Thinking make head hurt. Not good.
Pain can be a teacher
After one season, we've been given no hint that she's got no choice in the issue. You go that long without an acknowledgement, even if it's a subtle nod to the obvious, and you just write her off as an asshole. That's counterproductive for your ejimakayshun goal.
Think about it for a second, dude.
WHY would she be such a bitch? Take note of her subtle remarks. I assume they're copying the part - so there should be plenty for you to pick up on.
Either it's the worst writing of the century - or there's a REASON she behaves like that and still has a job.
We might have a language issue here. Treatment /= cure. Therapy IS a form of treatment. Not really a critical point, anyway, so moving on.
Semantics, probably. I tend to think of treatment as something meant to alleviate or cure a condition. All you can really do with Asperger is try to live with it without it taking over.
Well, they certainly accomplished the first half. I worry that it might be too late to accomplish the second half.
If you still aren't willing to understand her based on what I've told you - then it's most likely too late.
I would think a simple hint would be for her to mention a therapy session in passing. Don't even have to spell out what for, just establish that her behavior is not to be taken as normal. A more tricky approach (which could be turned into a public service announcement after the show, hitting that education button you're looking for) would be for her to have a pamphlet for Asperger's on her desk. Another character could ask about it, and she quickly tucks it in a drawer and nothing more is said. Inquisitive viewers (proper targets for your desired education) could look it up for themselves. If you wanted to make a sermon for moronic masses out of it, have a little 3 minute spot after the show with the actress and some suit pitching awareness and "Aspergers.com".
That's exactly the same as spelling it out. It's a US thing. I'm sorry, but it is.
In the Danish version - she gives a ton of subtle hints, like "I'm not normal" "I'm no good as a girlfriend" - "Why is that joke funny?" - and so on.
She cries at one time when her boss is meant to retire, but it's only a tear - and then she's back to herself again.
The character is basically completely incapable of normal social function - but she's chosen to withstand all the ridicule and social isolation, and she's chosen to sacrifice almost everything just to be as good at her job as she can be.
She's possibly the least selfish person in the entire show - and that's the beauty of her character. She never does ANYTHING to hurt anyone - and she does everything to help. Everything she does is based on what she thinks will be the best thing to do.
The other characters go around cheating on their wives and kill people.
But people don't see it - they just think she's a bitch.
You think that's a character worthy of hate?
I can't remember any character for which I've had greater sympathy in a TV show.