This season we witness Alan having a crush on his classmate Jake. When he sees him working in a local store and then later at swimming pool. Unlike other boys, Jake is not dismissive of Aland and is friendly and of course Alan sees this as a sign of friendship. While the underlying theme is that of Alan finally growing into a teenager, every episode continues to focus on multiple different situations and scenarios of the Carr family. One such episode is the two boys spending some time with their favorite aunt in suburbs of London dn how she gives Alan some confidence while playing games at a bar. Alan's father is dealing with his issues at football success. His team has won few games and he becomes a celebrity only for the management to get changed and he reeling under newer problems. There's a great episode as well where Alan d and his father try to make a bonding trip over a football game. Another knew thing this year is about a gay couple who comes over to live next door. No one in the neighborhood expected that and they continue to live under the radar till the final episode. In aa touching scene, Alan's mom gives her approval but still very oblivious to the fact that Alan is gay too. In the final episode when it is revealed that Jake is just a nice person but his heart lies with another girl in the class is when Alan confides in his best friend that this time he really thought he had a chance and the girl admitting that she has always known about Alan's sexuality.
I feel like first two seasons of the show have flown a bit under the radar, but with his new found popularity with the Traitors win, I have feeling that the audience in UK alt least will sit up and take notice of this beautiful comedy series done extremely well. Every single incident is a real life memory from Alan's life and the popping up of real life Alan every now and then definitely still adds to the charm a lot. The young actor playing Alan is doing such a commendable job that it is unbelievable. He nails Carr’s mannerisms and vocal ticks in a way that feels truthful rather than exaggerated. Alan’s spirit stays irrepressible despite a string of school humiliations, from being stuck in swimming lessons with six-year-olds to getting picked last in PE. I recently saw him in an interview and could not believe that he is the same guy. He is so good looking. The show stays light and funny, heavy on nostalgia and texture, and it captures the awkwardness of growing up queer in a conventional era with a comforting slice of British life. The dual timeline works as a structural choice that sharpens the comedy and keeps the tone steady. The actors in all supporting roles are also doing fantastic work and their banter is very funny. Gary, Alan's brothers dead pan face still cracks me up. I so wish the makers gave him more to do.
Homophobia appears as a reality but in comparatively mild form, and Jake responds to unwanted attention with restraint. Comedy remains the primary mode for exploring painful moments, and the show often uses humor to make those moments approachable rather than overwhelming. I have to say that I think I enjoyed this season a bit more than the first two likely because we are finally getting into the zone where Alans is starting to realize about his sexuality rather than him just being an odd boy. (7/10)
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