky Jones) off a cliff based on Jimmy’s encouragement for her to no longer tolerate Danny’s insults. Check out Segel and Lawrence’s comments below:
Seal: We wanted to be honest about the fact that Jimmy was taking an unorthodox approach to therapy, and that there were consequences to that. There are reasons why people don’t do this. So he will have to reckon with the good and the bad of this approach and refine how he moves forward.
Lawrence: He is definitely dealing with the consequences of his behavior as a doctor, but in ways that will surprise people [in terms] Where were the biggest mistakes he made.
Shrinking’s Season 2 approach will improve on Season 1
Season 2 could have a better tonal balance
Despite his often delightful comedy, Shrinking Season 1 explored serious issues, including Jimmy grieving his wife’s death and Grace being abused. at times, Shrinkings generally lighthearted approach has a disservice to the complex nature of the stories. While season 2 will undoubtedly more wonderful comedy, Grace pushing Danny off a cliff in Shrinking The end of season 1 was an undeniable turning point in the show, bringing more consequences and weight to certain storylines in season 2.
This difficult line can be better navigated in season 2, with Jimmy also needing to further unpack his own grief, and how it led to him telling his patients what he really means.
This should create a more effective balance between the comedy and drama of the show, a balance in season 1 that was at times too precarious to comedy. It is important that The show isn’t simply condoning Jimmy telling his patients what he really thinks And will focus on the consequences of his actions, and what Danny’s death means for Jimmy. As Segel and Lawrence point out, in the context of the fictional story, Jimmy’s approach has merit, but he must revise it to help his patients better.
At the same time, the show doesn’t convince viewers that Jimmy’s approach is best, with the consequences proving why it doesn’t work in the real world. This difficult line can be better navigated in season 2, with Jimmy also has to continue unpacking his own griefAnd how this led to him telling his patients what he really means. The characters, plot and themes of Shrinking Will delve deeper into season 2 to do justice to the show’s complex and important themes.
Source: EW