Kelly Bishop’s Role In Shrinking Season 2 Explained: Who Susan Is & Why She’s Back In Paul’s Life

Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Shrinking season 2, episode 5, “Honesty Era.”Kelly Bishop makes her Shrinking debut in season 2, episode 5, “Honesty Era” as Susan, an important character connected to Paul (Harrison Ford). Shrinking season 2 has seen Paul making significant personal and professional strides while dealing with the gradually escalating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. His girlfriend and former neurologist, Dr. Julie Baram (Wendie Malick) has moved in with him, he has continued reconnecting with his daughter, Meg (Lily Rabe), and has become friends with his former patient, Raymond (Neil Flynn).

At work, Paul continues to excel at helping his current patients, including his newest one, Sean (Luke Tennie). While Paul initially wanted Jimmy (Jason Segel) to have nothing to do with Sean’s treatment, he is now more open to collaborating with Jimmy, and valuing his input in order to fully help Sean. Paul emphasizes to Jimmy and Sean how important it is for them to face their pasts, yet Paul has been hiding from his own past, which is how Bishop joins Shrinking‘s cast of characters.

Kelly Bishop Plays Paul’s Ex-Wife Susan In Shrinking Season 2

She Has A Memorable Series Debut

The Gilmore Girls and Dirty Dancing actor plays Paul’s ex-wife, Susan, who is seeing Paul for the first time in many years. She has previously been referenced, particularly during conversations between Paul and Meg, but this is the first time that she has appeared in the Apple TV+ show. Meg came to town in the previous episode due to a prestigious lecture she is giving, and now Susan is also in town to attend the lecture, along with being there to see Paul again.

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Susan does not hold any resentment toward Julie for being in a relationship with her ex-husband. In fact, Susan immediately gets along well with Julie as the two of them bond over harmlessly teasing Paul. Susan’s sense of humor continues to shine when Brian (Michael Urie) comes over to have Paul sign some legal documents. She is unafraid to mince words, as she mentions to Brian that they should have finalized the family trust long ago, but they could not because Paul was hiding from her for decades.

Why Paul & Susan Got Divorced

Paul Had An Affair

When Paul insists that Brian get him out of the suddenly very crowded house, they go to Paul’s office, where he reveals what happened to his marriage long before Shrinking season 1. Paul explains that he and Susan got married very young, and right after Meg was born, his career quickly took off, and he became more focused on his work than his family. He and Susan emotionally drifted apart from each other, which led to a particularly tense fight. When Susan called him days later to apologize, Paul was in bed with another woman.

Paul admitted to the affair, which ended his marriage to Susan. She took Meg away from him, and Paul did not fight back because he was ashamed of his infidelity and of betraying the trust of his family. As the decades passed, Paul remained afraid of having a conversation with Susan about what happened and tried to avoid confronting this painful part of his past. With Susan now in his house, Paul’s avoidance strategy proves more difficult than ever to maintain.

Why Susan Is Back In Paul’s Life

She Wants To Reconnect Before It Is Too Late

As Paul perseverates on why Susan is suddenly back in his life, Brian encourages Paul to simply ask her, which he finally does. She tells him that she had a friend who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and who died a few months later, and that she wants to reconnect with him before he dies. While continuing to talk later in the episode, she reveals that she no longer holds any ill will against Paul, and that she forgave him a long time ago, making it clear that Paul is the only one who has not forgiven himself.

At Meg’s lecture, they share drinks from a flask, just as they did when they went to Meg’s school plays many years ago. A weight has been lifted from Paul’s shoulders now that he knows Susan forgave him long ago and there is no need to continue punishing himself. Paul is doing well at the moment. However, when the Parkinson’s disease symptoms do become more severe, it may be helpful to have another supportive individual, such as Susan, in his life to help him out as Shrinking continues.

In this series, a therapist grappling with personal tragedy begins to employ a radically candid approach with his clients and in his personal life. As he navigates his roles as a father, friend, and professional, his newfound method leads to unexpected consequences and self-discovery.

Cast

Jason Segel , Luke Tennie , Michael Urie , Lukita Maxwell , Harrison Ford , Jessica Williams , Christa Miller , Ted McGinley , Heidi Gardner , Devin Kawaoka , Lilan Bowden , Kimberly Condict , Lily Rabe , Tilky Jones , Rachel Stubington , Wendie Malick , Sawyer Jones , Mike C. Nelson , Matt Knudsen , Kenajuan Bentley , Adam Foster Ballard

Release Date

January 26, 2023

Seasons

2

Directors

Bill Lawrence

Showrunner

Bill Lawrence

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