Shrinking Doesn’t Work Without Harrison Ford

I’ve always admired Harrison Ford for his ability to breathe authenticity into even the most extraordinary characters. Yet, it’s his portrayal of Paul in “Shrinking” that truly resonates with me – not just because he plays a therapist, but because he embodies a man grappling with the human condition in all its messiness and complexity.

In the second episode of Shrinking‘s second season, Jimmy (Jason Segel), a therapist who blurs the lines between his personal and professional life to such an extent that one patient even resides with him, criticizes his colleague Paul (Harrison Ford) for being overly rigid in their profession. “You’re more like a mental-health robot,” Jimmy remarks, mimicking Paul during a therapy session. He adopts an automated tone while moving his arms robotically, saying, “Activate empathy,” and imitating the sound of a clock ticking as he says, “Time’s up.” He then simulates Paul shutting down, using mechanical noises: “Beep-boop. Beep-boop.” This is Jimmy’s playful way of suggesting that Paul lacks emotional connection in his therapeutic approach.

Paul, clearly agitated, states emphatically, “I don’t utter ‘beep-boop.'” He enunciates each word meticulously – “I. Never. Say. ‘Beep. Boop.'” – as if he wants every single word to be accurately transcribed for the record. Instead of amplifying the humor with more absurdity, Ford plays it straight, creating a character that mirrors public perception: practical, intolerant of nonsense, and somewhat grumpy. The simplicity in his “beep-boop” response makes it funnier than expected because he’s intentionally trying not to be funny.

In “Shrinking,” Ford’s character is a crucial component due to his unique blend, mirroring the signature style often found in Bill Lawrence-associated dramedies that seamlessly transition between heartfelt moments and comedic relief. Maintaining the right balance to prevent the absurdity from overshadowing authenticity can be challenging. Occasionally, “Shrinking” struggles with this balance as its comedic cast members are required to portray characters who are over-the-top, resulting in performances that can be equally intense. Jason Segel, known for his expressive facial expressions, reacts dramatically when surprised, mimics Cookie Monster, and even transforms a simple choking incident into a short solo comedy skit. Brian, played by Michael Urie, frequently discusses his discomfort in confrontational situations, emphasizing his unease further. In one scene, he tells Jimmy’s daughter Alice, “I don’t know how to say what I have to say to you,” using a voice reminiscent of characters from Pixar films. At times, both men perform as if they are acutely aware they’re part of a television comedy.

Among all the actors, Ford stands out in his ability to ground the show, making it feel more realistic. In one instance, when Alice points out that Paul sounds like Batman (a comment echoed by others on Shrinking), Ford responds with a knowing smile, “I do that intentionally. It’s called gravitas.” Ford’s performance is the anchor that keeps Shrinking from drifting too far into sentimentality or self-aware silliness; he’s the ingredient that keeps its humor balanced and prevent it from becoming overly inflated.

In the TV show “Shrinking”, Ford’s usual tone is dry wit and sarcasm. He finds humor in deflating situations rather than inflating them. When he enters the workplace break room and sees Jimmy and Gaby openly displaying affection, he sarcastically remarks, “Maybe we should change our sign to Rhodes Cognitive Behavioral Center – Therapists Hookup Spot.” There’s a pause, then he sets down the coffee pot and gazes at his colleagues, implying that the therapists are having an inappropriate relationship. The words roll off his tongue as if they haven’t been wet for three months. When Jimmy informs Paul that Gen-Z considers “My bad” a genuine apology, Paul retorts with a snarl, “I’m glad we’ve doomed the planet for them.” It’s a harsh comment, but Ford delivers it in such a way that his underlying empathy is clear, and the remark provokes a genuine laugh.

Ford’s performance is captivating because it subtly reveals the tender side hidden beneath his tough exterior. His character is experiencing the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease, and Ford skillfully portrays his tremors and emotional struggles without exaggeration. The relationship between Ford’s character and Julie (Wendie Malick) is also in its early stages, and their interaction is filled with a delightful chemistry. When Paul proposes moving in together to Julie in a later episode (minor spoiler alert), his sincere and heartfelt request is incredibly touching. This moment resonates because Ford masterfully restrains his emotions. In response to Derek’s question about whether Paul is in love with Julie in the third episode, Paul reacts defensively. “You have to go there?” he asks, avoiding eye contact. “Fine. I’m deeply in love.” His tone suggests anger towards the idea of romance itself.

In this role, it’s hard not to catch hints of Harrison Ford from “Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back” subtly reappearing as he replies to Carrie Fisher’s “I love you” with a reserved, “I know.” Regardless of how deeply Ford becomes engrossed in his characters, it’s difficult not to recall the brave, obstinate heroes he embodies while watching him now. Known for portraying icons like Han Solo, Rick Deckard, Jack Ryan, and Indiana Jones, we often view him as more than just an ordinary man. However, this perception works in Ford’s favor in “Shrinking.” The charm lies in observing him play an everyday person with typical worries, performing everyday actions. Everyone, regardless of their status, has to deal with pain, guilt, and uncomfortable emotions, even someone who once destroyed Nazis and helped blow up the Death Star. “Shrinking” wouldn’t be as captivating or significant without Ford consistently resisting being a machine on screen.

2024-10-18 18:54

Shrinking Doesn’t Work Without Harrison Ford

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