It’s been an emotional ride as usual, but *Shrinking* Season 3 successfully concluded with its characteristic bittersweet sentiment — leaving us feeling both melancholic and cautiously optimistic for Jimmy (Jason Segel) and the crew.

So what transpired, what does it signify, and what could be on the horizon? Let’s delve in.

How does *Shrinking* Season 3 conclude?

The entire principal cast of *Shrinking* embarks on a significant journey in Season 3, with most of the central characters ending the season at the beginning of a new chapter in their lives: Alice (Lukita Maxwell) is off to college, Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley) are heading to Spain, Gaby (Jessica Williams) is engaged to the other Derrick (Damon Wayans Jr.), Brian (Michael Urie) is relocating to Tennessee, Sean (Luke Tennie) is moving out, and Paul (Harrison Ford) has shifted across the nation to be closer to his daughter.

In other words, everyone is setting out on an exhilarating new adventure — except for Jimmy (Jason Segel), who unexpectedly confronts a rather solitary period without his friends and family nearby. To make matters worse, it seems he has jeopardized his chances with Sofi (Cobie Smulders), and his bond with Paul is in shambles following their disagreement at the conclusion of episode 10.

What transpires between Jimmy and Paul?

Jimmy and Paul begin the episode hardly communicating. They have a few tense interactions over the phone, but it isn’t until Paul is chastised by his daughter and Alice that he finally opts for a Jimmy-style intervention.

He reaches out to Jimmy and invites him to breakfast, but instead of sitting with him, he pulls his colleague aside for a serious conversation. Here’s their exchange, which feels like a pivotal moment the show has been building towards all season:

Paul: “Let me speak. OK? Life threw you a curveball. So, to try and manage things, you envision how you want them to unfold in your mind. That doesn’t work. If you can’t release this stuff on your own, then I need to…I have to keep attempting to shake it out of you. You understand what I’m saying?”

Jimmy: “Yeah, I do, but can we just discuss this over waffles?”

P: “No, you’re not having breakfast with me. You’re having it with her… [Paul gestures towards Sofi, who is sitting alone at a table.] Not how you envisioned it, huh?”

J: “You totally Jimmied me!”

P: “That’s right, I totally Jimmied you! Listen kid, if you’re ever going to progress, you need to let go of the past. I know that’s daunting. But you…you’re never going to forget Tia. Heck, you’re never going to forget me. No one will. Letting go of the past just means you don’t let your scars hold you back any longer.”

J: “I’m covered in them, Paul.”

P: “Good. What a pity to be 42 years old and not entirely covered in scars. They’re the proof of a life fully lived.”

J: “I don’t want this. I don’t want you to fly all the way across the country just to ensure that I’m alright. I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

P: “You’re not. You’re more like a son to me. I don’t know why I never said that before. I think you’re strong. I think you don’t need me. But as long as I’m here, if you feel like you need me, I will be there for you. Because I love you. OK?”

J: “OK.”

P: “Now you have a choice to make. You can either remain stuck, or you can go and make new scars.”

After a brief moment of hesitation, Jimmy does precisely what we’re all hoping he will: He enters the restaurant, sits down across from Sofi, and begins to converse.

Will Jimmy finally manage to move on?

*Shrinking* has been greenlit for a fourth season, which means it won’t be long before we discover how Jimmy and Sofi’s breakfast unfolded.

But while Season 3 wrapped up with a hint of cautious optimism for all the characters, we know that *Shrinking* is never straightforward. The upcoming season is certain to come with a new array of challenges for all the characters, and we can’t fathom that Jimmy’s venture into dating will be any different.

The primary concern we foresee? With all his close friends and Alice gone, it seems that there could be considerable pressure on Jimmy’s developing relationship with Sofi. And with Paul across the country, despite his assurances of being there for Jimmy, the distance might still pose a strain on their friendship.

*Shrinking* Season 3 is currently available for streaming on Apple TV.