Understanding Kelly Bishop’s Role as Susan in Shrinking Season 2: Her Return to Paul’s Life Explained

Episode 5 of Season 2: The Introduction of Kelly Bishop’s Character

In the fifth episode of Shrinking Season 2, titled “Honesty Era,”viewers are treated to the impactful debut of Kelly Bishop as Susan, an essential figure in the life of Paul, portrayed by Harrison Ford. Throughout this season, despite the progressive symptoms of his Parkinson’s disease, Paul has made remarkable strides in both his personal and professional realms.

Paul’s Journey in Shrinking Season 2

As the narrative unfolds, Paul reconnects with his daughter Meg (played by Lily Rabe) and rekindles a friendship with Raymond (Neil Flynn), a former patient. Furthermore, he’s taken a significant step by living with his fiancée, Dr. Julie Baram (Wendie Malick), who also happens to be his previous neurologist.

Professionally, Paul continues to excel in his role as a therapist, showing particular dedication towards his newest patient, Sean (Luke Tennie). His collaboration with Jimmy (Jason Segel) has evolved, reflecting a newfound appreciation for Jimmy’s insights in providing optimal care for Sean—an impressive shift from his initial reluctance to involve Jimmy in Sean’s treatment.

Kelly Bishop’s Role: Who is Susan?

Harrison Ford in Shrinking — Harrison Ford in *Shrinking* | Source: IMDB

Kelly Bishop, recognized for her roles in Dirty Dancing and Gilmore Girls, showcases her talent as Susan, Paul’s ex-wife, marking her first on-screen appearance in the Apple TV+ series after being referenced in earlier episodes.

Susan returns to town primarily to attend a lecture and reconnect with Paul, adding depth to the show’s emotional fabric. Her arrival follows Meg’s recent visit for a significant speaking engagement, setting the stage for a poignant reunion.

Despite Susan’s past with Paul, she demonstrates no bitterness towards his relationship with Julie. Their instant camaraderie is marked by light-hearted banter, as they jokingly tease Paul, illustrating a meaningful connection between the two women.

When Brian (Michael Urie) approaches Paul to sign some legal documents, Susan’s playful humor shines through as she candidly remarks about their family trust, highlighting the decades Paul spent avoiding her.

The Divorce: Unpacking Paul and Susan’s Past

Harrison Ford and Jason Segel in Shrinking — Harrison Ford and Jason Segel in *Shrinking* | Source: IMDB

In a crucial conversation with Brian, Paul candidly reflects on his tumultuous marriage with Susan, revealing the underlying issues that ultimately led to their divorce long before the events of Shrinking started. He recounts how they married at a young age, and upon the birth of their daughter Meg, his escalating career overshadowed family obligations, culminating in a serious emotional rift.

This distance led to a confrontation during which Paul’s infidelity was uncovered—not long after Susan reached out to him to apologize. Following his admission of guilt regarding the affair, their marriage unraveled, and Paul succumbed to the shame of betraying both Susan and Meg, choosing not to contest their separation.

Years of avoidance shaped Paul’s life, leaving him apprehensive about facing his past with Susan, a challenging situation now that she is back in the picture.

Susan’s Return: Motivation and Impact

Brian encourages Paul to confront Susan about her intentions for returning, leading to a heartfelt conversation where Susan expresses her desire to reconnect. She shares her experience with a friend who had Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing the urgency of making amends before it’s too late.

Throughout their discussions, Susan reveals her own journey of forgiveness, reassuring Paul that she holds no resentment towards him since she has long since moved past their painful history. This emotional reconciliation could serve as a vital support system for Paul, particularly as he contends with the worsening of his Parkinson’s symptoms.

In a nostalgic moment during Meg’s lecture, Paul and Susan share drinks, reminiscent of their past interactions during Meg’s school events. This gesture serves to lighten Paul’s emotional load, signaling a hopeful future where he doesn’t have to carry the weight of his regrets alone.

As Paul navigates this new chapter of his life, Susan’s presence appears to be a stabilizing force that could prove invaluable amid the challenges posed by his illness.

About Shrinking

Shrinking is an innovative comedy series co-created by Brett Goldstein, Bill Lawrence, and Jason Segel for Apple TV+. The narrative centers on a therapist grappling with profound grief, who consciously blurs ethical lines by candidly sharing his thoughts with patients, leading to transformative outcomes for both himself and those he counsels.

The series features a stellar cast, including Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, and Christa Miller, and has garnered positive acclaim, with a renewal for a second season affirming its success.

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