'Atypical' Season 4 Ending Explained: Does Sam go to Antarctica? Dad doesn't want him to quit

When Sam's program to Antarctica is canceled because he's the only applicant, it seems to make his family even more determined to help him
PUBLISHED JUL 9, 2021
Keir Gilchrist and Brigette Lundy Paine star as Sam and Casey Gardner in 'Atypical' Season 4 (Netflix)
Keir Gilchrist and Brigette Lundy Paine star as Sam and Casey Gardner in 'Atypical' Season 4 (Netflix)

Spoilers ahead for 'Atypical' Season 4

A journey to Antarctica sounds like an overwhelming one to take and it certainly turns out to be that way for more than just logistical reasons for 19-year-old Sam Gardner who is on the autism spectrum (Keir Gilchrist) in the final season of 'Atypical'. Sam who has a sudden brainwave that the passion he has been looking for all his life is penguins, decides to take a trip to Antarctica with a college program to capture the endangered emperor penguins with his artistic abilities. 

His family, friends, and girlfriend Paige (Jenna Boyd) are initially not quite sure what to make of this plan considering Sam is not exactly the outdoorsy type or the adventurous type and that he also hates the sound of the swish-swish of snow pants and is one of the pickiest eaters ever. But when Sam's program to Antarctica is canceled because he's the only applicant, it seems to make his family even more determined to help him when they see that Sam decides to go at it alone with or without the program. If shows like 'Atypical' appeal, then perhaps you will also enjoy shows like 'Hannah Gadsby: Douglas'.

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Keir Gilchrist stars as Sam Gardner (Netflix)

It's then that his father Doug (Michael Rapaport) who has just lost his best friend and therefore feels more than ever that dreams should be followed, asks Sam if he can accompany him on his trip to Antarctica. It's the perfect solution that lets Sam live his dream and also have the emotional support that he needs.

The other member of the Gardner family who is ready to spread her wings and leave the nest is Casey who initially struggled at the thought of moving away to college and leaving her 'one and only' girlfriend Izzie behind. But fans were delighted to find out that both Casey and Izzie (Fivel Stewart) are both now in talks with the same college which means that hopefully, these two runners are in for the long run.

As for Sam and his girlfriend Paige, they decide to go their separate ways, but as he touchingly tells her even if they've broken up doesn't mean he'll take a break from being in love with Paige. Let's hope this odd couple someday gets to pick up where they left off.

To catch more of Sam's happy if atypical ending, you can catch the latest episodes of 'Atypical' which started streaming on Netflix on July 9. 

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