Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Shrinking season 2, episode 6, “In a Lonely Place.”
Shrinkingseason 2, episode 6, “In a Lonely Place” ends with a worrisome tease thatthe marriage between Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley) may be in trouble. After Derek retired from his job in season 1, McGinley was promoted to be a series regular in season 2. Derek now has more of a presence in the series and is spending more time withShrinking’s cast of characters. However, his increased presence in season 2 has also changed some of the dynamics in his marriage with Liz, who does not always like having her husband around.
Meanwhile, Liz has been struggling to find her purpose inShrinkingseason 2after selling her share of the food truck to Sean’s father, Tim (Kenajuan Bentley), along with the dog shelter rejecting the photos she took of the dogs who need a home.Liz has also been irked by Derek not bothering to look at her dog photos, his reaction to learning that she ran into Mac (Josh Hopkins), and him not supporting her in the way she needs. These factors lead to her questionable decision at the end of episode 6.
Shrinking Season 2, Episode 6’s Ending Teased That Liz Might Cheat On Derek
Liz’s Relationship With Mac Is Worrisome
Derek, who is usually easygoing about everything, was perturbed to learn about her running into Mac and expressed clear distaste for him. This makes it all the more concerning thatwhen Liz feels unsupported by her husband, she chooses to go see Mac, who is seemingly the only person who rankles Derek. When she shows Mac her dog photos, he looks at them carefully, shares how impressed he is, and encourages Liz to go to the park so she can use her talents to take pictures of his dog.
Shrinking: What Brian’s Coffee Cup Means, Continuing Season 2’s Biggest Story
Brian’s coffee cup in Shrinking season 2, episode 5 has larger significance and teases where one of the season’s biggest stories is headed.
While this is technically not cheating, the situation feels as if it could go in that direction, especially since Liz and Mac used to sleep together. Thesong from thisShrinkingseason 2 episode endingis “Escape,” in which the narrator talks about escaping with someone who does not make them feel invisible, further backs up this idea. It suggests thatLiz and Mac’s rekindled friendship could escalate into her cheating on Derek. He looks at the dog photos and, unlike Derek, makes her feel seen and heard.
Why Shrinking Can’t Risk Ruining Liz & Derek’s Relationship
They Are One Of The Show’s Most Important And Unique Couples
Liz and Derek have been a foundational couplesinceShrinkingseason 1and are one of the show’s best relationships. Liz’s intense, but well-intentioned disposition and Derek’s carefree nature allow them to balance each other out well. They are also the only married couple in the show where both partners receive consistent focus and feel fully developed. The recently married Brian (Michael Urie) and Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) are a wonderful couple, but only Brian is a main character who has his own storylines.
Brian and Charlie got married in theShrinkingseason 1 finale.
Ruining Liz and Derek’s marriage risks destroying one ofShrinking’s best relationships, as well as their individual arcs moving forward. The current challenges they are having are a good reminder that even seemingly the best couples have their problems. Liz cheating on Derek, hopefully, will not become one of those problems, with the two of them instead finding a way to work through their marital issues. With half ofShrinkingseason 2 left, there are many possibilities for what happens next between Liz, Derek, and Mac.
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.
