Previously on Shrinking, Derek had a very big health scare. However, he recovered successfully! But his mom, Constance, is living with him and Liz for a whole week! Liz is not happy.
Gaby can’t get a hold of her client, Maya. To make matters worse, Liz is blowing up her phone, upset that her mother-in-law, Constance, is staying with her and Derek. Constance is very petty and smarmy towards Liz, and Derek doesn’t seem to notice it. It’s driving Liz insane because she knows that she’s being judged.
Paul is seeing more patients with Parkinson’s, and it’s emotionally draining for him. He talks with Julie and explains how sorry he feels for himself. Julie tries to comfort him, saying that she is his safe space. She knows that Paul is just trying to be brave, but he doesn’t have to put up a mask in front of her.
In a flashback, we see Jimmy and Tia singing “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri for her birthday. Jimmy plays the piano as Tia starts making the lyrics her own. Back in the present, Jimmy plays the piano without a wedding ring on his hand and no one to sing with him. Tia’s birthday is tomorrow; she is on Alice and Jimmy’s minds. Forgetting her birthday last year, Alice is determined to make Tia’s birthday unforgettable.
The next day is Tia’s birthday! Alice has multiple alarms set, Summer texts her to remind her, and Gaby calls to check on her. Brian joins Jimmy as he makes one of Tia’s favorite dishes: an omelet made of leftovers from the fridge. Today’s special is noodles and a jar of olives. Brian calls it a “vomelet.”
Back at the Bishop household, Matthew is being very hospitable towards his dad, doing everything Derek wants him to do. Liz suggests that he could be a physical therapist. Constance suggests a different approach, making Liz really mad. Later, Matthew gives his grandma new shoes that he bought with money from other shoes that he flipped online. Constance suggests that he make a career out of that. Liz thinks it’s just a hobby. The two immediately get into an argument. Constance suggests that Liz let Matthew follow a dream that he has. Liz’s one rule in her house is to not give out parenting advice. Derek overhears their conversation as Liz gets Constance to admit that she was acting fake the entire time.
Jimmy, Alice, Brian, and Summer gather at Tia’s grave wearing the most problematic shirt that she ever bought them, according to Alice. They all tell her what is happening in their lives. Then, a man in a suit approaches with flowers. It turns out to be Louis! they all play a game of chubby bunny! They have to fit as many marshmallows into their mouths and say, “I love you, Mom/Tia!” Louis almost chokes, and Brian has to give him the heimlich.
Later, Jimmy and Louis catch up at Brian’s place to help with baby Sutton. Louis got promoted at work and started seeing a new woman. It’s no secret that Louis is doing well. He then asks Jimmy if he ever went out with Sofi; the answer is no. Louis then tells Jimmy that Alice actually invited him to Tia’s grave, and that she insisted that he come. Jimmy is surprised.
Paul pulls Gaby aside to talk to her. He tells her that he thinks very highly of her and that he wants to give her the practice. Gaby is shocked. While she is honored and loves him, she tells him that this just isn’t for her. She wants to do other things with her life. She dreams of opening up a trauma center of her own. While Paul is naturally disappointed, he supports her decision.
Jimmy and Alice are getting ready for Tia’s party. Jimmy asks her why she invited Louis and didn’t tell him. Alice explains that Louis is the absolute last person on earth that Jimmy could have helped and he still did it. Scared of him being alone, Alice pulls a “Jimmying” and asks Jimmy to call Sofi. Jimmy assures her that he will be just fine, and if anything he is excited for her to go off to school.
Paul stops by Liz and Derek’s to drop off a tool that Derek can use while recuperating. He meets Constance and can tell something is going on between her and Liz. Paul assures her that Liz is a great parent and that she’ll warm up eventually. Suddenly, Liz discovers Derek has left the house against doctor’s orders! They go hunt him down and find him in a park. Derek tells them that he didn’t feel safe in the house due to Liz and Constance fighting. Paul escorts him home while the two ladies talk it out. While talking, Liz and Constance realize that they both want what’s best for the family, and that they both have good hearts.
The episode closes with everybody gathered for Tia’s birthday singing “A Thousand Years.” Sofi is even there with them! A very interesting first date for her and Jimmy: she meets everyone in Jimmy’ s life while celebrating his dead wife’s birthday. While singing, Gaby gets multiple calls. She steps aside and takes it. Someone relays that they lost Maya. Cut to black.
9/10