Episode 11 of Season 2 of "Shrinking" opens on a chord of tension as Alice and Jimmy clash over their differing stances concerning Louis. Liz, attempting to intervene on Jimmy's behalf, finds herself unsuccessful as Jimmy steadfastly refuses Alice's plea to assist Louis.
Elsewhere, Gaby grapples struggles with a torrent of guilt for asking her mother to reside separately with a nurse, a decision that has strained their bond to its limits.
Meanwhile, Paul finds himself in a quandary dilemma as he suspects his medication has lost its efficacy. Seeking clarification from his neurologist, he is startled to find her encrossed in a date—with none other than Sean! They hastily arrange to reschedule a proper consultation for another time.
Later, Jimmy's concentration wanes while attending to a patient who confesses to having kidnapped her neighbor's dog. He counsels her to return the pet promptly but later unleashes his frustrations to Paul, confiding in him about his tumultuous relationship with Alice. Paul cautions Jimmy that failing to confront his own demons could lead him back down a perilous path to his previous unhealthy state.
As Thanksgiving dinner looms on the horizon, Gaby finds herself hosting the festivities yet notably excludes her boyfriend, Derek. She unburdens her heart to Liz and her spouse, Derek himself, revealing her lingering doubts about their relationship. She senses that Derek's presence overshadows her own, making her feel insignificant.
In a parallel narrative thread, Derek embarks on a quest to acquire a new property and invites Brian and Sean to accompany him for a viewing. He generously extends an invitation to Sean to reside there at a reduced cost, hoping to extricate him from his cramped apartment. However, Sean is overwhelmed by the magnitude of Derek's gesture and abruptly exits the scene, leaving a trail of confusion in his wake.
Elsewhere, Jimmy reaches out to Grace, a former patient of his, seeking insight into how she managed to forgive herself amidst the missteps of her marital journey. Grace reveals that she found solace in the knowledge that her ex-partner was thriving. Inspired by her story, Jimmy once again embarks on his mission to "rescue" others, using it as a shield to divert his attention from the unaddressed sorrow lingering within him.
Concurrently, Brian and Derek pay a visit to Sean at his abode, where Sean confesses that he is still grappling with the past and isn't quite ready to embark on a new chapter. Elsewhere, Alice and Summer bond with Louis, creating cherished moments.
Jimmy reassuringly brushes off Paul's genuine concerns about his mental well-being, insisting that he is alright. However, during an encounter where Jimmy aids his patient in retrieving her kidnapped dog, he observes her positive progress and acknowledges the impact of his advice. This awakening stirs the suppressed emotions buried deep within Jimmy, compelling him to confront the persistent ache in his heart.
In another twist, Brian receives a call from the prospective birth mother of the child he and Charlie yearn to adopt. She informs them of her decision to entrust them with her baby, sparking a joyous celebration among their circle of friends.
Meanwhile, Derek becomes acutely aware of Gaby's intentions to end their relationship, evident in her evasive demeanor. The final nail in the coffin comes when he learns he isn't included in her Thanksgiving dinner plans, confirming his suspicions. Respecting her wishes, Derek decides to grant her the distance she desires.
The episode culminates in a festive gathering at a restaurant, where the group toasts to Brian and Charlie's impending parenthood. However, Jimmy reaches his breaking point. Overcome by an avalanche of emotions, he reaches out to Paul and vulnerably confesses, "I'm not okay."
