Shrinking Season 2 Episode 12 Review: The Last Thanksgiving

Shrinking Season 2 Episode 12, “The Last Thanksgiving,” rips you open and fills you back up in the best way with a showstopping performance from Harrison Ford. Building on last week’s solid penultimate fare, the Season 2 finale ties narrative loose ends and, surprisingly, doesn’t conclude on a cliffhanger. In fact, those final moments of “The Last Thanksgiving” epitomize the season’s overarching theme of forgiveness and finding your people. It’s heartwarming and soul-enriching. 

The Last Thanksgiving 

Season 2 introduces the “DD” of the equation, Louis, so it’s only fitting that we finally get closure—and a potential way forward—for that aspect of the storyline. Admittedly, there’s an undercurrent of tension in the last four minutes of “The Last Thanksgiving” as Louis stands on that platform as a train approaches. It’s an interesting juxtaposition of this scene and the much happier one at Gaby’s home. 

While Alice might have been wrong to demand that Jimmy essentially “therapize” Louis, the important part is that Jimmy organically got to that point in his own time. Forgiveness takes great healing work for the wronged. It’s not a requirement, but Shrinking reminds us everyone’s fighting an invisible battle. We’re all wounded, traumatized children masquerading as adults. 

Jimmy had to go through his dark night of the soul and, as Paul advises, bare his soul to Alice to move forward. Once the smoke clears, he’s able to help Louis work through his pain. If anything, “The Last Thanksgiving” helps Jimmy find himself again by lending a hand to Louis.

Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein navigate that final scene with grace, empathy, and humor. After all, where would we be as a species without the latter? 

Find Your People, Find Your Purpose

Shrinking also presents a beautiful moment of growth for Sean, whose progress is as inspiring as it is a prime example of the power of establishing a support system. In the Season 2 finale, Sean helps Alice understand a crucial marker of love: it’s unconditional. We must accept our loved ones without conditions, “limitations and all.” Sean finds those nuances in his own relationship with his father, which is slowly, but surely, turning a new leaf. 

Additionally, Gaby voices her fears to Liz and Aliyah, specifically about relationships. We know she’s an innate caretaker but often ignores her boundaries and well-being, constantly putting others before herself. When she realizes Derrick doesn’t need her, it scares her.

How can she navigate a relationship, especially a new and exciting one, while feeling like she’s not needed? This episode is a significant stepping stone for Gaby in that regard, which Shrinking handles beautifully. 

Lean on Me 

I’d be remiss if I omitted mention of Paul’s emotional, tear-inducing, I-must-reach-for-the-tissue-box speech. You can tell Ford literally shifts the energy in the room based on the reactions from his costars. Jessica Williams’ visceral response, in particular, tugs at the heartstrings. Ford’s performance and delivery of this monologue are definitively enough to earn him an Emmy nomination, at the least. 

For Paul, being vulnerable is a fear. He craves control and prides himself on his curmudgeonly “man of steel” image. He has his Fortress of Solitude, which Julie infiltrates this season. Paul’s proof that you’re never too old to change. You’re never too old to grow.

This speech in “The Last Thanksgiving” is a gorgeous reminder of that. Paul embraces everyone in that room and leans on them for support. This is a huge step forward for Paul, who has navigated life thus far as a lone wolf. He’s finally found his pack. 

Shrinking never fails to make us laugh one minute and bawl the next, and “The Last Thanksgiving” is no exception. It’s a touching, tender meditation on forgiveness, community, and moving forward on your healing journey. These characters get the love and care they deserve on their own respective journeys, and who better than this cast of gifted actors to bring them to life?

The finale neatly closes the door on Season 2 while cracking open a window of speculation as we theorize where the next chapter might take us. Regardless, I’m here for the hilarious and heartfelt ride. 

Stray Observations: 

• Paul mentions to Julie that he’s getting kidnapped “again.” This implies there was a first time. Now, I need to hear the story for that. Why do people keep kidnapping poor Paul? 
• Of course Derek is an expert turkey-carver. Firstly, he’s a dad. Secondly, he’s Derek. It comes with the territory. 
• Seriously, if Harrison Ford doesn’t flat-out win TVLine‘s Performer of the Week for this, I’ll do absolutely nothing but loudly complain. 
• Liz finally gave Jimmy a rock! I can breathe now. Sidenote: The Covenant of the Rock simultaneously sounds like a lost Indiana Jones sequel and a nod to the Ark of the Covenant in the first film. At the very least, the latter is true. 
• Gaby’s eye makeup is always pitch-perfect. I love that shade of blue. 
• Sean’s growth is incredible, and I love that he really is the most emotionally healthy out of them all. 

What did you think of this episode of Shrinking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Shrinking Seasons 1 through 2 are now streaming on Apple TV+. 

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