This article contains spoilers from Shrinking episodes 1 and 2.
Shrinkingstar Jason Segel and producer Bill Lawrence tease the emotional story ahead for Brett Goldstein’s character. Goldstein, who co-created the series alongside Segel and Lawrence, wasrevealed to be playing Louis, the drunk driver involved in the accident that killed Tia(Lilan Bowden). TheShrinkingseason 2premiere saw Louis unexpectedly visiting Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) to apologize for what he did, leading Jimmy to angrily shout at Louis to leave.
While speaking withTVLine,Segel and Lawrence hinted at how forgiveness will be the key theme of Louis' story and ofShrinkingseason 2. They discussed how easy it is to give in to scorn, but that this does not help anyone move forward when dealing with the kind of traumatic loss that Jimmy and his daughter, Alice, have experienced. Segel and Lawrence also spoke about these themes in broad terms, and not only in terms of Louis' arc. Check out their comments below:
Jason Segel: I think this season is about a journey of forgiveness. It’s really easy to make the object of your scorn into some sort of devil, and to slowly realize that that’s not how life works is going to be part of the journey of their dynamic.
Bill Lawrence: I don’t think there’s any moving forward for people that go through this type of catastrophic family event. Some people never do, but until you forgive, you’re gonna be stuck in it forever.
What This Means For Shrinking Season 2
Louis Isn’t The Only Who Needs Forgiveness
Segel and Lawrence offer a compelling tease of what is to come and an important reminder of the story thatShrinkingis telling. While most stories would position Louis as a villain given his actions,Shrinkingis ultimately a show about the importance of empathy. As the season progresses, more about Louis and his challenges will undoubtedly be revealed, showing that he has also been struggling since the aftermath of the accident, and likely before the accident as well. He has already been humanized by going to see Jimmy and genuinely apologizing to him.
Shrinking Season 2 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song From Every Episode
The soundtrack is a vital part of Apple TV+’s Shrinking season 2 as Jimmy, Paul, Gaby, and the rest of the characters navigate new challenges.
Louis learning to forgive himself and being forgiven by Jimmy and Alice is poised to be one of the season’s main storylines, but the season 2 premiere also set up forgiveness as an important storyline for otherShrinkingcharacters, too. It was already important to Gaby (Jessica Williams) to forgive Liz (Christa Miller) after snapping her.Jimmy’s patient, Grace (Heidi Gardner), also needs to find self-forgivenessas she is currently consumed with punishing herself for what she did to her emotionally abusive boyfriend.
Our Take On Jason Segel and Bill Lawrence’s Comments
Louis Is A Compelling Addition To Shrinking Season 2
Goldstein’s Shrinking characteris already one of the most compelling parts of season 2, asthe series makes Louis sympathetic instead of simply demonizing him. Louis should face some accountability for the role his drunk driving played in Tia’s death, but he is still human and deserves to be understood. Learning to forgive himself and Jimmy and Alice forgiving him may help them all move forward with their lives as the traumatic accident continues to haunt them inShrinkingseason 2.
Shrinking
Cast
In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
