Episode 12 of "Shrinking" kicks off with a heartfelt therapy session between Jimmy and Paul. Elsewhere, Liz and Derek are in sync, urging Brian and Charlie to start the search for a nanny early on, given their impending roles as working parents. Meanwhile, tensions linger in Gaby's strained relationship with her mother and in the rocky path of Alice and Jimmy's bond.
In the office, Jimmy's day takes an unexpected turn when he learns that Summer has been caught shoplifting. With compassion, he steps in to resolve the situation by paying for the stolen items.
On the day Liz was set to assist Brian and Charlie in interviewing potential nannies, Gaby opens up to her, confessing that Derek's genuine affection for her, unburdened by dependency, had paradoxically led her to sabotage their relationship. Despite her turmoil, Liz's efforts help Brian and Charlie secure the perfect nanny.
Elsewhere, Jimmy joins Paul and Ray at their usual meetup. Under Paul's gentle nudging, Jimmy ponders opening up to Alice about his复杂 feelings regarding Louis. Meanwhile, Gaby reaches out to Derek, inviting him to her Thanksgiving dinner, but he politely declines.
With Connor and his brothers back in their lives, Liz finds herself grappling with feelings of emptiness once again. When Derek discovers that the nanny won't be available on Mondays and Fridays, he suggests they approach Liz for help. She joyfully accepts the offer when it's presented to her.
Alice returns home, seeking reconciliation. During their poignant conversation, Jimmy confesses that seeing Louis brings back painful memories of being an absent parent during Alice's most needing times. Together, they confront their issues and forge a stronger bond.
Finally, Thanksgiving arrives, and Julie springs a surprise by bringing a hesitant Paul to Gaby's house. There, Paul expresses his heartfelt gratitude for being surrounded by people he cares deeply about. To Gaby's astonishment, "Other Derek" attends, even bringing her mother along despite her initial refusal. As the group shares their gratitudes, Louis receives crushing news: his café friend disinvites him from Thanksgiving upon discovering his past. Heartbroken and desolate, Louis heads to the train station, texting Alice that he's in a dark place. When Alice doesn't arrive, Louis contemplates leaping in front of an oncoming train. Just in the nick of time, Jimmy rushes to the scene, sitting with Louis and providing the companionship he desperately needs, as the episode draws to a poignant close.
