'Atypical' Season 3 Episode 7 review: An un-homieying, a separation, and a passionate first kiss make 'Shrinkage' an action-packed watch
We knew right at that "No tweed" dinner party hosted by Sam (Keir Gilchrist) and Paige (Jenna Boyd) that Zahid's (Nik Dodani) girlfriend is bad news.
Well, as of Season 3 Episode 7 of 'Atypical', we have proof for it — not only if she changing everything we love about the creepy, over-confident and lovable Zahid, but she is also a thief, as Sam discovered while doing inventory at the store.
Naturally, the choice at hand is — do you report your best friend's girlfriend and earn his ire or do you keep it quiet and let the guilt of the action consume you?
After a long and hard weighing of options, which also included consulting with other friends, Sam decides to report her, which as expected enrages Zahid.
However, what we did not see coming was a decision that would have long-standing consequences — unhomieying of two best friends.
Zahid has decided that he would much rather have a friend that lies for him and his interests than someone who reminds him of what he used to be before he got a girlfriend and completely changed everything about himself.
It is truly heartbreaking to see Sam's face when he realizes the consequences of his actions but we hope this breakup is long over before we say goodbye to season three.
The other major letdown this episode saw was Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) coming to the conclusion that she cannot continue to live in a painful limbo created by herself and Doug (Michael Rapaport).
As much as she would love to get back with her husband — body and soul — she cannot continue to wait for Doug who is living his life and potentially has no intention of forgiving her.
In 'Shrinkage', we see her telling Doug that she wants to get separated, even as he looks like he got punched in the gut. We hope this couple gets back together by the end of the season because if they don't what hope do the rest of us have?
The best moment of 'Shrinkage' was arguably the one between Izzie (Fivel Stewart) and Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine), who share a passionate kiss at the tracks after the former breaks down and tells her best friend that she would never have revealed her feelings if she knew this is how she would be treated.
She says this because Casey completely avoids her even though they live in the same house now.
Our hearts broke for Izzie at that moment, but it was totally worth it because that tearful speech inspired Casey to get over her own inhibitions and kiss her passionately.
This is potentially one of the best-written stories for a lesbian couple and the best-acted scenes as well.
With these three giant pivotal moments, 'Shrinkage' is one of the best episodes of season three of 'Atypical' and we are grading it an A+.