“Shrinking” Season 2, Episode 1 Review

*This show contains topics of drugs, violence, sexual content and foul language that could be triggering. Read at your own discretion*

The hit series “Shrinking” released the season two premiere episode. The patient privacy tightrope walkers are at it again with another season.

After receiving two Oscars nominations from its first season, fans have waited patiently for the return of the heartwarming show. With the increased awareness of mental health concerns, this show aims to use comedy to tidy up the brains of its viewers.

After waiting over a year for a new season, Jimmy Laird’s story picks right up where it left off. To briefly recap the story of season one, Laird’s life was changed after the death of his wife.

After the event, life did not seem worth living. He started to live recklessly and even neglected his own daughter. His career as a therapist consisted of mind-numbing repetition.

This all changed when he started bending the rules. By giving his patients unconventional ways of escaping their problems, he is able to see major results. When his work starts to come home with him, he must also face the skeletons in his own closet.

As season two starts, we are reintroduced with Grace, who depicts the problem with Jimmy’s new system. He evaluates his new strategies for work and personal life but contemplates his gut reaction.

The episode wraps up with a jaw-dropping character reveal. For the die-hard fans of the first season, this installment will be shaking boots for the whole season.

Most respect goes to the writers and directors for giving the fans what they liked in the first season, but still being innovative and installing new features.

The show does a great job of weaving the stories together seamlessly. As the stories of season one progress and grow, the audience can find the humanity in characters that they may not have gotten along with in the first chapter of the series.

The creators Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein's creation allows the viewer to follow these characters, grow with them and learn the drives of all of them. The lessons within every week capture the flaws of mankind but can give relief to the audience through ways of life lessons or comedic relief.

Considering all the moving pieces of this series, the overall quality of the show is great.

With the oversaturation of content in this age of streaming services, it can be difficult for entertainment seekers to find a quality show. This show is a great contender for the up next watch.

Let it be known: this show does contain very heavy storylines. If this show seems interesting, just know that it contains drugs, death, suicidal messages, violence and other real-life scenarios that could be triggering to some viewers.

Even with the somber undertones of the show, “Shrinking” appeals to the audience, and it doesn't go unnoticed.

Rating 4/5

Scott Moorhead is a fifth year majoring in communications. To contact him, email srm5943@psu.edu