Tom Howe, the composer behind the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, recently shared insights into his work on the show's second season during Deadline’s Sound & Screen Television event. Building on the established theme song "Frightening Fishes," co-written with Benjamin Gibbard, Howe introduced new musical themes for characters played by Harrison Ford and Christa Miller. The season allowed him to experiment with variations of existing themes and create longer cues, providing a richer auditory experience. Collaborating closely with Miller, who also serves as music supervisor, Howe crafted an emotional soundscape for a pivotal Thanksgiving scene involving Brett Goldstein’s character.
When the second season of Shrinking premiered last October, it marked a significant opportunity for composer Tom Howe to delve deeper into the show's musical identity. With the groundwork laid in the first season, Howe found room to expand and innovate. He mentioned that the progression into the second season permitted more thematic variations, enhancing the narrative through music. This expansion included not only revisiting and reinterpreting the main theme but also crafting fresh motifs tailored to new character developments and plotlines.
The collaboration extended beyond mere composition, involving detailed discussions with Christa Miller and Tony Von Pervieux. These interactions were crucial in shaping the emotional crescendo of the Thanksgiving episode. Howe explained how he structured the musical journey leading up to this climactic moment. Starting from a minor key in a coffee shop scene, where the protagonist faces a pivotal decision, the music evolves continuously throughout the sequence. This uninterrupted musical thread carries the audience through various emotional shifts, culminating in a tense finale underscored by heavy sounds as the train approaches, amplifying the suspense of whether the character would leap or be pulled back.
In addition to these creative advancements, Howe highlighted the technical achievements made possible by the extended length of certain cues. While the longest piece in Season 1 barely reached a minute, the Thanksgiving episode featured a cue stretching to five minutes. This additional time granted Howe the freedom to fully express the evolving emotions and tensions within the story, enriching the viewer's experience with a more nuanced auditory landscape.
The culmination of Tom Howe's efforts in Shrinking Season 2 showcases the transformative power of music in storytelling. By integrating varied themes and elongated compositions, he not only elevated the auditory dimension of the show but also deepened its emotional resonance. The collaborative process with key figures like Christa Miller ensured that each note contributed meaningfully to the unfolding drama, leaving audiences with a richer, more immersive experience.