I wasn't actually planning on finishing the entire first season of "Atypical" but Paul and I couldn't help it. We were hooked.
This coming-of-age drama about Sam Gardner an 18 year old boy with autism (played brilliantly by Keir Gilchrist) and who is obsessed with everything Antartica, (I learned so much trivia about Antartica on the show than my 32 years worth of general knowledge) his family, his one "suave" friend and confused therapist will have you laughing and crying. It of course also offers a deeper insight about people on the spectrum and also how it affects the people around them.
Such as Sam's mom, Elsa Gardner (Jennifer Jason-Leigh) who after Sam's diagnosis throws herself into the care of her son. She does all the new techniques, special diets, autism walks, group therapy, getting only Sam's preferred type of clothing-100% cotton "my favorite percentage of cotton" Sam says.
When Sam reaches 18, he starts to seek more independence prompted by his sudden interest in girls and dating and wanting to have a girlfriend. This throws a wrench in Elsa's daily routine and she now suddenly finds herself with a lot of time in her hands; and you know what they say about idle hands...
On the opposite side of the spectrum (pun intended) is Sam's dad, Doug, played by (Michael Rapaport) who has always had a difficult time accepting Sam's diagnosis and as a consequence is distant from his son but now that Sam has questions about girls, could this be the chance that Doug is waiting for? To finally be closer to his son? Will he ever be able to build the perfect igloo?
Casey Gardner (Brigette Lundy-Daine) -(probably my favorite character in the series) is Sam's younger sister who is protective of Sam and tries to look out for her brother in the cutthroat world of High School. She loves her brother but has to deal with his needs and him having the focus and attention of their parents. Casey is the star of their school's track field team and when an opportunity to literally chase her dreams come up; will she be able to leave Sam? And will that cute bad boy be a distraction?
Comic relief is brought on by Sam's best....err...only friend "Zahid" -played by Nik Dodani. Will his fashion tips and tasteless methods to get girls ever work?
With these merry band of characters that make Sam's world it is only a matter of time when things change -big time and if there's anything that Sam hates, it's change. Was not a fan of some of the more predictable plots buuut they can definitely be forgiven. (8/10).
We were pretty bummed that there were no more episodes to watch - good thing S2 will be up for streaming on Netflix on September 7.
You can check out the trailer to S2 of #Atypical on the blog. Click here.
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