Courtesy of TV Guide
After over a year, the third season of popular Netflix series “Atypical” was released on Friday, Nov. 1. Following the life of Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist), a teenager on the autism spectrum, the series shows viewers the ups and downs of what it’s like to grow up with autism. The TV series, created by Robia Rashid, is full of laughter and drama, capturing viewers with quirky and relatable characters. Naturally, fans were overjoyed when the show was renewed for a third season. All expectations were fulfilled, if not surpassed, in season three. Some could say this is the best season “Atypical” has to offer.
The season kicks off with Sam starting college, after recently graduating high school at the end of season two. Determined to do well and be like everyone else in college, he decides not to apply for disability services. Consequently, quite a few challenges arise that discourage Sam. However, after accepting a little help from family, friends and the school, he is able to discover all the different things he can learn and love at college.
Meanwhile, Sam’s sister Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine) faces struggles of her own while attempting to navigate high school, relationships and her first love: running track. With the new possibilities viewers saw in season two with the relationship between Casey and her best friend Izzie (Fivel Stewart), extra strain and confusion is placed on the long-term relationship Casey has with her boyfriend, Evan (Graham Rogers). Toward the end of the season, Casey has to make a decision between the two. However, because the show does such an incredible job at creating perfect relationships for her, viewers are just as torn as she is.
Another strained relationship found in season three is that of Sam and Casey’s parents. Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Doug Gardner (Michael Rapaport) attempt to figure out what the next step is after the relationship conflict viewers saw in seasons one and two. Elsa and Doug need to decide whether to separate or try and make their marriage work, and viewers are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what the couple does.
Secondary characters also reappear in season three, as comical and likeable as ever. Sam’s best friend Zahid (Nik Dodani) will keep viewers laughing with his quirky persona and comical relationship challenges. After Sam tells his off-and-on-again girlfriend, Paige (Jenna Boyd) that he loves her at the end of season two, the relationship rekindles almost immediately at the start of the third season. However, Paige soon discovers the challenges of going to college and having a long-distance relationship.
Fans of the first two seasons of “Atypical” will definitely be happy with how the third season turned out. With comedy, drama, conflict and romance, this television series is a must-see. It gives viewers an in-depth look at the highs and lows of what it’s like to be on the autism spectrum as well as what it’s like to be a part of a person with autism’s life. Season three ends with a satisfying conclusion, leaving viewers wondering if the series will be renewed for a fourth season. Whether this is an ending or just the beginning of an incredibly well-done television series, “Atypical” is sure to be remembered.
