Warning: This article contains spoilers from Shrinking season 2, episodes 1 and 2.Brett Goldstein’sShrinkingcharacter has been revealed in the season 2 premiere. The actor and comedian is best known for his role as the fan-favorite Roy Kent inTed Lasso, another popular Apple TV+ comedy series, for which he won two Emmy Awards.Goldstein was previously confirmed to have a guest starring roleas he joined the star-studded cast featuring Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, and Jessica Williams inShrinkingseason 2, although details about Goldstein’s new character remained under wraps.
Other than confirmation of Goldstein making his series debut, all that was known about his mysterious character was teased byShrinkingco-creator Bill Lawrence, who revealed that the character is"a sweetie,““so lovely as a person,“and someone"you end up rooting for.“Lawrence also discussed how unlikeTed Lasso’s Roy,Shrinkingrequired Goldstein to be clean-shaven for the character. Due to the character being different from Roy in many ways, another actor was nearly cast in the role, until Segel helped Lawrence see that Goldstein was the perfect individual to cast.
Brett Goldstein Plays The Drunk Driver Who Killed Jimmy’s Wife In Shrinking Season 2
Season 2 Features Flashbacks Following The Accident
The season 2 premiere revealsGoldstein’sShrinkingcharacteras Louis, who is the drunk driver in the accident that killed Jimmy’s wife, Tia. At the end of season 2, episode 1, “Jimmying,” Louis is in the waiting room at the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center. Seeing Louis in the waiting room is accompanied by flashbacks of Jimmy seeing Louis in a police car the night of the tragic accident. Even thoughLouis is there in good faith and to apologize, Jimmy does not take it well, as he loses his temper and shouts at Louis to leave.
How Shrinking Season 2 Addresses Jimmy’s Unorthodox Therapy Explained By Creators
Shrinking co-creators Jason Segel and Bill Lawrence tease how season 2 will explore the consequences of Jimmy’s unique therapeutic approach.
In a matter of seconds,Goldstein makes Louis distinct from Roy. The clean-shaven appearance helps with this, as does Louis' soft-spoken voice, which is nothing like Roy’s gruff voice inTed Lasso. However, one thing Goldstein has not changed is his accent.Shrinkingtakes place in Pasadena, California, but Louis has a British accent. As season 2 continues, more details about Louis' past, including the life he leads in Pasadena and why he was drunk and decided to drive the night of Tia’s death, will likely be unveiled.
How Louis' Visit Impacts Jimmy & Alice
They Are Naturally Struggling With It
Jimmy is visibly shaken by Louis' unexpected visit, not only by his angry reaction toward Louis, but by how he is left reeling in the aftermath. After struggling to figure out how to tell his daughter, Alice, about this, he eventually tells her in predictably awkward and uncomfortable fashion. Alice initially seems to handle it better than her father did, as she channels her anger into writing a letter to Louis that she claims she will never send to him, an idea that was suggested by her friend and high school classmate, Summer.
Much of the unresolved trauma, anger, and sadness Alice felt about her mother’s death has been reignited and will make life more difficult for her to navigate in season 2.
In episode 2, “I Love Pain,” Alice takes Jimmy’s car for the night and parks it outside of Louis' house. She stays there for a while as she sits on the hood of Jimmy’s car and peers into the home of the man who accidentally killed her mother. This ending emphasizes that Alice is more affected by the situation than what she let on. Much of the unresolved trauma, anger, and sadness Alice felt about her mother’s death has been reignited and will make life more difficult for her to navigate in season 2.
Brett Goldstein Is More Than Just A Shrinking Season 2 Guest Star
He Is One Of The Major Creative Forces Behind Shrinking
Goldstein’s involvement withShrinkinggoes far beyond being a guest star ashe is one of the series' co-creators, executive producers, and writers. He created the series alongside Lawrence and Segel and co-wrote the first episode, “Coin Flip” with them. Goldstein wrote the scripts for episode 2, “Fortress of Solitude,” and episode 7, “Apology Tour,” on his own. In season 2, he wrote the script for episode 6 and co-wrote the episode 12 script with Lawrence and Segel.
Brett Goldstein wrote the scripts for severalTed Lassoepisodes.
Season 1’s success is in large part due to Goldstein’s work behind the cameraand his ability to bring the genuinely funny, moving, and well-written series to life. These contributions continue to be felt in the strong start to season 2, which is further strengthened by the introduction of Goldstein’s Louis. The new character is already one of the most compelling elements ofShrinkingseason 2, as he continues to impact the stories of Jimmy, Alice, and other characters.
Shrinking
Cast
In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.
