Shrinking is quickly rising up the ranks of the best TV series of 2024 with another banger of an episode in the Honesty Era. I am amazed at how this show balances drama and comedy so well.
Comedically, Honesty Era may be the funniest episode of the series. The sweet father-daughter adventure with Jimmy and Alice showcases the series’ ability to show warmth. Then, there’s the sadness stemming from the reveal of Alice sleeping with Connor and the heartbreaking relationship between Sean and his father.
In short, every element of this show is working.
Shrinking is streaming on Apple TV Plus.
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Jimmy and Sean’s Honesty Era
Jason Segel has been terrific throughout the series, but Honesty Era sees Jimmy at his best. Jimmy doesn’t make a mistake in this episode. He keeps his head above water following Alice’s explosive fight with Summer, revealing that his daughter slept with Liz’s son, Connor. He pushes Alice a little but takes Gaby’s advice to focus on what Alice needs. Instead of dropping Alice off at school, Jimmy takes Alice to get matching tattoos.
Jimmy also keeps his head with Liz (Christa Miller), who struggles with Alice hurting her son, Connor. Liz views Alice as a daughter of sorts, plus she’s dealing with a former lover entering the picture, causing the usually cheerful Derek to give her the silent treatment. Jimmy is present for this encounter and spills the beans to Derek in a very Liz-like manner. Liz blows up at Jimmy. She rails on how Jimmy failed to parent Alice properly, his selfishness with Gaby, etc. He doesn’t fight back or raise his voice. Jimmy takes it all in like the therapist he is while Alice overhears in the background.
Gavy and Jimmy also reach a new understanding. Following Jimmy’s inconsiderate during their friends-with-benefits trip, Gaby has cut off communication between them. Jimmy accepts Gaby’s boundaries up to the point where he sees she’s in pain. Gaby offers some honesty about Jimmy’s parenting. Jimmy tells Gaby the truth about her selfishness regarding caring for her mother.
Meanwhile, Sean tries to address his issue with his father. Sean’s father responds terribly. He blames therapy for stirring things up and leaves the food truck. Sean responds by picking a fight with many guys outside a bar.
Paul’s Guilt
Whether Paul and Jimmy are teaming up to make fun of Sean or his absolute disdain for his daughter Meg’s husband, David, Harrison Ford is as hilarious as Paul. Ford also backs up the comedy with a terrific dramatic performance that continues his excellent confrontation with ego from the last episode.
Paul is at a family gathering with his girlfriend, Meg, David, Brian and his ex-wife, Susan. Paul ropes Brian into escaping the party so he won’t have to spend time with Susan. Paul reveals he can’t face Susan at the office due to his guilt. Paul cheated on Susan. She walked in while he was in bed with another woman.
Susan and Paul have a wonderful conversation on the patio at Paul’s home. Paul couldn’t forgive himself for his cheating, but Susan forgave him a long time ago. The two bond over their mutual disdain for David.
Gaby’s Hard Truth
Gaby and her sister Courtney are still not getting along. Courtney is sick of always taking care of their mother, Phyllis. Given the demanding nature of her job, Gaby feels it’s right for the burden to fall on Courtney.
When Courtney points out how selfish Gaby is, the therapist falls silent. Later, Jimmy sides with Courtney and points out that deep down, Gaby knows her sister is right.
After their honesty, Gaby ropes Jimmy into a dinner with her family.
Honesty Era Final Thoughts
Every element of this show, from comedy to drama, works. The performances by Segel, Ford, and Miller are terrific. Segel is excellent at showing Jimmy at his best. Ford’s comedic chops shine bright. From her lashing out at Jimmy to expressing disappointment in Alice, Miller is quickly rising the series MVP ladder.
Every episode of Shrinking continues to be better than the previous episode. If this streak continues, it will be the best show of 2024 over The Penguin.
The Review
Shrinking: Honesty Era
PROS
- Harrison Ford is incredible.
- Jason Segel getting to portray the best version of Jimmy.
- Super sweet father-daughter bonding between Jimmy and Alice.
- Christa Miller is incredible.
- Paul's disdain for David is hilarious.
