Atypical: Season 2

In 2017, Netflix streamed a series titled, “Atypical” about a family who go through real life struggles which results in hilarious situations whether it is played for laughs or drama depending on a specific mood. Atypical’s first season earned good reviews from critics and users alike. Season 2 eventually streamed a year later picking up where the story left off.

Atypical’s second season officially streamed in 2018. Like the previous season, the second season earned positive reviews from critics & viewers alike. A third season is in production with The Cast & Crew coming back.

Netflix officially released an extended cut of Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight.” If you wanna know why it has something to do with Atypical, it’s because Jennifer Jason Leigh is one of Quentin’s favorite actresses and starred in both The Hateful Eight & Atypical.

The following review does not feature any huge SPOILERS. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Make sure to watch Season 1 before you dig deeper into Season 2. Is Season 2 as good as Season 1? Well let’s find out shall we?

The Whole Season

Positive: Returning Cast Members such as Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist, Michael Rapaport, Bridgette Lundy-Paine, Amy Okuda, Graham Rogers, Nik Dodani & Jenna Boyd all did a decent job for their respective performances.

Casey is my favorite character of the show. I see her as the main protagonist.

In addition to starring in a lead role, Jennifer Jason Leigh also co-produced the show.

Series creator Robia Rashid did an ok job crafting a story arc for Season 2. She also served as an executive producer.

Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief) served as an executive producer.

Humor retains its style of blending seriousness and comedy all in one complete package.

Newcomers to the series such as Fivel Stewart, Casey Wilson & Graham Philips all did a good job for their respective performances.

For the first time, Doug finally factors in as a prominent figure.

Sam’s therapist Julia is also dealing with a personal problem.

A new character named Izzie, factors in for the rest of the second season alongside others named Nate & Ms. Whitaker.

Due to the events of Season 1, The Gardner Family deal with personal family issues. The storyline is basically a chain reaction based on family issues, school life & attempting to embrace the future.

The Second Season focuses on Sam trying to plan his future, Casey transfers to a new school & Elsa and Doug are dealing with personal problems.

Character Development involving the main leads as they begin to undergo life changing experiences.

Penguins & Antarctica are frequently brought up by Sam. Every time I hear Sam’s voice, I expect him to narrate a follow up to “March Of The Penguins.”

Negative: Cinematography has some moments of Shaky Cam.

Plot Holes involving Sam having outta character scenes.

Product Placement featuring brands such as MacBook, Apple, Nike, Prego, Roku, Sprite, Sony, Fiji Water, Skinny Pop, Ford, JanSport, Nike, Calvin Klein & 7-11.

Episode 9 – Juiced!

Healthy: Episode 9’s title is named after a crucial scene.

A flashback is shown prior to the events of the first two seasons.

Sam seeks for a capable “replacement.”

Casey preps up to transfer to a new school.

After Season 1’s storyline, tensions escalate with the lead characters.

Sam & Casey have a heartwarming moment as brother & sister.

Unhealthy: Nothing happened with this episode.

Episode 10 – Penguin Cam And Chill

Soft: Episode 10’s title is a play on word of “Netflix And Chill.” You probably know the meaning of it.

Sam & Paige “experiment” their relationship.

Casey meets Izzie, she factors in for the rest of the season.

Casey has a hard time at school.

Elsa gives herself a makeover for an important meeting.

I gotta love Casey’s ringtone.

Rough: No problems were spotted.

Episode 11 – Little Dude And The Lion

Happy: Episode 11’s title is named after a story told by Sam.

Casey gets to know her new friend.

Sam finds his “replacement” after seeking one individual after another.

Sad: Camera had some shaky problems.

Evan thinks “Horizon Zero” is the gameplay mechanics from “Fortnite.” He can’t tell the difference between a single player game & an online battle?

Episode 12 – Pants On Fire

Cool: Episode 12’s title is named after the phrase, “Liar liar pants on fire.”

Sam attempts to learn a new “technique.”

A scene reminded me of “Beavis & Butthead” with the duo recklessly playing with a table saw at a workshop.

One character has a dark secret, which is played for laughs.

Julia receives good news.

Something shocking happened. I can’t tell you why.

Burning: Camera is once again, feeling shaky.

Episode 13 – The Egg Is Pipping

Unbroken: Episode 13’s title is named after a quote from a character? Guess who?

A flashback goes back in time before the events of Season 1 & 2.

Sam tries to take another step in his life.

Mary Poppins is mentioned, “Mary Poppins Returns” starring Emily Blunt, came out the same year Atypical’s second season streamed.

Collapsed: Sam forgets that a specific character who provoked him from the previous season, does something mean. I find it outta character for Sam forgetting a specific person’s traits.

Episode 14 – In The Dragon’s Lair

Smart: Episode 14’s title is named after a quote from Zahid.

Elsa & Doug reunite with old friends after the latter people’s son caused a scene.

Sam embarks on a “mission.”

Two characters read a Stephen King novel.

Is it me, or does a blue screen look fake during a car scene?

Without giving anything away, turns out two people are actual jerkstores. I don’t think it’s a con at all, as long as characterization is carefully executed. For those who don’t know what a “jerkstore” is, look up George Costanza’s “Jerkstore quote” from “Seinfeld.”

Zahid’s background is given more context.

Dumb: A Plot Hole involving why Sam never brought his headphones to reduce the noise. He’s such an idiot forgetting his handy dandy equipment. As if Batman forgot his utility belt.

Shaky Cam is used again.

Is it me, or does a blue screen look fake during a car scene?

Episode 15 – The Smudging

Nice: A flashback is shown prior to the events of the first two seasons.

Sam is given a task from his guidance consular.

Elsa deals with a wacky situation.

Doug proposes an idea for Elsa.

Sam has a “Eureka Moment” which plays a key role.

Mean: Why do I get the feeling I’m getting sick of Shaky Cam?

Episode 16 – Living At An Angle

Positive: One scene reminded me of “Happy Gilmore.”

Sam finally decides what he’s gonna do for the future.

Sam goes on a desperate “mission” to find a very important item.

A member at group therapy is dressed like Han Solo.

A character turns out to be a degenerate jerkstore. It didn’t seem forced.

Episode 17 – Ritual-licious

Up: Episode 17’s title is a play on word of “Ridiculous.”

A focal character has a birthday. Hilarity Ensues.

A misunderstanding occurred, which is played for laughs.

A surprising moment unexpectedly happened.

Two people reconcile after what they’ve been through.

Sam & Casey have a heartwarming moment as brother and sister.

Turns out Casey has some “hidden depths.”

Down: I’m getting sick and tired of the camera not staying still.

Episode 18 – Ernest Shackleton’s Rules For Survival

Rise: Season 2’s finale ties up lose ends, until Season 3 continues the series.

An unsympathetic individual finally gets what he deserves for his actions.

The Cure’s “Lovesong” is played in one scene.

An unfortunate implication occurred.

Sam make a noble decision.

The Ending sets up Season 3.

Decline: Good Lord! Why is the camera suffering from shakiness?!

The Final Verdict: B-

In my opinion, Atypical’s second season is average much like its predecessor. Despite a few blemishes, I thought the storyline managed to keep me entertained. Casey remains as my favorite character of the entire show. In my point of view, Casey is the main protagonist of Atypical, because her character arc is way more interesting than Sam, Elsa & Doug’s character arcs. If you’re interested in watching Atypical, go watch the first season before you embark on Season 2.