What Paul's Condition Means For Harrison Ford In Shrinking Season 3

Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Shrinking season 2.

Harrison Ford’s Shrinking character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, has Parkinson’s disease. As defined by the World Health Organization, Parkinson’s disease is “a brain condition that causes problems with movement, mental health, sleep, pain and other health issues.” Involuntary movements and tremors known as dyskinesias are a common Parkinson’s disease symptom that Paul experiences. As shown in flashbacks during season 2, episode 8, Paul was diagnosed before Tia (Lilan Bowden) was killed in a car accident, meaning he was diagnosed more than a year before the beginning of Shrinking season 1.

Paul initially only shared his diagnosis with Jimmy (Jason Segel) and not with his other colleague, Gaby (Jessica Williams), but she already knew, and was eager to help him. Gaby eventually began driving Paul to and from work because of the impact Parkinson’s disease had on him. Many other Shrinking characters, including Paul’s former neurologist and now girlfriend, Dr. Julie Baram (Wendie Malick), have also supported him. Nevertheless, certain elements of Paul’s Parkinson’s disease are poised to change in Shrinking season 3.

Harrison Ford’s Paul Could Be Facing More Severe Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms In Shrinking Season 3

His Medicines Are Not Working As Well

As seen in Shrinking season 2’s ending and as the season progressed, Paul’s Parkinson’s disease symptoms became more severe and the medicines he took were not working as well as they previously did. Unfortunately, as explained by Paul’s current neurologist, Dr. Sykes (Amy Rosoff), Paul was already at the maximum dosage of medicine that he could safely take. Since he could not increase his medication, all he could do was make healthy lifestyle changes, which he did by choosing to no longer drink alcohol.

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However, Paul’s symptoms were still escalating, as seen by the increase in his tremors. Beyond more severe tremors, Paul might also face other Parkinson’s disease symptoms in season 3, including having difficulty walking, cognitive impairment, and having difficulty speaking. During Thanksgiving dinner at Gaby’s house in the season 2 finale, Paul shared with his loved ones that he is scared about what is to come, but knows he can get through it with all the support and love he has in his life.

The Deeper Meaning Behind Paul’s Thanksgiving Speech & What It Means For Shrinking Season 3

Paul’s Parkinson’s Disease Will Be A Major Focus Of Season 3

Paul (Harrison Ford) standing and looking unsure in Shrinking
Image via Apple TV+

The deeper meaning of Paul’s Thanksgiving speech is about the importance of community and that the best way to navigate life challenges is with the support of loved ones. Every character in Shrinking faces challenges, and some challenges, like Parkinson’s disease or the death of a loved one like Tia, are not problems that can simply be overcome. That being said, those challenges can become more manageable when one does not have to face them alone, and is supported by people who care about them.

Shrinking has already been renewed for season 3.

Paul’s Parkinson’s disease and the effects it has on him and other characters will be a significant focus of season 3. Even though he is a man often set in his ways, Paul will have to adapt to personal and professional changes that will emerge as a result of his escalating symptoms. This will have a significant impact on the cognitive behavioral therapy practice where he works with Jimmy and Gaby, on Paul’s girlfriend, Julie, and on everyone in his life. Paul’s storyline is poised to be emotional and crucial to Shrinking season 3.

Source: World Health Organization