As We See It

Matt Roush says...

With Friday Night Lights and Parenthood, Jason Katims proved he knew how to pluck the heartstrings. He does so again, adapting an Israeli series into this moving half-hour dramedy about three young adult L.A. roommates with autism who are taking their first uneasy steps towards independence. Each is played by an actor who identifies with being on the spectrum, giving As We See It an impressively emotional authenticity. As we get to know them—brilliant and blunt Jack (Rick Glassman), who wants to be able to support himself; impulsive and needy Violet (Sue Ann Pien), who really wants a boyfriend; and lonely agoraphobe Harrison (Albert Rutecki), who’d like a new friend as long as he doesn’t have to leave the apartment—we root for their small victories as we laugh, cry and cringe at their setbacks and often predictable meltdowns. Sosie Bacon is terrific as their loving aide, with strong support from Joe Mantegna as Jack’s ailing and concerned dad and Chris Pang as Violet’s supporting but stressed brother. It takes a village, and you should check this one out.

What's Worth Watching (Jan 21)