it seems like people fail to realize how important it is that people are finally gaining awareness on neurodivergency and ableism. i see it as a huge step forward and there were many scenes that made me feel represented and understood that i'd almost cry. also junho and youngwoos love is the best romance story i've ever seen in kdramas, hands down. pure love and understanding and honesty, in a way that makes both of them comfortable.

that being said, there were quite a lot of things that bothered me, that made me feel like they could have portrayed certain things a lot better.

first off, i appreciate that they translated the title as "extraordinary", but hate the fact that the original title says "weird". shitty move from whoever decided on the title, considering the entire theme is around autism spectrum disorder and they are making money off of it.

they clearly did their research though, especially with displaying ableism and the struggles of people on the spectrum. each autistic person has different upbringings and experiences and so i wasn't expecting them to cover every symptom and behaviour of everyone ever.

that being said, it is very apparent that the story is told from an outsider's viewpoint. it felt like mostly the audience never really knew what's going on in young woo's mind. it seemed like it was going to be about her life from her point of view but the way the script is written, the audience ends up so detached from her which is what we Don't want. come on now. the point is to tell people about autism and to teach people how ableist the world is and to help each other, accommodate and care for each other, be understanding of one another. but this drama made young woo seem like an alien, a different species of a human which makes me so upset because yes we might be different but that becomes a problem only when we get othered and ostracized. the entire world is built in a way that others people who have disabilities, and the 'outside looking in' point of view really didn't help.

i am also glad about some of the cases they were working on, as they tackled lgbt+ rights, the problems refugees face and other mental disabilities.

and i do Not agree with people complaining about how the actress talks in a higher voice and acts "cute and childish" it is beyond disrespectful to view that as a stereotype and as infantilizing. seems like y'all wanted a character who masks and tries to fit into your own personal standarts which, yk, is ridiculous. i'm glad young woo was herself when she had the chance to be.

hated how the second male lead had a redemption arc that felt like a jumpscare. what do you mean the petty guy who bullied and plotted against youngwoo the entire drama suddenly had a revalation and did a 180 due to the slightest display of romantic interest????? HUH????? and how come the woman who hated the guy and protected her friend from him ends up falling in love with the mf are you kidding?????? i love the actors still, they did an incredible job.

in love with the part where young woo calls her friend a spring sunshine, my favorite scene in the series.

to summarize, even though certain things were definitely handled poorly, i'm still glad a drama with an autistic lead gained this much popularity, it at least helps people gain awareness about asd and hopefully it will help them recognize things they can be accommodating with, even if it's opening a water bottle for a friend.

they should still change the fucking title though.

ALSO much love to the animation team honestly. my special interest is orcas as well and i was Crying when one swam up to young woo inside the courtroom, it was mesmerizing and so so beautiful.