Shrinking sure knows how to tug on the heartstrings and make us laugh uncontrollably. Season 2 Episode 12, “The Last Thanksgiving,” is a compelling, entertaining finale that had me reaching for the tissues, especially at the end. From Paul’s emotional speech to Jimmy saving Louis, the episode’s conclusion is a reminder of the power of a good support system. It brims with hope for the present and the future.
To celebrate the closing of a consistently wonderful season of television, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite quotes from Shrinking‘s “The Last Thanksgiving.”
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More Like Secret Mids
GABY [to her mother]: “So, can you please come to Thanksgiving? You can go back to being mad at me again on Black Friday, even though I think that’s the day that Black families should come together.”
Gaby (Jessica Williams) has some of the best comedic one-liners. Don’t even try to argue with me; you know this to be true. I’m sure this Black Friday joke has been made elsewhere, but it’s hilarious coming from our Gaby.
LIZ: “Do you wanna bury your head in my secret big ‘uns?”
GABY: “Liz, come on, girl. At best, those are secret mids.”
Liz (Christa Miller) and Gaby are bestie goals — almost as much as Gaby and Derek (Ted McGinley), aka G-Spot and D-Train. And leave it to Gaby to gently tell Liz the truth, even if it’s in relation to Liz’s “secret big ‘uns.”
SEAN: “Real love is when you accept someone, limitations and all.”
ALICE: “Hey, f*ck you for being emotionally healthy right now.”
SEAN [imitating PAUL]: “My bad.”
Sean’s (Luke Tennie) growth has been a joy to watch, especially compared to where he was in Season 1 versus “The Last Thanksgiving.” I suppose having therapists at the top of their craft like Jimmy (Jason Segel) and Paul (Harrison Ford) would help. Sean’s advice to Alice (Lukita Maxwell) is proof of his development. It’s also something we all should take to heart.
Side note: What’s it like being this emotionally healthy, Sean? Asking for a friend (me).
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No Butt Bombs
CONNOR: “Mom, Matthew opened my door and farted and then closed it.”
LIZ: “Matthew, don’t butt bomb your brother!”
I’m fortunate my little brother never “butt bombed” me. Liz, the mother of three boys, is one of God’s strongest soldiers. I imagine that when they were all living at home, every day was pure, unadulterated chaos.
LIZ: “Jimmy, bravery is not about being scared; it’s about not having to do the scary thing and not feeling like you’re, um … but you do it anyway, you know?”
Aliyah (Adrienne Lewis) said it a bit more succinctly and eloquently, but don’t tell Liz that. That aside, Liz’s butchering of Aliyah’s advice to Gaby is, well, hilarious. Jimmy got the gist, though.
GABY [to DEREK]: “You keep your mouth shut, or I’ll orange glaze your ass, and I know that sounds sexual, but it’s not.”
“I’ll orange glaze your ass” is now entering my lexicon. I love that Gaby covered her bases by clarifying that it’s not sexual. D-Train wouldn’t interpret it as such, but it’s best to stay on the safe side on Thanksgiving.
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I’m Leaning on You
PAUL: “I look around this room, and I say to myself, ‘Lucky guy. I’m a lucky guy.’ I don’t know how much longer I’m gonna have to work with you, hang out with you, laugh with you. Road’s gonna get tougher and tougher. But I do know that I’ll get through it because of everyone in this room. And that’s what I’m thankful for. ‘Cause we can get through anything if we have people to lean on. I’m leaning on you. I’m leaning on you.”
Oof. Harrison Ford deserves all the accolades for this speech alone. He also delivers it while — as Paul — exhibiting physical symptoms of Parkinson’s. This makes sense, given how vulnerable Paul is in that moment. The monologue encapsulates this season’s secondary overarching theme of finding your people. Paul is quite self-reliant, so this is a significant moment of growth for him. It’s such a viscerally moving, beautiful speech.
What are your favorite quotes from Shrinking‘s “The Last Thanksgiving”? Sound off in the comments below.
Shrinking Seasons 1 through 2 are now streaming on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ Returns to the Office With SEVERANCE Season 2 Teaser
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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