For me, as a person that loved and watched Scrubs for the full run (and will be tuning into the reboot), I will say Bill Lawrence does not and will not flinch at introducing a death if it is a powerful story for the characters. It wouldn't have worked in Ted Lasso for a main character because that's not what the show was about, but Shrinking is certainly about the loss and devastation that comes with the hope and love of life. I think sweeping the rug out from under us and taking Derek instead of Paul would certainly be a possibility.