Les Franken (played by Michael Rapaport) is a protagonist in Special.
The protagonist who takes an experimental antidepressant that triggers a severe psychotic break. Delusionally developing superpowers, he becomes a self-styled vigilante battling hallucinated agents. Ultimately, his sheer willpower helps him confront reality and find personal courage. Joey (played by Josh Peck) appears in Special.
One of Les's two best friends. Initially skeptical or ambiguously reacting to Les's supposed powers, Joey eventually joins him and dismisses the antagonists as mere hallucinations, offering support during Les's delusional journey. Everett (played by Robert Baker) appears in Special.
Les's other best friend. Like Joey, he is initially curious about Les's abilities but eventually supports him, viewing the pursuing men as part of Les's psychotic break rather than reality. Dr. Dobson (played by Jack Kehler) appears in Special.
The physician who prescribes the experimental antidepressant to Les. He warns of adverse psychotic reactions and later attempts to cover up the drug's effects to protect his career, providing a detox liquid to Les's friends. Maggie (played by Alexandra Holden) appears in Special.
A quiet grocery store employee whom Les admires but cannot approach due to insecurity. She later reveals she likes him but struggles with a stutter, prompting Les to seek her out for emotional support and detox.
Special (2006) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Les Franken
(played by Michael Rapaport) — protagonist
The protagonist who takes an experimental antidepressant that triggers a severe psychotic break. Delusionally developing superpowers, he becomes a self-styled vigilante battling hallucinated agents. U...
Joey
(played by Josh Peck) — supporting
One of Les's two best friends. Initially skeptical or ambiguously reacting to Les's supposed powers, Joey eventually joins him and dismisses the antagonists as mere hallucinations, offering support du...
Everett
(played by Robert Baker) — supporting
Les's other best friend. Like Joey, he is initially curious about Les's abilities but eventually supports him, viewing the pursuing men as part of Les's psychotic break rather than reality.
Dr. Dobson
(played by Jack Kehler) — supporting
The physician who prescribes the experimental antidepressant to Les. He warns of adverse psychotic reactions and later attempts to cover up the drug's effects to protect his career, providing a detox...
Maggie
(played by Alexandra Holden) — supporting
A quiet grocery store employee whom Les admires but cannot approach due to insecurity. She later reveals she likes him but struggles with a stutter, prompting Les to seek her out for emotional support...
Key Relationships
Joey → Everett
(Social Best Friends)
Les Franken → Everett
(Alliance Best Friend)
Les Franken → Joey
(Alliance Best Friend)
Les Franken → Maggie
(Romantic Love Interest)
Les Franken → Dr. Dobson
(Professional Doctor)
Story Analysis
A comic book fan's experimental antidepressant triggers a vivid psychotic delusion of superpowers, forcing him to confront reality through friendship, violence, and love.
Plot Progression
The Pill and the Delusion
Vigilante Ascent
Reality Fractures
Willpower Triumph
Directed by Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore
Special (2006) · 6.3/10 · drama, fantasy, science-fiction
