Netflix's Atypical Review: 4 Ups & 1 Down

Downs

1. It's Inconsistent

Atypical gets a lot of flack for its inconsistency and rightfully so. In order to show how misunderstood a person with autism is, the show sometimes uses Sam's voiceover to present what's going on in the head of the patient. While the information in the voiceover is valid, the device itself is not a good choice, since autistic people, even with HFA, are not as self-aware as Sam.

It's like he knew he had autism and yet didn't bother to do anything about it. This is most annoying when Sam is discussing compassion, as that would be enough proof that he's capable of it.

Moreover, there are some moments where Sam contradicts himself. In the first episode, when about to have sex, he pushes a willing girl away because she's too delicate. Just a few episodes later he doesn't have a problem when Paige gently touches his face and kisses him.

Atypical can be more appreciated when it's perceived not as a series about autism, but one describing and familiarizing some elements of it.

What did you think of Atypical? Let us know down in the comments.