“Shrinking” finally gives its best character time

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for Season 2 of Shrinking.shrinkageThe premise of depicting chaotic and realistic characters trying to heal requires many lovable personalities to carry the story, and the series features a wide range of amusing characters, from the prickly but caring Paul (Harrison Ford) to the overly committed Liz (Christa Miller). However, one of the best hasn't had much screen time. While Jimmy (Jason Segel) deals with the consequences of his loss, his friends and family help him, as does Liz, who took care of his daughter. Jimmy's patients also play a big role when he tries to get back on track with unconventional therapy methods. But Derek (Ted McGinley) spent most of the first season in the background, He only showed up occasionally to reassure Liz with his relaxed demeanor and crack a joke or twobut rarely involved in the action.

As Liz's now retired husband, he is always nearby, but unlike his wife, he doesn't interfere in what's going on. Instead, Derek observes somewhat distantly. But even with a limited role, the laid-back character made an impression in Season 1 and proved he should be much more involved. Season 2 does just that, giving Derek more time by making him a part of the other characters' lives. Derek finally gets a more substantial story as he tries to upstage Gaby (Jessica Williams) with his friend (Damon Wayans Jr.), who also happens to be named Derrick. By delving into Gaby's personal life, Derek is taking an active part in the story, and it's about time.

Derek's new “shrinking” plot makes him part of the group

While Liz became part of the group by becoming friends with Gaby and starting a business with Sean (Luke Tennie), Derek hasn't fully integrated into everyone. However, his clear friendship with Gaby binds him even closer to everyone. Derek and Gaby met in Season 1, and as Liz and Gaby grew closer, Derek also got to know her and even developed nicknames for each other. Yet they never shared a common plot. Because of his closeness to Liz, Derek learns a lot about what's going on, and Gaby's love life is chaotic. So Derek decides to help by inviting the other Derrick, thinking he and Gaby would get along well. And he's right. However, there is good chemistry between Gaby and Derrick She doesn't feel ready to date yet. Surprisingly, Derek doesn't stop there. He insists that Gaby deserves to be happy and shows up at her house to convince her when she rejects his first attempt.

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Derek's devious scheme cements his friendship with Gaby. Not only does she listen to him and go on a date with Derrick, but his kind words show that he knows her better than expected. He notices her need to take care of others and wants her to have someone who will do the same for her. But he may not realize that he is taking care of his friend himself. It's a touching moment for the character as he reveals why he decided to get involved and shows that he's being considerate and kind in his attempt to help a friend. His friendship with Gaby brings him one step closer to joining the group, regardless of his connection to Liz.

“Shrinking” Season 2 shows a new side of Derek

So far, Derek has been the relaxed, uninvolved balance to Liz's overzealous participation in the group. He watches from the window and gives their foster dogs unusual names. While Liz is nervous, Derek is relaxed, which is part of the humor. But his quiet determination as he tries to help Gaby is refreshing. Recognizing a situation and deciding to intervene is new territory for Derekand yet he does it so casually that it doesn't seem out of character. This side of Derek proves how well he and Liz fit together. While Derek is willing to follow her lead in most situations, he is not afraid to manipulate a situation when he feels it is necessary.

With just a minute here and there, Derek became a prominent characterbut his larger role only makes him better. His loyalty and care for his friends show us more about who Derek is, as does his meddling. Derek is a highlight in an already great series, and the fact that audiences learn more about him only reinforces that fact. Giving Derek something to do is shrinkage Best choice yet for Season 2, as it only becomes more obvious that everyone needs a Derek.

shrinkage is available to stream on Apple TV+ in the US. New episodes appear every Wednesday.

Release date

January 26, 2023

Pour

Jason Segel, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, Ted McGinley, Heidi Gardner, Devin Kawaoka, Lilan Bowden, Kimberly Condict, Lily Rabe, Tilky Jones, Rachel Stubington, Wendie Malick, Sawyer Jones , Mike C. Nelson, Matt Knudsen, Kenajuan Bentley, Adam Foster Ballard

Seasons

1

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Watch on Apple TV+