SHRINKING: SEASON THREE
Starring: Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, Christa Miller, Ted McGinley, Devin Kawaoka, Wendie Malick, and Damon Wayans Jr.
Creators: Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel
NICK
Although Shrinking remains one of my favourite shows on television, this season doesn't always know where to place its focus. Some storylines stay on track, but some feel rushed, while others feel underdeveloped. As usual, there's no issue with the main cast's performances and some of the new faces (particularly Michael J. Fox and Sherry Cola) are great additions, the story just isn’t as tight this go around. I love the feel-good nature this show can provide, but if we’re getting another season, it needs to bring a little darkness back into this world to maintain its realism.
AMARÚ
Shrinking makes the darkest subjects so wonderful and entertaining to watch, and Season Three is no different. Even through conflicts that are slightly too easily resolved in a pile of (I really hope it isn’t a) wrap-up season story, I couldn’t wait to cackle and cry at each next episode. The ensemble’s charismatic, multi-layered, and fantastically fucked-up faults are on full display for our enjoyment, and it’s bolstered by the enhanced role of the level-headed-amongst-the-chaos Derek (show MVP Ted McGinley). The mark of an amazing show is loving it through its flaws, and even Shrinking’s “least good” season is a must watch.
ROBERT
After two seasons of trying to pull so many characters back from the brink, I wondered how Shrinking would operate now that everyone’s primary trauma wasn’t kicking them in the side quite as prominently. Well, I found the drama somewhat lackluster, especially in comparison to the previous turmoil, but while not reaching its highest highs, it chugged along consistently, even including some great additions in Michael J. Fox and Jeff Daniels. By the end, I was emotionally compromised all over again, but not to where I needed to be scraped off the floor. Also, Harrison Ford still deserves his Emmy. Fuck Parkinsons but not Shrinking.
