Ep 6. In the Dragon's Lair

Sam has a newfound appreciation for Zahid's "Goofdoofs." Meanwhile, Doug discovers a need to educate himself on Fidel's Islamic customs. While in Ethics class, then students are presented with "The Trolley Problem," a moral dilemma that involves choosing between the lesser of two evils. The class agrees to vote to determine the most ethical choice; however, Sam has trouble grasping their decision. Elsewhere, Paige attempts to connect with Sam over their shared love of cartoons.

Episode 6 of Atypical season 2, titled "In the Dragon's Lair," showcases the depth and complexity of the show's storyline. It continues to delve into the multi-layered relationships between Sam and the supporting cast, all while addressing social issues such as cultural differences, morality, and the importance of understanding autism.

The episode begins with Sam immersed in a "Goofdoof" game with Zahid. Despite being typically apathetic towards his friend's interests, Sam finds himself enjoying the game and even complimenting Zahid's skills. Zahid decides to use Sam's newfound appreciation of "Goofdoofs" to teach him about the importance of friendships and personal interests.

Meanwhile, Doug grapples with the societal pressures of being a white man and trying to connect with his Muslim co-worker, Fidel. Through a conversation with Elsa and a bit of research, he learns about the importance of Ramadan and fasting in the Islamic faith. The scene takes an important and timely look into cultural sensitivity and respect, something that is often lacking in mainstream media.

As the students of Sam's Ethics class discuss "The Trolley Problem," a dilemma that poses the choice between killing one person or five people, Sam struggles to understand the concepts of morality. He is unable to comprehend how his classmates' chose to vote for the lesser evil instead of striving for a more ethical solution. This scene continues to highlight the unique perspective of someone on the autism spectrum.

Paige, determined to connect with Sam, invites him over to watch a cartoon from their childhood. Their viewing of the show leads to a heart-to-heart conversation about the importance of finding people who share your love of your passions, despite how niche they may seem.

Overall, the episode weaves together each character's individual storylines to create a cohesive narrative that circles back to the overarching theme of acceptance. Atypical continues to push boundaries with its authentic representation of an individual on the autism spectrum, while simultaneously challenging societal norms. "In the Dragon's Lair" is an example of a thoughtful and impactful episode in the series.

In conclusion, episode 6 of the second season of Atypical is a genuinely compelling chapter that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.