Ep 2. Episode 2

In The A Word season 2 episode 2, viewers are taken back to the quiet town of the Lake District in England to catch up with the Hughes family, who have been dealing with the aftermath of Joe's autism diagnosis in the previous season. The episode opens with a dream sequence featuring Paul, the father, who wakes up from a nightmare that feels all too real. It's clear that he is still struggling to come to terms with Joe's diagnosis and all that it entails.

We then get a glimpse into the morning routine of the Hughes family, as they try to get ready for the day ahead. Alison, Joe's mother, is rushing around trying to get everyone sorted, while Rebecca, Joe's aunt, is trying to get her business off the ground. Meanwhile, Paul is stalling for time, trying to avoid having to go into work. It's a vivid portrayal of the hectic nature of family life, and how difficult it can be to juggle multiple responsibilities.

One of the main plot threads of this episode is Joe's upcoming school evaluation. The team responsible for assessing Joe's abilities and needs is due to arrive soon, and Alison is understandably panicked about how it will go. She is worried that Joe won't be able to perform to the best of his abilities, or that the assessors will not have the necessary experience to understand his condition. This storyline is threaded throughout the episode, building tension and adding a layer of stress to all of the family's other activities.

Another standout element of this episode is the way that it explores the relationship between Paul and Maurice, his father-in-law. Maurice has always been a difficult character, with a tendency to say whatever is on his mind, regardless of how it will make other people feel. However, in this episode, we see a different side to him. After Paul opens up to him about his struggles, Maurice offers some surprisingly helpful advice, showing that he is capable of being a source of support and comfort.

One of the themes that runs throughout the episode is the idea of isolation. Although the Hughes family is surrounded by people - friends, extended family members, and members of the local community - they all feel a sense of loneliness at times. Joe's condition has set them apart from others in many ways, and it can be hard to find the kind of connection and understanding that they need. This is captured perfectly in a scene where Rebecca tries to explain her new business idea to a group of local women, only to be met with blank stares and dismissive comments.

Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments of humor and levity throughout the episode. One of the funniest scenes is when Paul, trying to impress the assessors, ends up getting into an argument with one of them about the merits of different types of pasta. It's a testament to the show's writing and acting that they can handle such a serious topic with sensitivity and nuance, while still injecting moments of comedy.

Ultimately, The A Word season 2 episode 2 is a poignant and thought-provoking look at what life is like for families who are dealing with autism. It deftly handles the complex emotions that come with this situation, from the fear and uncertainty to the moments of joy and hope. The characters are all well-drawn and engaging, and the writing is both sharp and sensitive. For anyone who is dealing with autism in their own life, or who wants to better understand what it's like for those who are, this episode is definitely worth watching.