‘Shrinking’ star opens up on Brett Goldstein's abrupt departure from show: ‘What they did was…’
Brett Goldstein's abrupt departure from Apple TV's hit dramedy, 'Shrinking,' came as quite a shock to fans. Shedding light on his exit was Jessica Williams, who plays Gaby on the show. The 'Ted Lasso' star serves as one of the co-creators of the critically acclaimed show, now in its third season.
Goldstein joined the series in a recurring role in Season 2 as Louis, revealed to be the drunk driver responsible for Tia's death (played by Lilan Bowden), the wife of Jimmy (Jason Segel). However, in Season 3, Louis is shown to be on good terms with Jimmy and his daughter, Alice (Lukita Maxwell), despite his actions killing Jimmy's wife. However, Gaby (Jessica Williams), who is yet to forgive Louis, makes it clear to him.
In her interview with Decider, Williams spoke about how her character would struggle with the idea of Jimmy and Alice accepting Louis. She revealed that the issue was brought up to co-creator and showrunner Bill Lawrence. "In Season 2, I could not reconcile for Gaby in my head this idea that she would know about Louis and Jimmy and Alice hanging out and be OK with it. So I spoke to Bill Lawrence about it at length," the actress said.
"What they did was they made the scenes in Season 2 where Gaby never actually hears Alice and Jimmy talking about hanging out with Louis. Bill was like, 'At the end of Season 2, we’ll have a scene with you and Louis.' Because I thought Gaby would be so upset. And it didn’t happen at the end of Season 2, because there was no time. So Bill was like, 'I’m sorry about that. We’re going to get on top of Season 3. Basically, you’re going to go tell Brett to start working on Ted Lasso again.' That's where he went."
According to ScreenRant, Louis' emotional conversation with Gaby was part of the script written by Goldstein himself. Williams was all praise for the 'Thor: Love and Thunder' star, calling him 'the sweetest mam' during her chat with the outlet. "He’s like a Muppet — a buff Muppet. He’s just sweet. And anytime he’s a writer, anytime he comes on set, it’s like, 'Brett’s here! Oh my god, Brett’s here!' Everyone’s excited."
Goldstein will next be seen in 'Ted Lasso' Season 4. Season 3 focused on his emotional growth and his relationship with Keeley Jones (Juno Temple). The end of the third season saw him take charge as Richmond’s new head manager, while Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) prepares to set up an AFC Richmond women's team.
The hit Apple TV show is slated to release later this summer with episodes dropping weekly. Also returning are Jeremy Swift and Brendan Hunt. The new names include Jude Mack, Tanya Reynolds, Rex Hayes, and Faye Marsey. The official synopsis reads, "Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would." On the other hand, 'Shrinking' Season 3 is now streaming on Apple TV.
