Netflix’s ‘Special’: A Review from Someone with Cerebral Palsy
For a university student I probably spend very little time on Netflix’s, yet when I heard about Special I knew it was something I just had to watch. The rarity of a disabled actor on a mainstream platform is something that should get noticed.
I watched Special in one sitting, now this may not be a major feat with it being 8 episodes long (with them ranging from 11- 15mins each) yet I was instantly hooked. As someone who has cerebral palsy, it is a refreshing change to see my disability accurately portrayed and played by someone also has CP (thanks Ryan O’Connell). There has been a few instances where a character with CP has been played by a non-disabled actor, this is comical and unrealistic at best. I’d say it takes great skill to move like someone with CP.
Just as a disclaimer, this review will have spoilers sorry! and the Netflix’s show is rated a 15 which included various adult- related themes.
Special is what we’ve been waiting for
Special: A young gay man with cerebral palsy branches out from his insular existence in hopes of finally going after the life he wants.
Do you want a realistic comedy about what it’s like navigating through the beginning of adulthood with mild cerebral palsy? Then watch Special.
The raw nature of daily challenges was something I found amusing and reassuring. From falling over in the street to questioning the big statements in life: Am I disabled enough? Ryan just desired what any normal 20-year- old wants: his own place, a job and a relationship. Yet we quickly realise having CP can add a few more hurdles to these ‘normal milestones’.
We see the close-knit bond between Ryan and his mum over the course of the series. The mum obviously wants him to gain independence but is scared to make that jump due to the difficulties Ryan has. Going between the overbearing mother to the dismissive parent (who just wants to get her life back after years of hospital appointments) highlights the complexity of raising a young adult with a disability. However, like many people with cerebral palsy, Ryan’s practical approach to life (even if that’s getting someone else to build your furniture) is something that will see him through.
True representation of Cerebral Palsy
When you have a disability, your identity and how much your disability consumes this is always an internal struggle. Over the course of the series we see Ryan being hesitant around disclosing the fact he has CP. Like he puts it, he had to come out of the closet to say he was gay, and he has to do the same to admit to his new found friends (and himself) that he has cerebral palsy. As much as he tries to run away from the fact he has CP, it always finds a way of (literally) tripping him up, on multiple occasions. Ryan tries to navigate the world of work, owning a house after finally conniving his mum of his new found capabilities and attempting to not embarrass himself in front of his crush. This is a major achievement for anyone at the ripe age of 20. He craves the normality of these experiences, yet always is presented with CP related challenges- even if this is tying shoelaces.
Ryan becomes close to a new co-worker (Kim) and seeing this relationship grow over the series was a delight to watch. Kim is Ryan’s cheerleader right from the start. She tries to throw all the body confidence at him and just accepts him he way he is. Even when revealing his diagnosis of CP, they just see Ryan for Ryan.
The power of self-acceptance
Yes, this might be erring on the side of positivity and unfortunately open acceptance isn’t readily available to everyone, but I enjoyed the series all the same. There are times when the CP diagnosis slightly consumed the character, yet Ryan held his own throughout. When considering the title and the initial narrative, the storyline and the depiction of cerebral palsy related moment worked extremely well.
The show depicts moments of self- acceptance, pure friendships and the unknown world of being an adult. When navigating through the world of internalised ablism, it’s exciting to see where the storyline will go during the second season. I’d like to thank Ryan O’Connell for putting this together and I hope this isn’t the end to Netflix’s inclusive originals!
~ Chloe x
