Public Holiday Fest Streaming 26' - Shrinking - Season Three

Shrinking has just concluded its (equally) longest season. Even though its once less episode than the previous season, episode one was close to an hour! For a comedy! That's lengthy!

Lead by Jason Segel, the grieving therapist who decides to become drastically more involved in his patients' lives. 

Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Lukita Maxwell, & Ted McGinley also star.

Back in January, Shrinking was renewed for a fourth season. Apparently there will be changes to the story next season. However the cast will remain the same.

This was one of my favourite series when it first debuted back in 2023. However like all comedies, sometimes the main elements of the series just become a little stale. The acting is on point in this series. It also tackles serious, big issues, which at times makes it hard to laugh at Parkinson's. Or the death of Jimmy's (Segel) wife.

Season three opens up as Paul's Parkinson's symptoms have worsened; he befriends a patient, Gerry, while waiting in the neurology clinic. Paul's neurologist Dr. Sykes amicably ends her sexual relationship with Sean. 

Jimmy has been regularly meeting Louis on a park bench to discuss their lives. 

Liz and Derek's older son, Matthew, moves back home. 

Brian and Charlie, preparing for their baby to arrive, have still not discussed what role Ava will play in their lives; Brian initially admits to wanting a closed adoption, but changes his mind after meeting with Ava and agrees to let her visit regularly. 

Alice is visited by the Wesleyan University women's soccer coach at her latest game. The coach offers her a scholarship, but Alice turns it down, anxious about moving away from her loved ones; she later accepts the offer at Jimmy's encouragement. 

As Paul and Julie get the former's affairs in order, Jimmy impulsively suggests they get married, which they realise will solve their problems; Gaby arranges a wedding ceremony for them in Jimmy's backyard, with Jimmy giving a heartfelt speech. Paul sees Gerry in his kitchen afterwards and talks with him, but Julie does not see him; Paul realises it was a hallucination.

So there was a lot going on in this first episode of the 11 episode run.

I enjoyed the show. The laugh out loud moments weren't the same as they were in season one. However, Harrison Ford continues to impress, embracing a role in comedy.

He also plays the role so well. Michael J. Fox as Gerry was also a realistic touch, to Ford's touching storylines. Which again make this hard to laugh sometimes. The show touches you and makes you feel, whilst also trying make you lol.

It did achieve this well in seasons one (and to an extent) season two. However I am hoping there is a nice refresh in season four. That said this is still one of Apple TV's shining gems.

Years in Apple TV is absolutely killing it. With a line up currently of Imperfect Women, Monarch, Shrinking just concluding and the returning, Your Friends & Neighbours, they truly do have a solid line up.

Also with Cape Fear incoming! Bring it on!

Happy end to a short post Easter week!