Shrinking Co-Creator Addresses Whether Louis Will Return In Season 3

the following article contains discussions of suicide and suicidal ideation.

Shrinking's Bill Lawrence addresses whether Brett Goldstein's Louis will be back for season 3. Goldstein and Lawrence co-created the popular Apple TV+ comedy, along with series star Jason Segel, who plays Jimmy. Goldstein also steps in front of the camera for a recurring role as Louis, the drunk driver who caused the car accident that killed Jimmy's wife. Louis' reemergence ruffles some feathers, none more so than Jimmy himself. But they arrive at a tenuous understanding by the Shrinking season 2 finale, with Jimmy seemingly stopping Louis from taking his own life.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times to discuss the finale, Lawrence broke down that closing scene between Jimmy and Louis and addressed whether Goldstein will return for the already-confirmed season 3. He explained that the tense scene is meant to be uneasy for audiences. The quotes are included below:

We wanted to use the ending of the first season to set people up to think that something very bad was going to happen at the end of the second season. That’s why we had bad things happen to Brett Goldstein’s character, Louis — had him at the train station with Alice [Lukita Maxwell] talking about how he’d had bad thoughts being there before. In a season about forgiveness, we wanted the finale to be a connection between how forgiveness can wipe away so many bad things. We knew from the start of the season that that’s how we were going to end the season. I saw the traffic on the internet of people getting worried about Louis, and it’s what we want them to feel. It’s emotionally resolved in the way that I hope people feel good, but also won’t be surprised if they see Brett again — because we have the advantage of Brett being one of the creators of the show.

Simultaneously, Lawrence elaborated that there should be a sense of relief that Louis can return since Goldstein is one of the co-creators.

I think the audience would feel cheated if that were not the case. Obviously, Brett’s got tons of s— he’s working on, but he is so good in the show this year, so the idea of getting to show how he [Louis] moves forward interests us. Don’t forget, we pitched this show where the first year is about grief, second year is about forgiveness, [the] third year is about moving forward. It would be weird to not include his character as part of that.

What Louis' Return Could Mean For Shrinking

His Story With Jimmy Isn't Over

Close

For the bulk of Shrinking season 2, the story around Louis is that those closest to Jimmy — Alice (Lupita Maxwell) and Brian (Michael Urie) — have forgiven Louis and enjoy spending time with him, while Jimmy understandably can't look at the person he holds responsible for his wife's death. Despite setbacks and a tense confrontation with Jimmy, things are mostly good for Louis.

Shrinking's Main Cast & Characters Actor Who They Play Jason Segel Jimmy Laird Jessica Williams Gaby Luke Tennie Sean Michael Urie Brian Christa Miller Liz Ted McGinley Derek Lupita Maxwell Alice Laird Harrison Ford Dr. Paul Rhoades

That changes in the season 2 finale when Louis' friend learns of his issues with alcohol and decides against inviting him for Thanksgiving. This causes Louis to spiral. After texting Alice for help and not getting a response because her phone is away, Louis looks ready to jump in the path of a moving train. This tragic end is diverted by Jimmy, who reads his daughter's texts and shows up to talk to Louis.

Related Shrinking Season 2 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song From Every Episode The soundtrack is a vital part of Apple TV+'s Shrinking season 2 as Jimmy, Paul, Gaby, and the rest of the characters navigate new challenges.

They sit together and make observations about the people that pass by, a favorite pastime for Louis. It's an uneasy situation, albeit Jimmy is sincere about his desire to help Louis. It's a dynamic that Shrinking season 3 could have room to build on, as it looks like Goldstein will be back as Louis for another recurring stint.

Our Take On Brett Goldstein Returning For Shrinking Season 3

He Gives A Memorable Performance

Goldstein is so far removed from his assured and profane two-time Emmy-winning role as Roy Kent on Ted Lasso. Louis is a different portrayal, fragile and probably more comfortable fading into the background. It's a great turn from the actor, who is still just in its middle chapter, which makes this latest Shrinking news all the more encouraging.

Source: Los Angeles Times