Special

Netflix

There are several similarities between this groundbreaking show and Shrill:

·       The main character works for an online publication and wants to write from their own unique point of view.

·       The main character is trying to rectify their relationship with their parent(s).

·       The main character is not normally someone who would lead a television show.

·       There is a plus size female character who addresses her weight in a revolutionary way.

Shrill was fueled by the real life experiences of its author, Lindy West, but this show is even more personal. Ryan O’Connell wrote the original adapted memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves, created the show, starred in it, executive produced it, and wrote every single episode. It makes sense that O’Connell would need to have a hands on approach with this show, because not many of us understand, let alone experience, life with cerebral palsy, a condition that O’Connell has had his entire life.

O’Connell is also gay, and that duality in identity lends to a truly innovative and pioneering show that showcases rarely told stories. The show follows Ryan as he realizes how closeted his behavior has become, and he strives to finally become independent and authentic. Jessica Hecht portrays his long suffering mother in one of the most vulnerable performances I have seen in some time. Punam Patel plays his new best friend, Kim, who portrays a radiant, body positive Indian American writer who takes him on the path to friendship and self-love. Patel is a highlight to the series and one to definitely watch, because I see her blowing up really soon.

            I didn’t know much about cerebral palsy before I binged this show. People with CP struggle with daily tasks like opening mail, tying their shoe laces, and driving.  Because their movement is hindered they sometimes can’t walk at all, or can’t live alone. O’Connell focuses on his deterrents to daily life, but more often than not his character is focused on things like work and romance. It would have been nice to know what his life was like before he starts at the fictional Eggwoke, and to what degree he has struggled in life, so we can understand how much he evolves throughout the show. Many people I know thought Ryan’s character was selfish and rude, which detracted from their enjoyment. Honestly, I did find him to be rather self-centered, but that just fueled his relationship with his mother that much more, and I enjoyed that aspect of the story the most.

            Packaged in 8 very short episodes and dropped by Netflix two months after announcing it had been picked up, Special is a small yet satisfying treat for those currently enjoying shows such as Shrill and Pen15. O’Connell is an invigorating new voice who blends honesty, humor, and truth to power into a unique and smart comedy that I can’t recommend enough.  Kudos to Netflix for greenlighting this show as well as Atypical, and here’s hoping that we get to continue seeing properties that highlight the diversity we actually see in our day to day lives.