Atypical

For the first time in a while, an American series that doesn't feel like a waste of time. And strangely enough, it’s once again Netflix coming up with it. The characters and dialogue are definitely interesting and it's a good watch. I see a little bit of Sheldon in Sam at times and Dexter’s sister in his sister. That's not to say they copy them, both characters are original and I believe I'll find a closer relationship with them in future seasons. //// After watching the second season I'm raising the rating to full. (12/13/2018)

Everything you ever wanted to know about Antarctica and autism (but were afraid to ask) or in other words, “an autistic Wonder Years for the 21st century". And no, even though it may seem like a cheap attempt at something “like Sheldon" at first, Atypical is about something else and it is different. Few series are able to balance so well on the thin edge of drama, comedy, sentiment and unobtrusive lessons, while not veering towards moralizing, intrusiveness or something similarly low. Everyone makes mistakes, we get to like everyone, especially the central sibling duo. The only significant complaint is that some of the supporting characters are far too one-dimensional sitcom types (although most of them are funny characters, that’s true), which do not always fit the Gardner's otherwise purely bittersweet family storyline. And then there is a diversion towards sitcom style in the third season. Yes, it's an obsolete “nothing-against-nothing" series like something out of the nineties. And no, that doesn't matter, because in the category of “series for the whole family", this is one of the best to come out recently. | S1: 4/5 | S2: 4/5 | S3: 3/5 | (11/21/2019)

A pleasant American series. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, but also no reason to be over the moon about it. Also I don’t really think that the characters are original enough to keep being entertaining in every scene they appear in. Yes, it is about an autistic man for whom seemingly ordinary things might present a challenge, for the comedy purpose. And I’m not saying that I didn’t laugh at times. To be honest, however, I don’t think that it’s exceptional enough not to get lost in the large amount of family dramedies and sitcoms among which it belongs. Pleasant, relaxing but forgettable. Nevertheless, not a bad series to chill with after work. (12/18/2019)