Shrinking S2 Episode 9: Getting Unstuck – MacGuffin or Meaning
We’re coming close to the end of the second season of Shrinking, and this episode, “Full Grown Dude Face,” feels like a moment of calm before the storm for the final stretch of episodes. The characters are all dealing with their own challenges: Brian and Charlie are on the path to parenthood, Liz and Derek are navigating the aftermath of Liz’s infidelity, Alice is working through the loss of her mom, and Gaby’s family dynamics are shifting as her sister joins the Army and her mom moves in with her.
Throughout this season, two key themes have emerged: forgiveness and feeling stuck. In this episode, the theme of being stuck takes center stage. Gaby, for example, struggles to prioritize her own needs over caring for others. Despite her outward appearance of having it all together, she often finds herself being taken advantage of in relationships because she struggles to set healthy boundaries. Until she seeks help to break this cycle, she may remain stuck in this pattern.
On the other hand, we see a success story in Alice. Despite the challenges she faces after losing her mom, she has been receiving guidance and support through therapy, which helps her navigate difficult situations. This episode beautifully portrays how therapy can provide the tools to move through feelings of being stuck, rather than fixing them entirely.
And amidst all the emotional moments, there are some lighthearted ones too. Brian’s antics in going through Jimmy’s trash for a rewind had me laughing, and the joke about “secret big ‘uns” was dead on. But the tears were real when Liz opened up about motherhood, hitting home for anyone with adult kids. It’s a reminder that we all have areas in our lives where we might feel stuck, but with the right support and tools, it is possible to break free.
