‘Shrinking’ Recap: ‘Changing Patterns’

​Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Brett Goldstein and Lukita Maxwell as Louis and Alice in Episode 210 of ‘Shrinking’ – ‘Changing Patterns’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 210 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times stories about healing and change, are so supremely positive in nature, that we are led to believe that there are no side effects or impact that comes forth to committing to such acts, and we don’t question that for obvious reasons. Because how could anyone find fault or impact from taking the time to heal or making big changes to our lives that will impact us for the better? But that’s the thing, healing and change are difficult processes that do indeed bring about surprises and sometimes harm. For reasons that were explored in fascinating detail in the next episode of Shrinking on Apple TV+. For ‘Changing Patterns’ was indeed all about those elements, and rightfully so. Since everyone is trying to be better and be more right now, and well, those efforts immediately brought forth side effects and impact. 

For Paul, that involved coming to understand that when we open ourselves to someone completely, we cannot just maintain a status quo. For they have expectations in their heart and a desire to be near us and we have to accept that and provide it to them, to not hurt them deeply, and Paul learned this… by way of some specific changes in Julie’s life. For her husband passed away and she immediately put her house up for sale, and the expectation was that Paul would let her move in and grow closer to her. But instead, he tried to maintain that quasi-bachelor lifestyle he loves so and treated her more like a houseguest than the partner she had already become, and that did begin to wound her. But his friends made sure he understood the gravity of this and the reality of the situation to let her in at last. All of which spoke to that theme, and there was plenty more analysis where that came from.

Because Gaby was struggling with too much change in her life. For her mother was moving at light speed to move into her house, and she… she didn’t want this. She did not want a full-time roommate in the house she worked so hard to build. So, she pondered upon her options and also relied upon her friends to help her see that she needed to set boundaries and stop this before it got out of hand. Which hurt her mother deeply, but Gaby did stand up for herself and did not please others for a change. But what mattered more here, was that this was a fascinating look at how change can be slightly unhealthy for us and can make us afraid because of what we could potentially sacrifice for it. Not to mention, it also examined how change can hurt others since Gaby’s mom suffered a bit for her daughter’s decision to shake things up and maintain that agency she was beginning to find.  

But of course, the centerpiece of this investigation, came forth via Jimmy and Alice. Who it seemed were enjoying a wondrous new path here. Since they were getting along, and Jimmy was able to buy her a dream car for her 18thbirthday. One that was just like the one her mother used to drive, and that act even allowed for Jimmy to flirt and connect with another lost soul in this life. Making it seem as though their journey was on the up and up. But while driving about, Alice stopped by to talk to Louis, who told her no contact was preferred and she got the skinny on what happened and what Jimmy said. Which brought forth more conflict and sorrow and taught us, that healing, and change can be very painful when we don’t follow the steps and put in all of the work. Which is something that Jimmy did here and has done for some time now and the universe always slows such matters down. 

All of which brought forth, another powerful and insightful episode from this series. One that once again, did not sugar coat the healing process and showcased how tough it can be. Courtesy of a story that once again felt real, and felt relatable and well, this episode deserves a round of applause for being so earnest. Because this is the stuff we need when it comes to stories about healing. So that people understand how they won’t just wake up one day and all will be well. There will be tough days, and setbacks and chaos, because life isn’t pretty, it’s a tapestry of ups and downs and that was refreshing to find here. As was the tiny lesson that sometimes… change just requires some baseline alterations, which was showcased through Liz’s journey in this story, and well… all of these elements set the stage for quite the incredible end to season two of this story. Wherein these fine yet flawed people will have to reconcile with the fallout of change and their actions… to find the peace in their souls they so seek. Until next time.

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