Shrinking Season 2 Episode 11 Review: The Drugs Don’t Work

Shrinking Season 2 Episode 11, “The Drugs Don’t Work,” deftly lays the groundwork for the season finale, with compelling performances from Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. While last week’s outing is about changing patterns that no longer serve you, this week builds on that as Paul calls Jimmy out for relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms as opposed to moving through — and recognizing — his grief. 

Drug of Choice 

This doesn’t only apply to Jimmy, though. We know Gaby has a penchant for people-pleasing — it’s a chronic habit. However, “The Drugs Don’t Work” also highlights her noncommital approach to relationships and her fear of stepping outside her comfort zone. One would argue her “drug of choice” is keeping herself squarely in her comfort zone. 

Despite how well things are going with Derrick, Gaby fears if she commits to a serious relationship with him, it will end in disaster. It’s a “this is too good to be true” scenario. She also has a deep-seated belief that she doesn’t deserve good things, so she self-sabotages. Honestly, this makes Gaby the most relatable character on the show. 

Jessica Williams is the perfect vessel for Gaby on Shrinking. She navigates her depths and layers with nuance, compassion, and humor. I’d argue that Sean suffers from the same drug of choice, as it were. He’s doing well in therapy, thriving in his career, cultivated a strong support circle of friends, and in a wonderful new relationship.

However, taking that next step and moving out of Jimmy’s guesthouse is a step outside his comfort zone. Sean doesn’t feel he’s ready to take that plunge and is scared of the possibility of backsliding. As someone who’s also in therapy to heal my trauma and grief, that’s an understandable fear. But progress is never linear; it’s a series of peaks and valleys. 

As for Alice, her drug of choice is very similar to Jimmy’s. She’s thrown herself into “therapizing” Louis, believing this is what Tia would’ve wanted. While this might be healing for Alice, Jimmy is another story. Of course, Alice’s heart is in the right place. She feels that her dad connecting with Louis is what’s best for him. 

However, this isn’t what Jimmy needs now. It’s ludicrous to expect Jimmy to automatically and genuinely forgive the man who, although inadvertently and unintentionally, killed his wife, no matter how terrible he feels about it. Forgiveness isn’t the crux of healing, anyway. That’s why therapists don’t talk about it — forgiveness is, at least from a religious perspective, about absolving the wrongdoer. 

Forgiveness is optional. Once Jimmy does the work and actively focuses on his healing, it’s certainly a route he can take. I feel Tia would want Jimmy to prioritize his well-being over therapizing someone who caused him immense pain. 

Of course, this is Shrinking, so I expect Jimmy to mend fences with Louis at some point. Based on what’s established in “The Drugs Don’t Work,” the season finale might be a springboard for that. 

Jason Segel, especially in the episode’s final minutes, is a force of nature. Jimmy’s pain is so tangible. Seeing him struggle with falling into old patterns is heartbreaking, but thankfully, he reaches out to Paul, a reliable support system. That, in itself, is incredible growth. He could’ve easily drowned his sorrows in alcohol and drugs; however, he seeks out his mentor to help him navigate this patch of turbulence. 

Harrison Ford also knocks it out of the park. Paul’s actual drugs aren’t working, which spells tough times ahead for him. Ford’s physicality and mannerisms are so spot-on here. I had a family member with Parkinson’s, and his performance is beyond accurate. Despite having to reckon with the possibility he’s declining, Paul reaches outside himself to help a friend.

Segel and Ford are a dream team in “The Drugs Don’t Work.” When I thought I’d finally go an episode without crying, Shrinking delivers the one-two punch in this week’s last 10 minutes. It’s a beautiful piece of TV. 

Stray Observations: 

• Gaby sitting with two water bottles while at Paul’s appointment is the cutest thing ever. She cares so much about his well-being. 
• “I’m not okay, Paul.” Listen, I felt that in my soul. Talk about profoundly resonant. It hit a little too close to home, to be honest. 
• Louis has the right idea. The fact that Thanksgiving is still a thing is so strange to me, and I’m saying that as an American. 
• I really wanted to hear Brian’s account of how he met Louis again if only so he’d insert a different Broadway legend as a potential name for his child. 
• There are three constants in life: death, taxes, and Donny being an asshole. 

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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