‘The Shrink Next Door’ Review – Episode Five: The Family Tree

The Shrink Next Door – Episode Five: The Family Tree

Starring: Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Katherine Hahn, Casey Wilson

Series Summary: Inspired by the true story of Marty and the therapist who turned his life around…then took it over. When he first meets Dr. Ike, Marty just wants to get better at boundaries. Over 30 years, he’ll learn all about them—and what happens when they get crossed.

I mentioned in my previous review that episode four was a turning point because it not only introduced a stronger presence from Casey Wilson’s Bonnie but focused more on fleshing out Ike’s family. It also was, in my opinion the first time the series really got a darker tone. Like any binge worthy series this episode perfectly builds from the previous but also carries on the themes in more depth. If I’m being totally honest this episode started to feel like filler with Ike’s usual scheming and just generally being a sociopath and using poor Marty. However, then the episode really shifts into perhaps the darkest it’s been (up until this point) and it left me shaken yet also wanting to see the next episode.

The title of this episode is The Family Tree, and as that suggests, we start to learn, after his father’s passing, more of Ike’s childhood and dysfunctional family that had been only strongly hinted at previously. I never got the feeling that the writers wanted to use this as an excuse for Ike’s horrible behavior but rather to adds depth to his character. Again, we get more time with Casey Wilson as Bonnie, and as always, she is a national treasure. We get a lot more one-on-one with Rudd and Ferrell, and again, they really bring something incredible to this series.

I have to say that while both actors are stellar its really Ferrell who truly shines in this episode. If the entire cast doesn’t get Emmy’s I will be shocked. Another gripping episode and leaves you waiting for the next installment.

Before we let you go, we have officially launched our merch store! Check out all of our amazing apparel when you click here and type in GVN15 at checkout for a 15% discount!

Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more! For major deals and money off on Amazon, make sure to use our affiliate link!

Mike Vaughn

Big film nerd and TCM Obsessed. Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema from Schiffer Publishing. Resume includes: AMC’s The Bite, Scream Magazine etc. Love all kinds of movies and television and have interviewed a wide range of actors, writers, producers and directors. I currently am a regular co-host on the podcast The Humanoids from the Deep Dive and have a second book in the works from Bear Manor.