SummaryThe drama series from Jason Katims focuses on Jack (Rick Glassman), Harrison (Albert Rutecki), and Violet (Sue Ann Pien), twentysomething roommates on the autism spectrum, as they juggle work, families, relationships and independence.
SummaryThe drama series from Jason Katims focuses on Jack (Rick Glassman), Harrison (Albert Rutecki), and Violet (Sue Ann Pien), twentysomething roommates on the autism spectrum, as they juggle work, families, relationships and independence.
They're real people with real problems in an all-too-real world. "As We See It," in other words, is the perfect Katims show. Best TV newcomer of the new year so far.
As We See It may occasionally veer towards the saccharine, but its big heart, outstanding central trio, and wonderful supporting cast make it must-see TV.
Simply Wonderful . As young children we all strive to fit in, be popular and be normal. The struggles of these three twenty somethings on the autism spectrum is a very funny, touching and charming eight part series that simply goes by too quickly. Absolutely loved this show
Until now, the best show revolving around autism was Netflix's Atypical, which is funny, sweet and touching, but Keir Gilchrist was NOT autistic. This new show involves three 20-somethings on the spectrum who share an LA apartment, BUT all 3 of the actors also identify as autistic. One is agoraphobic (Albert Rutecki), one is good at computers but bad with people (Rick Glassman) and one just wants to fall in love (Sue Ann Pien). They attempt to adjust to the neurotypical world with the help of their families and their caretaker (Sosie Bacon). While it may take a few episodes to get caught up in their challenges, there's no denying that the performances of this trio are not only genuine, but vulnerable and truly affecting. The final episode turns on the water works, but throughout the series there are also moments of humor (often provided by the trio's reactions). The situations seem authentic and they're treated with respect and compassion. Actually, the word "autistic" isn't even spoken until late in the series. As we learn to accept and appreciate them, one of the actors sums it up, "What's the big deal with normal?" This show is certainly a breakthrough in representation and a heartfelt drama.
“As We See It” follows in the Katims tradition of heartfelt family drama. It’s a lot to ask of a show to handle all the above [to let people on the autism spectrum be at the centers of their own stories, and to tell those stories with the kind of care they’re otherwise rarely afforded on TV] with both sensitivity and a clear eye for narrative, but Katims and company continually find a way to thread this particularly tricky needle.
The struggle is real, but as we pick up early on, the remedies are not just about the autistic dealing with themselves. It's about the rest of the world dealing with their autism—something that provides the net in a show that, by definition, is walking a comedic high wire. ... "As We See It" probably won't shock anyone with the decision-making contained therein, but the seemingly knotty problems faced by its extraordinary characters are, upon reflection, not so uncommon.
“As We See It” has the potential to show their autistic cast’s true perspectives, but the writing certainly needs to be more reflective of a neurodivergent POV. Pien, Rutecki, and Glassman are great, as is Bacon, but if you’re at all on the spectrum and/or a disabled viewer, expect a lot of treacle that’s not meant to make you feel seen.
Really enjoying this show. Not aure I have enough experience with people on the spectrum to say how accurate it is, but I'm enjoying all the characters. I love how the folks on the spectrum are the stars, but the show still pays tribute to those who are in their lives. Everyone in the cast does an amazing job.
One note; Sur Ann Pien. Why did they cast a trans woman to play a biological woman? I know that sounds transphobic, but hear me out. Pien does an amazing job. She's perfectly cast and she shines in the role, but by that community's logic, she should only be able to play trans characters. After all, when a straight character plays a **** or trans character, we hear a whole lot about representation (remember Eddie Redmayne, Jared Leto, and Scarlet Johansson who all got flack for it). So if we played by those rules, none of us would get to enjoy this wonderful performance.
A series supposedly focused on the lives of 3 autistic adults, yet largely portrays a harmful point of view commonly seen in media involving disabilities.
This series has some feel-good moments but is overshadowed by the mistreatment and infantilisation of the autistic characters. As ‘We’ See It portrays the harmful narratives of disabled adults as primarily a burden, and how caregivers and family members view disability. Associated with Autism Speaks (a hate organisation that harms the autism community) and directed by non-autistic people, As ‘We’ See It is an unfortunate disappointment that could have centred autistic voices and experiences, but continues to cater to caregivers and family of disabled people.
As an autistic adult, it was uncomfortable to watch and reminded myself of the poor treatment of disabled adults. The autistic characters being played by autistic adults (a bare minimum) gave me hope for positive and authentic representation of autistic adults, however that was not evident.