Ted McGinley Discusses the Challenges of Playing Derek in Episode 304 of ‘Shrinking’
SPOILER ALERT: This report contains spoilers for Shrinking Season 3, Episode 4, titled “The Field.”
In a recent episode of Apple TV’s Shrinking, the usually unflappable character Derek, played by Ted McGinley, finds himself unexpectedly rattled after consuming a substantial amount of THC. What starts as a simple mistake—mistaking his son Matthew’s gummy edibles for regular candy—spirals into a comedic crisis, leaving Derek convinced he is in dire straits.
Set against the backdrop of Vampire Weekend’s “Capricorn,” Derek wanders through the streets, becoming increasingly concerned about a mannequin, convinced he’s been poisoned. In a state of panic, he informs a shopkeeper that she might need to call an ambulance because he feels he’s “a little bit dying.”
Amidst this chaotic episode, Derek reaches out to various friends, including Brian, warning him of potential threats to baby Sutton, and Paul, who jokingly offers to call the CIA, aware of Derek’s altered state. He even contacts Mac (Josh Hopkins), who kissed Liz last season, and implores Liz to wait eight years before finding new love.
Reflecting on this challenging scene, McGinley remarked, “I would say it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do as an actor… We didn’t have that kind of time, and I had verbose dialog. There was a lot going on in a very short period of time.” He emphasized the difficulty of portraying someone who is not high while acting as if everything is normal.
This comedic turmoil unfolds against a backdrop of serious familial dynamics, as Derek and Liz take the tough step of evicting Matthew after he moves back in following job loss. Despite his typical welcoming nature, Derek ultimately concludes this decision is necessary for Matthew’s growth.
McGinley noted, “Derek sees a lot of himself in Matthew… I think that’s a lot of Derek in there.” He expressed that the storyline resonates with him personally, as a father who sometimes navigates differing parenting philosophies with his wife.
In a pivotal moment during one of Paul’s gym sessions aimed at recovering from his hallucinations and UTI, Derek seeks advice on handling Matthew’s situation. Paul suggests that Derek’s protective demeanor may stem from a desire to avoid confrontation and emotional pain.
“This is a growing moment for both,” McGinley concluded. He highlighted a poignant exchange between Derek and Liz, humorously depicting the tension as Liz responds to Derek’s questioning about her plans with, “I’m gonna go talk [to him] about what a mean guy you were.”
As Shrinking continues to delve into these complex relationships, the blend of humor and relatable struggles promises to resonate with audiences.
