Ep 2. Standing Sam

In Atypical season 3 episode 2, titled "Standing Sam," we see Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist) continuing to navigate through the complexities of adulthood and forming new relationships. The episode centers around Sam's attempt to reach out to a girl he's interested in, Paige (played by Jenna Boyd). However, he quickly realizes that Paige is already dating someone and feels disheartened.

Sam's sister, Casey (played by Brigette Lundy-Paine), is also adjusting to her new school and grappling with the expectations her new coach has for her. Meanwhile, their mother, Elsa (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh), finds herself at a crossroads in her life and is considering going back to school.

One of the major themes of "Standing Sam" is tackling societal expectations and norms. Sam, who is on the autism spectrum, struggles with trying to fit in and be like everyone else. This is especially highlighted when he tries to talk to Paige and stammers through their conversation. Sam's journey throughout the episode is about finding his own voice and learning to celebrate the things that make him unique, rather than trying to conform to others' standards.

Casey faces similar struggles when her new coach admonishes her for wearing a t-shirt during practice, telling her that it's not professional and won't help her get recruited by colleges. Casey pushes back, pointing out that male athletes are allowed to wear t-shirts during practice. This leads to a conversation with her coach about breaking down gender norms and expectations in sports. Casey's journey is about standing up for what she believes in and not letting others dictate her choices.

Elsa's storyline in "Standing Sam" is about rediscovering her sense of purpose. She's been a stay-at-home mom for years, but now that her children are growing up, she's starting to feel like she needs something more. Elsa enrolls in a college course and it's clear that she's excited to expand her knowledge and challenge herself in new ways.

Overall, "Standing Sam" is a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be true to oneself, even in the face of societal pressure to conform. The episode is masterfully crafted, with heartfelt performances from the entire cast. It tackles weighty themes with sensitivity and nuance, making it a standout entry in Atypical's already impressive roster of episodes.