In the latest thrilling installment of Shrinking‘s impressive second season, which is approaching its finale with just two episodes left, the episode “Changing Patterns” could have just as fittingly been called “Negotiations.” After all, what is changing patterns if not a series of negotiations with oneself and others over behaviors or decisions that no longer benefit us?

This question is central to the lives of Gabby (Jessica Williams), Paul (Harrison Ford), and the couple Liz and Derek (Christa Miller and Ted McGinley) as they prepare to celebrate Alice’s significant birthday. Alice is turning 18—a milestone that leaves her father Jimmy (Jason Segel) both excited and anxious. To make the day unforgettable, he plans to surprise her with a yellow Mini Cooper, reminiscent of her mother’s car from her college days.

Liz and Gabby are particularly enthusiastic about Alice’s birthday, both scheming to convince her to let them help her prepare for a night out with friends followed by a dinner with Jimmy and the rest. Alice, skilled in negotiation herself, compromises on a more low-key celebration with just cake in the kitchen. Both women, acting as surrogate mothers, take their roles seriously, even as they navigate their own complex adult lives. Gabby is moving her own mother into her home with assistance from Brian and Jimmy, while Liz is caught in a cycle of guilt and overcompensation towards Derek after an indiscretion with Mac. Despite their outward confidence—Gabby standing firm against any opposition and Liz fiercely defending her place even at a food truck line—their personal lives reveal their vulnerabilities.

The episode starts with the death of Julie’s husband, prompting Gabby to urge Paul to break his usual patterns. Known for his aloofness and casual relationships, Paul’s old habits are challenged by Gabby’s observations about his tendency to prioritize others over himself. This includes Gabby’s own struggles, such as cancelling plans with Derek to care for a patient’s toddler and hiding the truth from her mother about not wanting her to move in.

As the narrative unfolds, each character confronts the need for change. Gabby ultimately decides to be honest with her mother about her concerns, a conversation that ends with expected sadness. Liz, bolstered by a pep talk, chooses to stop playing the doting wife, instead reclaiming her assertive, no-nonsense persona which brings a new peace to her relationship with Derek. Paul, taking Gabby’s advice, agrees to let Julie move in officially, embracing vulnerability and a new vision for his future, enhanced when Julie reveals she’s been making the apartment more homely with her family photos.

A pivotal scene not involving negotiations features Jimmy meeting Sofi (played by Cobie Smulders, his former castmate from How I Met Your Mother). Their interaction is charmingly awkward, hinting at potential new beginnings for Jimmy. However, he first focuses on Alice’s birthday, gifting her the Mini Cooper and later receiving a promising text from Sofi.

Yet, Alice’s day takes a turn when she uses her new car to confront Louis (Brett Goldstein), leading to the discovery that Jimmy had interfered with their communication, souring what was an otherwise perfect celebration. Frustrated, she returns home, leaving Jimmy to face the challenges of parenting a teenager.

Random Musings

• • Jessica Williams’s memorable scene involving a bold exclamation will stick with me for a while.
• • Sean seems to have been relegated to the background in recent episodes, his contributions limited to side comments and baking a cake for Alice.
• • It might be time to address how much of Alice’s social life is entangled with her father and his friends.
• • One of the funniest moments was Jimmy’s sarcastic query to Paul about his past hurts, met with a deadpan “My dad.”
• • I’m curious to see if we’ll encounter Gabby’s patient again, who brought a unique dynamic to the show.
• • Jimmy’s earnest attempt at poetry for Alice managed to be endearing rather than cringeworthy.
• • Charlotte Cardin’s “Confetti” played during the episode’s close, prompting an immediate addition to my playlist.