Shrinking – Season 2 Episode 6 Recap & Review

In A Lonely Place

Episode 6 of Shrinking Season 2 begins with Alice worrying about her strained relationship with Summer. Meanwhile, everyone receives the news that Sean is in the hospital, where he hilariously and bluntly reveals everyone’s secrets under the influence of anesthesia. Jimmy convinces Paul that they should find Sean’s father, who, having been so shocked, had resigned himself to fishing, and talk to him.

At the same time, Alice receives her wallet back through Brian and finds a note from Louis apologizing to her. Later, Brian finally reveals that he’s been talking to Louis and tells Alice that Louis’s life is a complete wreck. Hearing this, Alice decides to visit him. Louis takes responsibility for what happened without any excuses, and they talk about Tia. Alice then decides to forgive Louis, remembering that it’s what her mother would have wanted.

Meanwhile, Paul and Jimmy speak to Sean’s father and suggest that he talk to Sean. Eventually, he does. He meets Sean and admits that he became defensive when Sean told him he’d failed him because it was true. Sean forgives him, and the two reconcile.

Elsewhere, Connor is a mess after his relationship with Summer turns sour. Liz tells him to go back to school, which he’s been skipping to stay home. Later, Liz’s dog photography is rejected by the shelter, and Gaby finally makes peace with her sister, telling her to live her own life but asking for three months to figure out a plan for their mother’s care.

Now, Liz realizes that, after their big argument, Connor left for school without saying goodbye. Liz’s empty nest syndrome begins to take over, leaving her feeling lonelier and hurt. The episode ends with Liz meeting up with Mac, who encourages her to take pictures of his dog.

The Episode Review

In this episode, we see Liz reverting to her Season 1 struggles with loneliness with Connor gone once again. The episode’s ending suggests potential issues that may arise in Liz and Derek’s relationship with Mac’s reentry into their lives. However, the plot feels in need of some fresh direction and buildup. At the same time, Louis’s character, and his effect on Alice and Jimmy’s lives currently feels somewhat superficial and lacks depth. It seems like a fleeting plot device unless the writers choose to explore his character further.

Basically, Shrinking has slowed down a bit, similar to the middle of the first season. The plot direction is currently somewhat unclear, with the show hinting at the resolution of multiple issues that have been part of its plot progression—Louis’s entry into Alice’s life, Sean’s issues with his dad, and the status of Jimmy and Gaby’s relationship.