The new FX comedy “Atlanta” is composed of 10 episode season with an running time of 23 to 24 minutes for each episode. The TV show contains upcoming actors, such as Brian Tyree Henry, Keith Stanfield and Zazie Beetz. The TV show has already been renewed for a second season.
By SUNCANA PAVLIC – Managing Editor
The new TV comedy “Atlanta”, which stars Donald Glover — also known as rapper Childish Gambino –, is a great blend of witty jokes and music while depicting everyday life in Atlanta.
The TV show “Atlanta”, written and produced by actor and Grammy nominated rapper Donald Glover — more commonly known to his fans as Childish Gambino –, premiered its first and second episodes on FX on Sept. 6.
Given Glover’s previously acclaimed works, such as his 2013 album “Because the Internet” and his role as Troy Barnes on the NBC comedy “Community”, it is not surprising “Atlanta” was anything less than a perfect mixture of comedy, music and a uniquely surreal depiction of life in Atlanta.
“Atlanta” is narrated by the main character Earnest Jones (Donald Glover), a Princeton dropout, who becomes a manager for his cousin Paper Boi, an upcoming rapper.
The show explores the rap music industry within Atlanta, shot in unorganized scenes, jumping from Earnest ’s daily struggles trying to support his daughter and maintaining a relationship with Van (Zazie Beetz, the mother of his daughter) to attempting to navigate through his hectic life in Atlanta. These scenes contrast with life of “Paper Boi”, who adjusts to the effects of his rising fame with his overly philosophical sidekick, Darius.
The show consists of constant witty and funny jokes made by Earnest, Paper Boi and Darius. The show uses allusions to pop culture and celebrities such as Don Lemon and rapper Gucci Mane which adds to the masterfully crafted jokes in almost every line. However, the funniest moments usually result from the main characters’ reactions to their ridiculous encounters throughout Atlanta.
While the show is a comedy, “Atlanta” touches on serious issues within the United States and African-American community. The second episode’s main setting was located in a Dekalb County jail, where Earnest witnesses and attempts to deal with displays of police brutality. The visible tension between the African American community and the police is seen through Paper Boi’s clear dislike of the police officer he encounters after he was incarcerated.
In addition, “Atlanta” also indirectly addresses other serious issues such as the unacknowledgement of intellectual disabilities within the judicial system and discrimination against the awaiting LGBTQ+ community.
After the first two episodes, Donald Glover leaves the viewer craving for next Tuesday, anticipating what other hilarious and outrageous encounters Earnest, Darius and Paper Boi will have through their daily lives and rise to fame.
