Love on the Spectrum Season 2 Episode 2, Recap & Review

Episode 2 Recap

Love on the Spectrum, episode two opens right where we left off, with Connor. “Wisdom can’t be granted, it must be earned” – Optimus Prime. Connor quotes this, embarrassed about checking “No” on girls at speed dating before they’ve left the table. He adds, “Sometimes, at a cost.” He runs into an old coworker named Sasha, then gets a bit overwhelmed. A phone call outside, with his mom, helps him calm down. He marks Sasha down as a “Yes” and removes himself from the overstimulating situation.

James gets ready for a date with an ‘Instagram fan’ of his, named Jasmine. They meet at a park. Their date gets off to a great start before rain cuts their walk short. At a restaurant, Jasmine says she wants children, but James does not. It’s a tough conversation to have, but the two part ways on good terms.

We’re introduced to Tanner in Clemson, South Carolina. He works at a hotel with his sister and absolutely loves it. He lives with roommates Blakely and Frankie. Autism expert Jennifer Cook visits Tanner, and they prepare for his upcoming first date. Abbey and David begin their dream trip to Africa accompanied by David’s sisters and Abbey’s mom. They are overjoyed by Abbey and David’s relationship. The safari drive starts off with many animal sightings, including a giraffe, zebra, and gazelle. 

Dani tries not to let her single status get her down. While she’s over Matt, she seems very interested in the mysterious ‘Jake.’ “Girls can be horny too” she jokes over drinks with her aunt and uncle. Dani calls Jake and asks him on a date. He says “yes.” Connor informs his parents of his potential feelings for Sasha the morning after. He gets a call at the table… and the episode ends.

The Episode Review

Episode two of Love on the Spectrum marches forward with everyone, and it pays off. Connor’s need to step outside while speed dating is all too understandable. People with autism often feel overwhelmed by social situations. ‘Overstimulated’ is another term for it. Becoming overstimulated, though, is not always about loud noises, flashing lights, or purely physical stimuli. That overwhelming, panicky feeling can also come from thoughts, feelings, and words.

Putting Connor’s coping techniques on display was a bold and beautiful decision. It shows his strength and intelligence to recognize what he’s feeling, and do something constructive about it. The way it’s filmed helps to translate his feelings. We see him calm himself down from a steadicam, through a narrow view in the window. It is a beautiful shot and a moment that encapsulates what makes the show great. It’s easy to see someone like Connor get overwhelmed and assume it’s just the loud noise and pace of the conversations. But the truth is much deeper. Love is scary; it’s mysterious. The difference between infatuation, a crush, and love is hard for anyone to distinguish, and a lot to process.

The real-life drama, triumphs, and natural comedy soars throughout the episode. The skills of the filmmakers shine. Director Cian O’Clery has a wonderful ability to make everyone feel comfortable and keep the show feeling naturalistic. Watching Jennifer Cook work with Tanner is revelatory, and Tanner himself has an undeniably contagious joy about him.

It’s empowering to see such positive relationships between families. All of our main subjects have such lovely, caring families. Love on the Spectrum finds that balance between showing the struggle without creating an ounce of negativity in the tone of the show itself. It’s a force for good, for education, empathy, and optimism.