Picture Credits- Primetime
‘Atypical’ as the name suggests is not the typical teenage drama that we come across. It is a teenage drama but from the perspective of someone on the spectrum. While TV shows have previously included people on the spectrum as characters, ‘Atypical’ is perhaps the first show that you’ll come across that portrays an autistic protagonist and this is not where the beauty of the show ends.
Introduction
Name of the Show - Atypical
Created By - Robia Rashid
Starring - Jennifer Jason Leigh as Elsa Gardner, Keir Gilchrist as Sam Gardner, Brigette Lundy- Payne as Casey Gardner and Michael Rapaport as Doug Gardner
Genre - Comedy-drama, Coming of age
Number of Seasons - 4
Number of Episodes - 38
Language - English
Plot Overview - Spoiler Alert!
The story follows the life of Sam Gardner, an eighteen year old on the spectrum who loves penguins and how he and his family navigate through their everyday lives. Living in a world that knows very little about people on the spectrum, ‘Atypical’ tries and successfully provides the much needed representation that young people on the spectrum need.
Sam struggles with a lot of things, like loud sounds, unclean things and lousy hugs. Season one of the show presents issues that the Gardner family deal with that may or may not concern Sam. We get to know that Papa Gardner had once left his family in the past and had trouble dealing with Sam’s condition. But with time we see the growth the character of Doug Gardner undergoes.
The first two seasons focus mainly on Sam and his time at school and how everyone in his family and his best friend Zahid are super supportive of everything he does and encourage him with everything. Sam gets into a relationship with Paige who he finds overbearing at first but grows to love.
Big things happen for Sam when he goes to college. The way the show portrays his struggles at college and the efforts he makes to stay there is nothing short of beautiful. It also sends a social message regarding how people on the spectrum can do whatever they desire and all the rest of us need to be kind and supportive.
The show also presents a discourse on female sexuality when Sam’s sister Casey finds herself attracted to a girl while she is dating Evan. While most of us may find Casey and Evan to be absolute cuties and their break-up, a personal heartbreak, Casey and Izzie are the real deal.
The fourth and final season of the show has Sam planning and preparing to go to Antarctica as he has found his calling. In a subplot, Casey prepares to go to UCLA on a track scholarship and between practice, school and having a girlfriend, we see that she really struggles.
Despite all his efforts Sam’s plans to Antarctica come to a halt when the programme is cancelled. But towards the end of the show he makes the trip with his father, which I believe is extra beautiful.
Personal Verdict
I would definitely be lying if I say that I didn’t absolutely love the show. It is true that the first season might seem a little stereotypical and sort of judgmental but the show picks up really fast. Each character brings something beautiful to the story and this is why it is wonderful to watch it.
The way the show portrays the Gardner family, who obviously have their issues but overcome it with love and compassion is beautiful. Gilchrist has given a great performance as Sam and the show will just feel like a warm hug.
So if you are having a bad day or a week like the person writing this, gather up all your favourite snacks and your Netflix streaming device and please watch ‘Atypical’. I promise you, this show will warm your heart.
The Bottom Line
‘Atypical’ is definitely a mood-lifter. If you are someone who watches a lot of crime and drama and things that make your anxiety flyhigh, this show is what I would suggest to be a much needed break. It is warm, optimistic and beautiful, just like watching a sunrise. I recommend ‘Atypical’ as a must watch.
My Ratings for the Show - 5 on 5
Watch it on Netflix
For more such reviews visit Eat My News
Written By - Sakshi Singh
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