Shrinking Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Get in the Sea

Shrinking Season 2 Episode 7, “Get in the Sea,” turns Liz and Derek’s world upside down while Brian braces himself for a significant life change. It’s another solid outing that keeps it easy and breezy until those last five minutes, which pack a narrative and a gut punch. 

Get in the Sea Isn’t Just a Metaphor 

“Get in the Sea” undoubtedly delivers more humor and warm fuzzies to balance out last week’s sob-inducing fare. Gaby and Derrick’s romance is as sweet as it is heartwarming. There’s a natural, easygoing chemistry between Jessica Williams and Damon Wayans Jr. They’re also funny. It’s nice that Williams has a verbal sparring partner who’s on her level, comedically. 

Additionally, the episode has Jimmy in his element as a therapist. He’s in full “Jimmying” mode (yes, it’s a thing). While his methods are unorthodox, they get results. Dan makes significant strides toward growth after spending a day with Jimmy and his friends. He steps outside his comfort zone. 

Meanwhile, Brian and Charlie are approved for adoption. However, the process moves too quickly for their tastes, and Brian spends much of “Get in the Sea” in an emotional spiral. Michael Urie, as usual, knocks all the comedic bits out of the park. He’s profoundly relatable as the anxious Brian. It’s hard not to see yourself in Brian and his idiosyncrasies. 

That said, Urie and Devin Kawaoka’s beautiful moment in the ocean drives home that life is about going at your own pace. You don’t have to live by society’s rules or metrics for accomplishments. Let it all happen on your time. It’s certainly a reminder I needed. 

All Is Not Paradise 

Perhaps the most surprising element of “Get in the Sea” is the unraveling of Liz and Derek. They seemingly had a “perfect” marriage — they seldom bickered (that we could see), and Derek didn’t allow anything to bother him. Of course, that makes their big scene all the more poignant and impactful. It makes Derek’s pain more acutely felt.  

For most of Shrinking‘s run, Derek has been this happy-go-lucky, affable guy. Ted McGinley really captures Derek in that regard. He exudes that energy. However, “Get in the Sea” allows McGinley to spread his dramatic wings, and it’s beautiful. 

McGinley and Christa Miller boast excellent chemistry. It’s another reason why this scene is gut-wrenching. Liz knows she made a huge mistake and realizes she takes Derek for granted. She doesn’t consider his feelings. Derek putting his foot down is proof that he’s not a doormat. McGinley navigates the beats in this scene with nuance and vulnerability. His eyes say so much. 

And that’s not all on the emotional pain front. Jimmy doesn’t leave this episode unscathed. He catches Alice and Brian at dinner with Louis. His wounded expression speaks volumes. This season has deftly built up to this explosive moment, and it’s a great place to end this episode. 

“Get in the Sea” is a delightful amalgam of levity and heartbreaking drama, with the show’s signature quippy one-liners moving as quickly as Summer recording a hit song after getting cheated on. More importantly, though, it ensures the overarching narrative doesn’t plateau and pushes these characters in fascinating directions. 

Stray Observations: 

• Harrison Ford singing “Cheater, Bitch” to himself is something I never knew I needed. 
• We got a mini Scrubs reunion in “Get in the Sea.” Christa Miller and Neil Flynn finally have a scene together. Now, we need more cast members to pop up, whether it be cameos or guest spots. 
• I’m adding “ovaries of steel” to my vernacular. Thank you, Gaby. 
• As someone who lived in LA for a long time, only those born and raised there are that nice. People usually don’t chat with each other in restaurants and cafes. It’s primarily transplants who aren’t so kind and exemplify those negative stereotypes (not always, though). 
• If I could reach through my screen and give Derek the biggest hug, I would. Poor D-man. 

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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