Dessert at Olive Garden

**Dessert at Olive Garden** is the tenth episode of the fourth Season of *Atypical*. It is the last episode of the series.

## Synopsis

Sam deals with a big disappointment, Casey clashes with Elsa over college plans, and a recurring dream vexes Doug.

## Plot Summary

Casey gets a text from Izzie — she decides to talk to her. Casey doesn’t think it’s fair that she broke up with her and finds it condescending that she thought it would be best for her. Izzie believed she’s been bad for her and ruined things, but Casey disputes that notion. Izzie tells her she is right, and the couple kiss each other.

Sam is frustrated that the Antarctica expedition is canceled because he was the only applicant. However, there is an opportunity for Alaska, but Sam does not feel that is appealing. If he doesn’t go to Alaska, then he’s running out of classes to pick.

At a family dinner, Casey is still annoyed at her father for nearly breaking her and Izzie up. Sam tells his family that his whole life is dumb now. As for Elsa, she needs to find a nursing home for her mother, who has a degenerative brain disease.

Paige is pumped after quitting her job and she has sent letters to “bad-a\*s women”, asking if they need a self-motivated starter, but Sam tells her not to get her hopes up. His mood hasn’t easily dissipated regarding Antarctica; he gets rid of everything that reminds him of that place.

Later on, Paige reveals one of her letters has lead to a big opportunity, but she’d need to start in a week. Sam agrees with her that she should turn it down as it’s too soon, and she seems to agree reluctantly.

Casey is enjoying her time at her old school, Newton High School, again, and she’s considering going to Denton rather than UCLA. She tells her mother UCLA is far, and she knows nobody there. She is firm on the issue, despite her mother trying to persuade her otherwise.

Zahid goes to Chip’s place, but he’s moved out and he’s surprised to find an attractive young woman called "Honey". He’s mesmerized by her. He asks for tools, and she asks if he wants to “nail or screw” anything, making his imagination go wild. Zahid gets nervous, and says “I was just trying to help my friend.” He regrets not taking the opportunity. Casey tells Zahid that it’s good that he sat down with Honey, had a real conversation, and that’s how meaningful relationships start.

Elsa introduces Casey to a woman named "Emily" from UCLA as a surprise. Casey is annoyed, but her mother tells her she’s spoken about leaving home since she was young and that she’s always envied how big she dreams. She also calls her a brave, strong person.

Later on, Casey updates Izzie about her meeting with UCLA. Izzie also raises she also spoke to Emily from UCLA. They are excited, but promise that if one does not get in, the other one needs to go still.

Sam has an idea to adapt and wants to go to Antarctica on his own as he feels he is prepared. His family seems tentative on the idea, but they support him either way, including Elsa. He heads to the aquarium with his father to talk to penguin Stumpy. His father, Doug, tells Sam he has plenty of vacation days saved up, and he wants to go to Antarctica with him. Sam accepts his father's request.

Doug apologizes to Casey for what he said to Izzie. Casey explains she wanted him to like Izzie, and that’s all. They hug each other and make up. Casey is so happy that her father is going to Antarctica with Sam.

Sam goes out with Paige at the Olive Garden restaurant. She explains how they’ve never made it to dessert at Olive Garden as there’s usually been a skirmish. She tells him how happy she is for his trip and that she will miss him. Sam tells Paige that she’s smart and loyal, and he knows how many weeks he has been with her. He tells her she’s good at advocating people. Sam feels he has to do the same with her, and he thinks she should take the job in Georgia building habitats.

Paige raises she’d be gone for a year and she’s scared, but Sam calls her the bravest person he knows. Sam knows what this means for their relationship, and they are both emotional about it. He calls her the best girlfriend in the world and he thought he’d never have one, but he thinks it would be best they break up for a while. Paige thinks he is right, and she hates that he’s right.

## Cast

### Main

* Keir Gilchrist as Sam Gardner
* Brigette Lundy-Paine as Casey Gardner
* Jennifer Jason Leigh as Elsa Gardner
* Michael Rapaport as Doug Gardner

### Recurring

* Nik Dodani as Zahid Raja
* Graham Rogers as Evan Chapin
* Rachel Redleaf as Beth Chapin
* Jenna Boyd as Paige Hardaway
* Fivel Stewart as Izzie Taylor