Shrinking Season 2 Episode 4 Review: Made You Look
Shrinking Season 2 Episode 4, “Made You Look,” is full of breakthroughs, breakdowns, and multiple Dereks (well, a Derek and a Derrick). It deftly balances multiple storylines without feeling too bloated or convoluted.
Made You Look
Paul’s monologue about his therapeutic intuition, so to speak, hits the nail on the head regarding where this season will take us. We see the narrative seeds planted as Sean grapples with the resurgence of his father and the trauma that accompanies it.
We also watch Gaby ignore a call from her sister and Alice conceal her one-night stand with Connor from Summer.
All these “volcanoes” are about to erupt, and the continued buildup will undoubtedly yield entertaining fruit. This episode expertly showcases our core crew’s struggles, especially Sean and his dad. Luke Tennie delivers nuanced, vulnerable work this week as he navigates the complexities of Sean’s PTSD and trauma.
Sean opening up to Jimmy is heartbreaking, but it also is indicative of Sean’s immense development. Season 1 Sean wouldn’t have dared to bare his soul to anyone, let alone Jimmy.
“Made You Look” truthfully depicts the pain that comes with healing and growth. It’s not smooth sailing the moment you decide to work on yourself.
Jimmying and Paul-ing
Despite having very little screen time, Brett Goldstein delivers the goods again this week. Seeing him play against type is a breath of fresh air. It’s horrifying that Louis’s poor decisions killed Tia; however, you can feel Louis’s remorse. It’s a tangible thing. Additionally, Brian reaching out to him is such a lovely button to end on.
So far, Brian has been the fun comedic relief — a self-aware, self-diagnosed narcissist who provides levity aplenty. Jimmy pushes him to step outside of himself and lend a hand.
Brian really is an empathetic person, and his support of Louis is a great indicator of his growth. It’s all about forgiveness and second chances.
As for other standout performers and scenes in “Made You Look,” Harrison Ford is so good as Paul that I wonder if he’s legitimately acting.
Of course, his public persona is very much that of the curmudgeon, and he makes Paul a lovable grump. The episode touches on the tension between Jimmy and Paul as their differing therapy styles continue to clash. Segel holds his own with Ford, making their back and forth a joy to watch.
Everyone Needs a Derek
Jessica Williams never fails to make me laugh. She’s a versatile performer — as skilled at drama as she is comedy. Now, she’ll hopefully get the chance to showcase her rom-com chops.
Williams and Damon Wayans Jr. are a dream team here. They have an easygoing chemistry that translates well onscreen.
Overall, “Made You Look” propels the overarching narrative, keeping things moving steadily while giving each respective storyline time to shine. The cast really makes Shrinking stand out from the rest, along with its radiating optimism and refreshingly heartwarming vibes.
Stray Observations:
- I’m so happy that Gaby might get her own Derek. She deserves a Derek. Let’s be real; we all do.
- I, too, would like to know who’s behind that Lord of the Rings trap remix. (Wait, this might be it.) Give us the precious!
- It blows my mind that Christa Miller is the show’s music supervisor. Not only that, but she’s also served as a music supervisor for husband Bill Lawrence’s other shows, including Ted Lasso and Scrubs. Her taste in music is impeccable. Starting the episode with The Strokes’ “Bad Decisions” is a — wait for it — stroke of genius.
- Never did I imagine, in the Year of our Lord 2024, that I’d hear Harrison Ford talk about making his “ass clap.” Am I a better person because this came to pass? The jury’s still out on that.
- Jimmy will never let Paul rest now that he’s scored a victory over the veteran therapist.
- Jimmy would use “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls as the music for that Alice video. It feels on-brand for him.
What did you think of this episode of Shrinking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Shrinking drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.