Jimmying

A show that tackles tough and existential questions should do it in a tough way. That was the feeling I had when I was watching "Shrinking" during its first year, as it was clearly taking a more heartwarming approach to its tough subject matter. It did eventually get more candid about its own desires and ended up being a show that touched a lot of people, including this grumpy skeptic. However, that didn't stop those thoughts from circulating as season two was about to hit. And this opening is warm and full of charming humor as usual, yet promises more of the same old again.

From the start, this show is offering another round of emotional warmth and humor that continue to be anchored by Jason Segel's standout performance as Jimmy. Segel brings depth to his character, portraying Jimmy's grief and his unorthodox approach to therapy with a blend of vulnerability and charm. Where this episode excels is in the moments where Jimmy's personal growth and professional methods collide, blurring the lines between his own healing process and the way he approaches others' problems. The show's ability to balance humor with emotional depth feels both poignant and relatable and is all over this episode. Segel's ability to switch between heartache and humor makes transitions seamless, reinforcing why his character remains the most compelling part of the show. However, while Jimmy's story continues to engage, the arcs of the supporting characters feel less dynamic in comparison. Though their subplots provide some levity and secondary emotional beats, they often feel more like set dressing rather than fully realized storylines, especially for Gabby and Paul's narratives that feel like they're interchangeable from each other this time around. Their roles, while enjoyable, lack the same level of depth, leaving them a bit underdeveloped by the end of the episode. Additionally, there's a sense of repetition creeping into the show's formula, as certain themes and jokes begin to feel familiar. The biggest question continues to be if the show can truly bear the weight of the difficult emotional themes it's trying to tackle. Can a show this warm and funny also be truly insightful about the harder aspects of life?

"Jimmying" continues to deliver warmth and charm, thanks largely to Jason Segel's performance and the heartfelt exploration of Jimmy's journey and his relationships. However, the supporting characters and the show's structure could benefit from deeper development as it moves forward, especially if it wants to tackle the tough questions it sets up.

We loved season 1. We couldn't even finish the first episode of season 2. It was that bad. The writing is terrible. It all seems contrived; as if they are trying too hard to be funny. And it comes at expense of the authenticity and grief that made season 1 so believable, even as it was hilarious.

And the cast cannot save the show from bad writing, not even Harrison Ford. So they comes across as if they're just saying their lines. What a pity.

I've said what I wanted to say, so now I'm just trying to fill IMDB's letter count. I don't know whether the next episodes will redeem the show in any way.

Apple TV+'s Shrinking returns with a near-perfect episode that expertly balances humor and grief with thoughtful narrative arcs. Written by Rachna Fruchbom and directed by Randall Keenan Winston, the thematic focus on human fragility ensures each of the main characters has a meaty route toward growth and a better understanding of themselves. The episode shines best in its subtlety, with the quietly catastrophic ending throwing us straight into unruly tides. The episode features co-creator and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein, who plays someone with such a pivotal role in the death that essentially makes this show what it is. Tia, a strong presence, allows us to grieve alongside Jimmy, Alice, and everyone who knew her. In Season 2, Episode 1, "Jimmying," Jimmy thinks about the tragic day and divulges his biggest trigger is the sound of sirens. At the end of the episode, in a jaw-droppingly slow scene directed with precision and haunting poignancy by Randall Keenan Winston, the camera reveals Goldstein's character and flashes back to him sitting behind the cop car. Stories surrounding drunk drivers and death are a deeply sensitive topic to approach, and the performances will be tremendous. Brett Goldstein's excellent acting skills make him an excellent actor, and fans can't wait to see how he digs into this darkness. The show "Shirnking" is a powerful exploration of grief and the constant cycle of it. The protagonist, Jimmy, struggles with his own triggers, such as the sound of sirens, which have been his biggest trigger for a long time. Jason Segel's performance showcases the middle ground many people navigate, highlighting how a single moment can be the worst for one person and an ordinary beat for another. The scene with the cops discussing dinner puts a haunting emphasis on perspective, which will be explored in subsequent conversations. Alice is also worried about Jimmy, but he confides in Paul, who reveals that his biggest mistake was not Grace but Sean. This decision allows Jimmy to have Paul as Sean's therapist, presenting viewers with challenges to understand Paul's perspective as a therapist while working through the troubles that are now on the way. The show's thesis is that humans will always need other people, which is evident in the first episode, "Jimmying." The show balances heavier perils with lighter frustrations, demonstrating that all issues are valid and deserve attention. Gaby struggles with her new teaching job, Liz is frustrated with Gaby's inability to stop sleeping with Jimmy, but they rally the troops to help unpack boxes. Paul, happily in love but struggling with his relationship with Julie, helps Jimmy through his struggles and fully opens up. The show's first episode from hiatus sets the stage for the rest of the series, making it an even more gripping and worthwhile return.