Warning: There are Shrinking season 2, episode 7 & 8 spoilers ahead.
Shrinkingactor Ted McGinley addresses the storyline where Liz (Christa Miller) kisses Mac (Josh Hopkins). McGinley’s character, Derek, and Liz are a foundational couple of the Apple TV+ series and are among the most importantShrinkingcharacters. Despite having one of the show’s stronger romantic relationships,season 2 has seen Liz feeling emotionally neglected by Derek, which leads to her kissing Mac, the one person that the usually easygoing Derek cannot stand.
During an interview withCBR,McGinley shares that he was disappointed by the storyline, but still managed to find a silver liningin it. He discusses how he could see where the storyline was headed while acting opposite Miller and that it was difficult to play considering the positivity and light humor that Derek generally brings to the show. However, McGinley did find beauty in the storyline that made performing it more meaningful. Check out his comments below:
I’m such a fan of all the people on the show. They hit it out of the park every single time. So when something like that comes along, I thought, “Oh man, I hope I can let this rip and find this place.” Once I was playing opposite Christa Miller, I could see it right away. I could feel it coming across with such passion and hurt and pain. It was so easy to go there.
I was so disappointed by the storyline of the kiss and where they were going that it hurt. It hurt me personally. I thought it was just easy to go to these places because I love the positive nature of Derek. In so much darkness, it’s so nice to have this lightness. But I was so excited by the challenge of it and so looking forward to getting deeper in the character of Derek. You really see a lot of truth to who Derek actually is, what their relationship is, and how they work, and I think that’s beautiful.
What This Means For Shrinking Season 2
The Series Has Benefited From Derek’s Surprising Storyline
Other thanBrett Goldstein’sShrinkingcharacter, Louis, being the drunk driver involved in the car accident that killed Tia (Lilan Bowden), the Liz and Derek storyline is arguably the most surprising part of season 2.It is especially jarring to see Derek genuinely hurt and solemn, but these scenes ultimately elevate Derek’s character and allow the series to further explore him. Season 2 sees McGinley as a series regular after having a recurring role in season 1, with his increased presence allowing the show to go deeper into what defines Derek beyond his humorous and relaxed nature.
Shrinking Season 2 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song From Every Episode
The soundtrack is a vital part of Apple TV+’s Shrinking season 2 as Jimmy, Paul, Gaby, and the rest of the characters navigate new challenges.
Shrinking’s careful balance between comedy and drama can feel uneven at times.The Derek and Liz storyline mainly leans into drama, but it is an important reminderthat even the best couples have their issues, and that without open communication, these issues will fester, and the relationship will suffer because of it. This is an important message to send in a series so focused on the importance of mental health and on learning from mistakes.
Our Take On Ted McGinley’s Comments
He Perfectly Understands And Embodies Derek
SinceShrinkingseason 1, Derek has been one of the show’s funniest characters while also being someone who has deep emotional investment in the lives of his family and friends.McGinley has the sense of humor and emotional intelligence to encapsulate these aspects of Derek, along with being excited instead of scared by the difficult scenes he had to play. He was less disappointed in the storyline than he was by how Derek let Liz down. His understanding and investment in Derek makes the character’s futureShrinkingstorylines more enticing.
Shrinking
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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.
