by Tim Gordon
The Season 3 premiere of Shrinking, titled “My Bad,” returns to the Apple TV+ comedy with a familiar blend of humor, heartache, and emotional honesty. As the series continues to explore grief, mental health, and human connection, the new season opens with one of its most poignant storylines yet.
Paul Faces Parkinson’s Head-On
As the new season opens, the focus lands squarely on Paul (Harrison Ford), whose Parkinson’s disease continues to progress. Tremors have worsened, daily routines have become more challenging, and the gradual erosion of his quality of life is impossible to ignore. In one of the episode’s most powerful moments, Paul meets another patient, Gerry (Michael J. Fox), and opens up about his condition. The scene resonates deeply, particularly given Fox’s real-life experience with Parkinson’s, and lands as both touching and unexpectedly funny.
Paul also seems to relish being, in his own words, an a**hole, a trait he wears with pride. Yet his relationship with Julie (Wendie Malick) has clearly softened him, allowing moments of warmth and vulnerability to emerge beneath his gruff exterior. Harrison Ford’s dry, deadpan humor continues to be one of Shrinking’s quiet surprises, proving his comedic instincts are among the show’s most reliable strengths.
Jimmy Remains Guarded by Grief
Jimmy (Jason Segel) is still navigating the long shadow of his wife’s death. Though he appears functional and supported, he remains emotionally closed off, especially when it comes to love. Jimmy’s arc reinforces one of the series’ central ideas: healing is not linear, and coping does not always mean moving on.
Despite tackling heavy themes, Shrinking continues to find humor without undercutting its emotional weight. Created by Bill Lawrence, Segel, and Brett Goldstein, the series once again walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy with confidence and care.
Alice Faces Anxiety and a Defining Choice
Jimmy’s daughter Alice faces intense pressure when a college soccer coach arrives to scout her. The desire to make the perfect impression sends her anxiety spiraling, made worse by the unconditional support of her tightly knit community. When the moment arrives, Alice makes a choice that exposes her insecurities but also marks a meaningful step in her personal growth.
Gaby Brings Love and Chaos
Gaby (Jessica Williams) is thriving in her relationship with Derrick (Damon Wayans Jr.) and remains an enthusiastic force in everyone’s lives. Her latest mission involves orchestrating a wedding for Paul and Julie, much to Paul’s curmudgeonly disdain. Meanwhile, Liz (Christa Miller) and her laid-back husband Derek (Ted McGinley) return to provide comic relief and well-intentioned chaos.
Looking Ahead
Paul’s storyline comes full circle in the premiere, with Julie gaining a sobering glimpse of what the future may hold. The moment is handled with restraint rather than melodrama, reinforcing Shrinking’s emotional intelligence.
Final Thoughts on Shrinking Season 3 Premiere
The opening exchange between Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox stands as one of the episode’s highlights. Fox’s return to acting feels purposeful and meaningful, and his character appears poised to recur throughout the season, further enriching Paul’s journey.
Sean’s continued presence in Jimmy and Alice’s lives underscores the episode’s overarching theme: the necessity of moving forward, even when it feels uncomfortable or incomplete.
“My Bad” reaffirms why Shrinking remains one of television’s most emotionally generous comedies, offering laughter not as an escape from pain, but as a companion to it.
