‘Shrinking’ Recap: ‘Psychological Something-ism’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Lukita Maxwell as Alice in Episode 203 of ‘Shrinking’ – ‘Psychological Something-ism’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Normally shows and stories about healing, feature a theme of the week if you will. For instance, one episode might focus heavily on the sorrow that grief causes us, before moving onto what kinds of emotional mood swings, we go through. All in the hopes, of giving us a story that teaches us how to heal and how to be better when darkness and tough times come our way. Which isn’t a bad thing in the slightest, because heaven knows we could all use a guide on matters that we tend to learn the hard way. But there are stories out there that are looking to teach us such lessons in a far more organic manner, so that the lessons stick differently and so that we understand how to heal with the chaos of the world around us, and one show leading the charge in that is Shrinking on Apple TV+.

As evidenced by the next episode of the show. For ‘Psychological Something-ism’ pondered upon a bevy of concepts related to healing in that style. For instance, it looked deeply at how hard it can be for us to support one another during hard times and during the healing process courtesy of Grace’s journey. For she didn’t get into trouble for what she did, but she felt… she should be punished. Because the trauma was real, and it even brought her back to Donny and his awful ways. Which pushed Jimmy to do what must be done to get her the help she needed, and that brought about conflict with Grace, with Brian, and all of that tied to the fact that we can be selfish with our healing needs and close off because we don’t think we can do anything to help someone in need or come back from our pain. But when we open up, wonders are accomplished, as evidenced by the healing that Grace took part in, and the joy that Jimmy brought to his friend.

Plus, we also saw Paul and Liz learn a lot about the power of communication. Since Paul and Julie were dealing with some romantic struggles in this episode, the kind where Paul didn’t want to ask Julie what she needed because he was afraid it would complicate a love he craved. But he came to learn that asking the right questions and responding the right way… is how we strengthen a love. Whereas Liz learned…  that you have to communicate, period. You cannot assume what a person wants or needs, you have to ask to find out. Because she overheard Sean talking to his dad about how it was a dream for them to work one, so she thought she’d grant his wish and give him that, only to learn… that was upsetting for Sean. For he did not want that, he just placated his father to be free of drama and had Liz asked about this, she would have known. 

But of course, the centerpiece of this episode, came forth via Alice. Who, despite advice from Paul, would not let go the fact that her mother’s killer was roaming about the town, and that… talking to him was deemed as a bad idea. Because she needed something, anything to quell the pain and perhaps speaking to him or taking out frustrations upon him was the way to go. So, she made her way to the coffee shop where he worked and confronted him and received, quite the surprise. In that, he apologized for what he had done, he offered her care and empathy and that… wasn’t what she was ready for in that moment. So, she lashed out, let unresolved pain come forth and tore into the man, whose name we learned is Louis. Which taught us, sometimes we are so desperate for closure and peace that we will do stupid things and lash out, and that made for a powerful moment from a powerful episode.

One that truly offered up, a beautiful buffet of real-world scenarios and lessons. Since we do write people off when they rebuff our help when hurting, and we do have a tendency to try and keep a status quo going or make choices for those we care about, without learning what they actually need and want. And yes, we jump the gun to heal and that was all put on display here so we can see the moment, recognize it and prepare ourselves for the detailed lesson to come on how to fix it. All of which was presented to us in an unconventional manner, one that truly did feel real and plausible and has us eager to learn so we can see, peace come to the people of this universe. Because they’re struggling with a lot, and they are good people that deserve better, and it will be interesting to see what other unique ways in which we heal will be presented to us as season two of this powerful show continues along. Until next time.

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