Shrinking Season 3, Episode 4 Recap: Michael J. Fox’s Return & Paul’s Big Career Choice

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Be warned, this contains spoilers for season 3, episode 4 of Shrinking! The latest episode of Shrinking brings back Michael J. Fox’s character to support Paul as he faces a difficult choice. In the previous episode, Paul met Brian and Charlie’s new baby while also grappling with his Parkinson’s Disease. Things have been challenging, especially with the recent addition of hallucinations, which caused him further anxiety about the future. Despite this, Paul was determined to return to work as soon as possible.

Season 3 of Shrinking hasn’t been easy for anyone. Following some encouragement from his dad (Jeff Daniels) and Liz, Jimmy finally asked someone out – his first date since Tia passed away. Gaby began working with a new patient, but the woman was hesitant to open up, particularly after Gaby lost her temper. Liz and Derek faced challenges trying to help their son become more independent, and Sean reconnected with a former girlfriend.

The third episode of Shrinking‘s current season ended with the birth of Brian and Charlie’s daughter, Sutton. While things were hectic, the baby brought a surprising sense of peace, particularly for Paul. But, as expected, that calm didn’t last, and the fourth episode quickly returns to the characters’ ongoing struggles.

Jimmy’s First Date After Tia’s Death Goes Horribly

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In the fourth episode of Shrinking‘s third season, Jimmy’s date with Kimmy, the nurse he met in the previous episode, is underway. Things initially go well, with a connection forming as they playfully discuss their orders and Jimmy shows her his tattoo for Tia. However, the date takes a turn when Kimmy becomes overly focused on the sadness surrounding Tia’s passing.

Jimmy repeatedly tried to change the subject, but Kimmy kept pressing him about whether he was being unfaithful to his late wife, Tia, or how he could even think about dating again. When Jimmy mentioned Alice, Kimmy became overwhelmed and started crying, leaving Jimmy feeling awkward and annoyed. It was definitely not a positive first experience with dating after losing his wife.

Paul Gets The All-Clear To Go Back To Work

Because Paul was experiencing hallucinations, he had to stop seeing patients until the issue resolved. His doctor discovered the hallucinations were caused by a urinary tract infection, which stressed his brain as his body fought the infection. Once the infection cleared and he went a week without any new hallucinations, he could return to his normal routine.

The good news came in season 3, episode 4 of Shrinking, when Paul’s doctor said he was finally able to return to work, which was a very emotional moment for both him and Jimmy. The doctor also asked if she could send some of her Parkinson’s patients to Paul, thinking it would be helpful for them to talk to someone who understands what they’re going through. Paul happily agreed, and even let out one of Jimmy’s signature celebratory yells.

Gaby Finally Breaks Ground With Her Patient

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In the show Shrinking, Gaby successfully convinced her patient, Maya, to come back after a difficult first meeting. However, Maya remained closed off and unwilling to share her true feelings. In episode 4, Gaby grows frustrated and starts seeking advice. Jimmy eagerly suggests she adopt his unconventional, boundary-pushing methods, something Gaby has always disliked and avoided.

The true reason Gaby hesitated to accept Jimmy’s help only becomes clear after his disastrous guest lecture – it’s obvious to everyone, even the students, that his methods are flawed. Gaby has lost trust in Jimmy, still upset by his actions following Tia’s death and ultimately doesn’t respect him as a therapist. Despite their argument, Jimmy rightly observes that Gaby’s current approach with her patient isn’t effective and needs to be reevaluated.

Gaby finds a compromise between her and Jimmy’s approaches. She goes to the bar Maya mentioned for trivia night, and after winning the game with her impressive knowledge of Lord of the Rings, she’s surprised when Maya starts to open up. It’s a significant step forward, but Gaby might have trouble telling Jimmy about it in the next episode of Shrinking.

Liz & Derek Continue To Struggle With Their Son

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Okay, so in the third season of Shrinking, Liz and Derek have been really struggling with their son, Matthew. He came back home at the beginning of the season after losing his job, and honestly, he didn’t seem to have any motivation to get back on his feet. Derek finally tried to give him a bit of a push, but it turns out Matthew just moved in with another brother and is still causing problems. It’s frustrating to watch, and it feels like they’re just shifting the problem around instead of actually addressing it.

I was so worried about Liz! She was really struggling and finally turned to Paul for help, which was just a really sweet moment. She even gave him one of her special shiny rocks – she only gives those to the people she loves the most! And Paul? He told her he loved her too, though he jokingly warned her that nobody would believe her if she told them!

Paul then offers a suggestion that convinces Liz and Derek to allow Matthew to live in their empty, unfinished apartment. The condition is that Matthew must renovate the space himself. As long as he continues to make improvements, he’ll receive free rent and enough food to live on.

Derek Goes On A Trippy Adventure

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Luckily, after a strange encounter with a mannequin, Derek realized he needed to see a doctor. He couldn’t understand why he was suddenly floating high in the air and worried he’d been poisoned. This led him to call everyone he knew, either to warn them about the potential danger or to ask them to contact the FBI.

Derek is doing generally well, but doctors noticed a minor irregularity in his heart rate. They aren’t sure if this is related to the high dose of THC he received, or if it indicates a longer-term heart issue. He’s being referred to a heart specialist, and the show will definitely follow up on what happens next.

Michael J. Fox’s Gerry Returns For A Session With Paul

Harrison Ford’s appearance in the first episode of Shrinking season 3 was a delightful surprise, and his return in episode 4 was even better. He plays Gerry, a new patient at Paul’s practice who was referred by a doctor they both see. Gerry shares that he’s made a lot of progress in dealing with his Parkinson’s disease, but he still has a tough time each year around the same time.

Paul tries a technique he used before with Sean, from the show Shrinking. It involves imagining stepping into a comforting, insightful mist and letting it guide him to a solution. Gerry, jokingly, asks Paul to try the exercise with him as well.

During this moment, Gerry keeps thinking about last weekend. He’d been too unwell to get out of bed, so his wife and daughter spent the day with him, enjoying ice cream and movies. It was a really comforting and happy time, even though things are hard with Parkinson’s—a memory he’s grateful for when he’s struggling.

Honestly, thinking about Paul’s memories is really hitting me hard. He keeps replaying conversations with his family – his daughter telling him she just wants to spend as much time with him as possible, and his wife imagining them having quiet, peaceful mornings together forever. Then there’s Gabby reminding him to appreciate everything he’s accomplished in his career. It’s like this realization comes to him, and even though it’s unexpected, he just knows it’s the right path for him.

Paul Makes A Massive Career Choice

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In season 3, episode 4 of Shrinking, Paul has a breakthrough during a session with Gerry and comes to terms with the idea of retirement. He’d been strongly opposed to it before, as his job was a huge part of who he was, and he didn’t want to lose that. But knowing he could still work if he chose, Paul realizes he’d rather spend his time with his family instead.

When Paul tells Jimmy his news, Jimmy instantly gets it and wants to share a heartfelt moment with his mentor. But Paul quickly explains he needs at least a month to finish up before retiring. It’s been a long road getting here, and the rest of season 3 of Shrinking promises to deliver all the emotional moments – hugs, tears, and laughs – that Jimmy’s been hoping for.

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2026-02-18 13:50