SHRINKING SEASON 3: Moving Forward, Is It Time To Say Goodbye?

This review was made possible thanks to screeners from APPLETV+

Who needs therapy when you can turn on Apple TV+ and feel as though you’re with Harrison Ford, Jason Segel, and Jessica Williams? In what could be the final season of the hit TV show from Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Segel, they hold nothing back in terms of hitting every single emotion in our bodies. In many ways, this series has become a 30-minute therapy session, allowing us to escape if only for a short time. Each season has a theme that runs throughout the show. Season 1 was grief, Season 2 was forgiveness, and Season 3 is all about moving forward.

Moving Forward

Alice is set to graduate high school and go off to college, which leaves Jimmy all alone worries her as he struggles to enter new relationships that he may not be ready for yet. Paul (Harrison Ford) prepares to retire and is dealing with his Parkinsons which sets up some incredibly funny and emotional moments between him and the cast, as well as some surprise guests. Gabby herself is navigating a relationship that is growing more and more serious with Derrick (Damon Wayans Jr), and she is unsure if she is ready or not.

Meanwhile, Brian (Michael Urie) and Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) face the challenges of their family expanding as they prepare to adopt a newborn baby, which leads to some hilarious moments between them and Liz (Christa Miller) as she tries to learn about boundaries. Sean (Luke Tennie) grapples with his past and the chance at moving forward with his own goals, whether he feels he deserves it or not. These moments melt into a pot of funny and tear-jerking moments where audiences will be able to see themselves within these characters.

Everybody gets their moment to shine throughout this season, and the way the cast truly feels as though they are a family leaps off the screen at us. There is so much chemistry between them all, and what makes this season so special is that we also feel as though we have become a part of their lives. Some incredibly well-acted moments between Segel and Ford should instantly put them in the conversation for an award. Segel in particular shows off his range and talent throughout this whole season.

Should It End Here?

Colbie Smulders, who appeared in season 2, returns as Sophie with an expanded role. There were signs of romance between her and Jimmy, and the two explored their feelings, leading to some of the most frustrating scenes in the whole season. Jeff Daniels plays a key role as Jimmy’s father, Randy, who pops in and out playing the role of antagonist. He and Jimmy have always had a complicated relationship that remained unresolved for Jimmy, and these feelings seep into his possible romantic relationship with Sophie. If you think it may be hard to see her and Segel as anything other than Marshal and Robin, don’t worry, as their on-screen chemistry is a flurry of awkward moments that instantly have us rooting for the two to be together already.

The team leaves the door open in a way that this could be the end of the series; if it isn’t, there is an easy way forward. 11 episodes weren’t enough, and the final scenes will leave you sobbing without question. Shrinking season 3 teaches us that moving forward can be frightening but worth the leap. It is without a doubt the best season of the series so far.

Shrinking season 3 premieres January 28th, streaming only on AppleTV+

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