SHRINKING is a comedy/drama series on Apple TV+ starring Harrison Ford in his first network show. Regrettably Ford, is not the star of this sitcom about three physiatrists in a joint partnership trying to help heal patients amid the chaos and setbacks in their personal lives. Paul (Harrison Ford) is the elder, managing partner with Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) and Gaby (Jessica Williams). Besides being the saner voice of reason, Ford brings an ingratiating appeal to his role and Williams, the younger, hipper, wise cracking partner brings a delightful energy to this motley mix. Segel as Jimmy is the central character, a grieving widow. Jimmy has a teenage daughter whom he's neglected for the past year while shrouding himself in inconsolable morning. Jimmy'a patients have also been dealt with in a shoddy, contemptuous manner as his grip on reality has shrunk. The premise examines dramatic and comedic scenarios with insight. My issue with the show is with Segel in the central role. Segel is not credible as a licensed psychiatrist, a bereaved husband, or father to a teen whom he's neglected and now wants to reconnect. Segel has written and produced several successful comedies. His strengths lie in portraying the haphazard tagalong; annoyingly likable but not to be taken too seriously. The dramatic demands of the lead are sorely derailed by Segel's dismal performance. However, as a producer, Segel has surrounded himself by a cast that more than makes up for his flimsy performance. Harrison and Williams as partners in the practice with Jimmy give both humorous and poignant performances in their personal storylines as well as the mentoring proffered by Harrison and the loving support by Williams. Also stellar in their roles are Segel's daughter Alice (a lovely Lucite Maxwell), best friend Brian (a hilarious Michael Urie), next door neighbor Liz (Christa Miller) acting as surrogate mother for Alice and court ordered psychiatric patient Sean (Luke Tennie). Sean has anger issues. Lard is his assigned psychiatrist who proceeds to breaks all established protocols and offers Sean refuge in his home after Sean's parents kick him out. Sean is thoroughly ingratiating as the volatile, misunderstood black male whose tough veneer hides a sensitive and caring young man wanting to emerge. I'm going to treat myself with additional sessions of SHRINKING which shows promise as a thoughtful and entertaining series. I'll withhold judgement as to how the show progresses.
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