Written by Cleveland Oakes, September 21st, 2016, at 5:26pm Tweet to: @Oakes945
In a mere four episodes FX and Donald Glover have changed the face of the game; with the groundbreaking television series Atlanta. The freshman series has proven to be both a critical and commercial success. Accordingly the Atlanta series premiere on September 6, 2016, drew 1.8 million total viewers. More importantly, Atlanta snagged 1.2 million telecast viewers in the FX’s target demo of adults under 50.
Further, that second figure, gives Atlanta the bragging rights as the best premiere for any basic cable series in the past three years.
It’s Getting Hot in Here
Atlanta tells the story of Earnest “Earn” Marks and his cousin Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles. Earnest is a down on his luck, struggling college dropout. Meanwhile Alfred is a local rapper known as Paper Boi, that finds himself thrust into the spotlight; for some of the right but most of the wrong reasons. Earnest, subsequently appoints himself Alfred’s manager. Let the misadventures begin!
After a shoot out, a night in jail, and a hit single on the Radio, within the span of a few days; Alfred begins to find out that fame in the ATL might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Indeed to quote his boy Darius; after a dude in a Batman mask knocks on their door asking if this is Paper Boi’s house, “Damn son you are getting too hot.”
We’ve had a few weeks to digest the Atlanta premiere around the office. This is our list of top 10 things we love of about the series.
10. New Faces & New Places
In a 2016 season where more and more new shows are premiering with more and more old ideas. Atlanta is a breath of fresh air. Series leads, Donald Glover (Earnest), Brian Tyree Henry (Paper Boi), Keith Stanfield (Darius) and Zazie Beets (Vanessa); are 4 of the most talented and diverse actors on television today. In addition outside of the Walking Dead; Atlanta gives viewers an opportunity to see an urban center that isn’t New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
9. Earnest and Vanessa
Because it’s television, most love stories are a simple formula. Down on his luck sap, meets the the girl of his dreams; and against all the odds they live happily ever after. Well what happens when the young idealistic hero scores the girl? In this situation, real life kicks in. Vanessa loves Earnest, but she wants stability for herself and her daughter more than she needs his love. Vanessa is a great foil to Earnest. She is the deep reality check that he needs on a daily basis.
8. Because the Struggle is Real
Anyone fresh out of college knows that it ain’t easy out there. Nevertheless most TV shows would have think of yourself as an utter failure. For most of our favorite TV characters, money is never an issue. As well everyone lives in a glorious home or apartment that would cost several million dollars in real life. Meanwhile Earnest struggles to pay rent at his parent’s home, his girlfriend’s home, and lastly can’t even pay for a soda at the local fast food joint. Therefore when Earnest treats a weary Vanessa to a long overdue date night; we feel his pain when he learns the Indigo Lounge no longer offers a Happy Hour menu.
7. Boys In the Hood
Depictions of positive inner city friendships are few and far between on television. Clearly, then its great to see the growing bond of friendship and brotherhood between Earnest, Darius, and Paper Boi.
6. Don’t Hate the Players Hate the Game
Programs like American Idol and The Voice would lead viewers to believe that the music game is fair and above board. On the other hand, the world of Atlanta shows us that Payola is alive and well. You want your song on the local radio? You play for pay. In the music game, the best man doesn’t always win. It’s often the dude with the deepest pockets. Therefore when Earnest asks Paper Boi how he makes his money, Paper Boi responds, “I sell drugs. I need money to pay for studio time.”
5. Good Vibrations
The music is just damn good. Atlanta is not a music heavy show, yet similar to Empire, the fictional music of Earnest’s world is as catchy and vibrant as anything on radio today. The real Atlanta is the current Mecca for many of rap’s rising stars. The music and vibe on the show is a true reflection of that City of creativity.
4. Funny but True
Nobody denies that Atlanta is funny as hell. Nevertheless the series pulls no punches. Unquestionably the series goes to dark places when the need arises. The show remains funny, but the situations remain true. Quavo and the Migos recent cameo as a murderous band of drug dealers, closing out a deal with Darius and Paper Boi, was both hilarious and terrifying.
3. The Price of Infamy
The show sets up an interesting theme in the pitfalls of fame. Paper Boi, finds himself famous and infamous all in a short period of time. “I don’t eat in public, because I’m not a zoo animal.” Yet Paper Boi is realizing that his sense of self identity and privacy is slowly slipping away. Truly, maybe is he is trapped in a zoo of his own making. Twice in one day, he is forced to deal with praise from fans; as “the last of the real rappers” because he possibly killed a man. Alfred is realizing that life as Paper Boi maybe more complicated than he ever expected. No surprise his growing sense of apprehension and dread are palpable.
2. Boxing with Windmills
“Follow your dreams, follow your heart.” These words are possibly the oldest advice ever given to mankind. However Don Quixote has already shown us the impossible dream may always be impossible. Earnest’s idealism oftentimes leads to more bad than good. Nevertheless when he triumphs; even in smallest ways, it’s a genuine win that makes audiences stand up and cheer.
1. Darius
In my mind’s eye not since Kramer, on Seinfeld has an oddball character like Darius been instantly iconic. Undeniably wise, keenly observant, yet perpetually high. Darius lights up the screen, with his very presence. Darius is an idiot so brilliant he deserves a spot on Charlemagne the God’s similarly named radio show.
Road Trip to Atlanta!
Atlanta airs every Tuesday at 10pm only on FX. Make sure you catch your free ride to the Dirty South.