Second Season of “Special” a Treat
Ryan O’Connell’s show deserves a gold star
BY GARY M. KRAMER
The second and fi nal season
of “Special” is dropping
on Netfl ix May 20,
and for fans of the show,
it is easy to binge all eight episodes
in one sitting. Writer/producer/
star Ryan O’Connell has created a
series that is valuable not just for
depicting being different — be that
queer, disabled, or non-white —
but about being kind. The show’s
heart is in the absolute right place,
and viewers will appreciate the
sensitivity O’Connell uses in discussing
the issues around disability,
sexuality, and inequality.
That said, sometimes folks must
be cruel to be kind, and “Special”
generates some of its humor when
people simply tell it like it is.
For newcomers, or fans who need
a brief recap, Ryan (O’Connell) is a
20-something gay man with cerebral
palsy. He and his best friend,
Kim (Punam Patel), work as writers
for a website called Eggwoke. Their
narcissistic boss, Olivia (Marla
Mindelle), is shrewish in a very
distinctive, amusing, way. Ryan
has not spoken to his mom, Karen
(Jessica Hecht), for two months.
Their extremely close relationship
hit a snag at the end of last season,
and they are “taking a break.”
In the fi rst episode, Ryan fi nds
himself attracted to Tanner (out
gay Max Jenkins), a cute guy he
meets. However, Tanner is in a relationship
— albeit an open one.
Their friends-with-benefi ts status
concerns Ryan, who doesn’t feel
comfortable with the arrangement.
Kim also meets someone, Harrison
(out actor Charlie Barnett), a guy
she thinks she can size up, but he
surprises her. Meanwhile, Karen
is grappling with loneliness and is
seeking purpose in her life.
Much of “Special” traces these
three main characters as they
grow and fi nd their self-worth and
independence. While negotiating
his relationship with Tanner,
Ryan also goes out on a date with
Henry (Buck Andrews), a neurodiverse
gay guy he meets — at a funeral
no less. Their bond makes
Punam Patel (left) and Ryan O’Connell in the second season of “Special.”
Ryan question his lack of disabled
friends. Kim is burdened by massive
debt and moves back in with
her parents (Anjali Bhimani and
Ajay Metha), who shame her and
force her to be more responsible.
Karen’s arc involves her losing her
mother and trying to fi nd some
happiness.
The eight episodes are satisfying
because each half-hour offers
moments that are comic, sexy, and
often poignant. Ryan’s relationship
with Tanner is sweet as they get to
know each other, on a swing set at
a playground (and denying impatient
kids their turn), but it is also
sexy during intimate scenes involving
Ryan topping Tanner. But the
best moments between the couple
involve them being open and honest
with one another, which can
cause some friction. Ryan’s effort
to be his best authentic self is both
admirable and ingratiating, and
viewers will be in his corner, always.
One of the points Ryan’s character
makes is that he often has
to educate others about his disability
— and how exhausting that
is. A particularly uncomfortable
YOUTUBE/NETFLIX
episode has Ryan being sexually
fetishized by a guy, which makes
him feel bad. Another episode
features Ryan, Henry, and their
friends with disabilities attending
a disabilities-focused prom.
O’Connell uses this event as yet
another opportunity to show how
many people often condescend to
individuals with disabilities. But
these teachable moments never
feel preachy. Instead, they address
Ryan’s need to fi t in and know who
he is.
Kim also struggles to fi t in. As
a curvy Brown woman, she often
feels tokenized in the workplace.
Her tough-talking persona hides
TELEVISION
the fact that she is quite insecure.
She can be herself with Ryan, but
she sabotages her relationship
with the irresistible Harrison and
later struggles with her feeling for
her childhood friend Ravi (Utkarsh
Ambudkar). Kim’s story provides
a nice contrast to Ryan’s in that
whenever one is happy, the other
is miserable (or jealous), but their
supportive friendship provides the
heart of the series.
“Special” also gives Karen a
voice, and while her narrative is
arguably the weakest part of the
show, Jessica Hecht’s performance
is terrifi c. She transforms from a
mousy doormat into someone with
some backbone, which is gratifying.
While it is painful watching
Karen endure abuse by her shrill
friend Tonya (Lauren Weedman), it
is empowering to see Karen stand
up and speak her truth both at her
mother’s funeral and to a man who
disrupts her while dancing with
some friends.
As good as the series is for
showcasing these characters and
their situations, it is both necessary
and disappointing that this
season is the show’s last. Yes, the
characters are lovable, and viewers
will want their stories to continue,
but “Special” also says what
it needs to and does not wear out
its welcome.
O’Connell deserves a gold star
for creating a heartwarming, entertaining
show that depicts underrepresented
voices in ways that
celebrate and appreciate rather
than patronize.
SPECIAL | Season 2 on Netfl ix
May 20.
GayCityNews.com | May 20 - June 2, 2021 33
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