Shrinking Season 2 Episode 9 Review: Full Grown Dude Face

Shrinking Season 2 Episode 9, “Full Grown Dude Face,” feels like the narrative connective tissue between episodes, with touching Jimmy/Alice moments. Despite its “in-between” status, so to speak, there’s some plot progression regarding certain characters, even if the overarching arc feels like it’s at a standstill. “Full Grown Dude Face” also holds the distinction of not making me bawl my eyes out—there’s a lighter, bouncier energy to it compared to last week’s fare. 

Dyl-Pickles and Platoons 

This outing offers some movement of Gaby’s plot, at least as far as her sister Courtney is concerned. That said, it’s difficult to feel invested when Courtney has primarily been in an adversarial role this season. This is the first time we get an inkling of her true personality outside her former conflict with Gaby.

Then, Gaby’s mother moves in against her wishes, and whatever resolve Gaby has to set boundaries melts away. It feels like an unnecessary backslide for the character. However, Gaby’s scene with Alice is the epitome of sweetness. It’s indicative of the solid, foundational support system both characters have. 

On another note, Derek and Liz have seemingly bounced back, although the latter is still in grovel mode. Perhaps there’s something to be said for a couple with 30 years of marriage under their belt who can pick up the pieces more quickly than, say, newlyweds. However, I hope this isn’t the end of this particular arc. Derek deserves more time to process his emotions. 

Parenthood and Finding Support 

The MVP for “Full Grown Dude Face” is Jason Segel as Jimmy, whose deliveries are unmatched. Jimmy gets some Grade-A one-liners in this outing. Segel knocks it out of the park with his performance, which is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. His nuanced portrayal of Jimmy, a man who has all the answers for his clients but none for himself, is fun to watch. 

Lukita Maxwell and Segel are a dynamic duo. “Full Grown Dude Face” really marks a turning point in Jimmy and Alice’s relationship. We see him fulfilling his promise to Tia while stepping back and giving Alice the independence she deserves. Jimmy’s finally applying the advice of his elders and seeing results. His conversation with Alice about having a “dead mom face” is as heartstring-tugging as it is humorous. He doesn’t shy away from telling Alice the truth but offers the hope that it will improve with time. 

While Brian and Charlie get their first rejection in their adoption journey, Brian truly achieves growth through this process. For the first time, the awkward, perpetually anxious facade falls away. We see his heart in all its grounded honesty, and it’s beautiful. Michael Urie navigates Brian’s depths and colors with sensitivity and grace. 

Parenthood and support systems are the thematic cruxes of this Shrinking episode. “Full Grown Dude Face” doesn’t shy away from the complexities and messiness of these themes, but they aren’t painted in a negative light, either. It’s all part of life, and at the end of the day, all we can do is our best. The episode really drives home the importance of support in our mental health journeys. Having a solid group to rely on makes all the difference. 

Groundwork and Resolutions 

“Full Grown Dude Face” isn’t the show’s strongest episode, but it lays the groundwork for what’s to come, particularly as we approach the hopeful resolution to the Louis story. Bolstered by layered, entertaining performances and a smattering of heartfelt moments, it’s still a nice palate cleanser that provides 30 minutes of escapism as the world falls apart at the seams. 

Stray Observations: 

• To be fair, Dyl-Pickle definitely has a “full-grown dude face” with the beard, but I wonder if he’d look his age without it. 
• Is there anything more satisfying than a beaming Paul coming face-to-face with a sea of book covers featuring his visage? 
• D-Train is officially a member of the hiking gang. All is right with the world. However, something tells me Liz invited him in a bid to smooth things over between them. 
• As much as I love this series, it takes so many liberties regarding therapeutic protocol that I’m afraid to introduce my therapist sister to it. 
• Did anyone else get nervous in those final moments when Jimmy was driving home? It felt like the calm before the storm. 
• Brian digging through the trash to find the coffee cup so he could “rewind” the situation cracked me up and made me uncomfortable with its painful relatability.

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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