Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Shrinking Season 2.
Harrison Ford Shrinking character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, has Parkinson's disease. As defined by World Health Organization, Parkinson's disease is “a brain disease that causes problems with movement, mental health, sleep, pain, and other health problems.” Involuntary movements and tremors known as dyskinesias are a common symptom of Parkinson's disease that Paul experiences. As shown in flashbacks during Season 2, Episode 8, Paul was diagnosed before Tia (Lilan Bowden) died in a car accident, meaning he was diagnosed more than a year before the start of Shrinking season 1.
Paul initially shared his diagnosis only with Jimmy (Jason Segel) and not his other colleague, Gaby (Jessica Williams), but she already knew and was eager to help him. Gaby finally started taking Paul to work because of the impact Parkinson's disease had on him. Many others Shrinking Characters, including Paul's former neurologist and now girlfriend, Dr. Julie Baram (Wendie Malick), also supported him. However, certain elements of Paul's Parkinson's disease are about to change Shrinking season 3.
Harrison Ford's Paul May Be Facing More Severe Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in Season 3
Your medications aren't working as well
As seen in Shrinking season 2 finale and as the season progressed, Paul's Parkinson's disease symptoms became more severe and the medications he took were not working as well as they used to.. Unfortunately, as explained by Paul's current neurologist, Dr. Sykes (Amy Rosoff), Paul was already on the maximum dosage of medication he could safely take. Since he couldn't increase his medication, all he could do was make healthy lifestyle changes, which he did by choosing to no longer consume alcohol.
However, Paul's symptoms were still increasing, as seen by the increase in tremors. In addition to more severe tremors, Paul may also face other symptoms of Parkinson's disease in Season 3, including difficulty walking, cognitive impairment, and difficulty speaking. During Thanksgiving dinner at Gaby's house in the season 2 finale, Paul shared with his loved ones that he is scared about what's coming, but he knows he can get through it with all the support and love he has in his life. .
The Deeper Meaning Behind Paul's Thanksgiving Speech and What It Means for Shrinking Season 3
Paul's Parkinson's disease will be the main focus of season three
The deeper meaning of Paul's Thanksgiving speech is about the importance of community and that the best way to face life's challenges is with the support of loved ones. Each character in Shrinking You face challenges, and some challenges, like Parkinson's disease or the death of a loved one like Tia, are not problems that can simply be overcome. That said, these challenges can become easier to manage when we don't have to face them alone and are supported by people who care about them.
Paul's Parkinson's disease and the effects it has on him and other characters will be a significant focus of season three. Paul will have to adapt to the personal and professional changes that will arise as a result of his increased symptoms.. This will have a significant impact on the cognitive behavioral therapy practice where he works with Jimmy and Gaby, on Paul's girlfriend Julie, and on everyone in his life. Paul's storyline is primed to be emotional and crucial to Shrinking season 3.
Source: World Health Organization