Actors always appreciate a well-written monologue, and in the world of television, it’s a rare treat to get to deliver one more than once. However, in the AppleTV+ dramedy “Shrinking,” Michael Urie’s character, Brian, delivers a speech so powerful that it demands a repeat performance to truly grasp its significance.
In the second season of “Shrinking,” Brian becomes the link between the friend group and Louis, played by Brett Goldstein, the man responsible for the accident that took Jimmy’s wife’s life. Brian’s empathetic nature sets off a journey of healing for Jimmy and his daughter, Alice, ultimately leading to a path of forgiveness towards Louis. This pivotal moment is marked by Brian’s monologue, which not only reflects his evolving friendship with Louis but also touches on his own journey towards fatherhood and compassion. Sprinkled with humor about potential baby names inspired by musical theater, Brian’s monologue is a masterclass in emotional storytelling.
The first delivery of the monologue occurs when Brian realizes that Alice is curious about Louis, prompting him to reflect on his own feelings of guilt and responsibility towards his friend. Urie’s performance captures Brian’s scattered thoughts and conflicted emotions, setting the stage for the emotional journey that lies ahead.
The writers provided Urie with the full text of the monologue in advance, allowing him to immerse himself in the character’s mindset. Urie explains, “Brian is all over the place in the speech. He goes all over the map. There’s parentheticals. There’s hard right turns. It feels like he prepared this speech and he’s flying off the cuff.” This preparation shines through in Urie’s nuanced delivery, showcasing Brian’s vulnerability and inner turmoil.
The monologue makes a second appearance when Jimmy confronts Brian and Alice dining with Louis, the man he blames for their suffering. Urie’s repeat performance of the speech to Jimmy reveals the depth of Brian’s emotional investment in the story, providing a poignant moment of revelation and catharsis for all involved.
The monologue proved to be a standout moment in Season 2, earning Urie his first Emmy nomination. The actor recalls the surreal experience of receiving the news while on set, highlighting the impact of the show’s storytelling on audiences and critics alike.
As Urie prepares for the Emmys, he jokes about keeping his acceptance speech shorter than Brian’s monologue. Nevertheless, his portrayal of Brian’s emotional journey in “Shrinking” has solidified his place as a talented and compelling performer in the world of television.
