Atlanta - Season 1 Review
This review of Season 1 of Atlanta is spoiler-free!
Donald Glover is an absolute god among men in the acting and overall Hollywood community. He has done well in so many different industries, and that is what makes him such a rare thing in that field of people. Sure, he hasn't had a major role yet in movies (look out for Solo, the newest Star Wars Story), but he's done such a great job building up himself. I spent plenty of time trying to push myself to watch Atlanta, but it never truly drew me in. I know that it was highly raved about and that it was quite a unique show, but I couldn't find myself interested enough to put in the time. Finally, after months of avoiding the series for no good reason, I heard about the return of the show and immediately wanted to get involved.
Atlanta does something different in the way it approaches its story. It doesn't pull any punches in the way that it treats its characters. This view of the city of Atlanta is real and powerful. Donald Glover and the all black writing team have managed to tap into something that I'm certain a writers room filled with the usual group of Caucasian men would not. Glover plans Earn, a down on his luck man who is living with the mother of his child because he has no place to go. Upon finding out that his cousin is a popular rapper by the name of Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles (Brian Tyree Henry), he immediately goes to him wanting to become his manager. This struggle to create a better life for himself takes him on some unique journies involving the two of them, and Alfred's best friend Darius (Lakeith Stanfield). Darius is a "visionary" who finds opportunities where others would not. Overall, I loved the story of Atlanta. The outstanding level of realism that is shown on screen with its characters and arcs helps to elevate the show as a whole.
Donald Glover's Earn is the standout character in the series. He ends up in multiple terrible situations but there's a depth of emotion that Glover is able to produce on the screen that shows his talent as an actor. Along with this, Vanessa (Zazie Beetz) is a fantastic counterpart to him as an equal and opposite. She is one who is actually getting anything done in her life, but her arc directly counters his. They are a back and forth couple who are just trying to make the best of their situation. Along with this Paper Boi and Darius are absolutely stellar. They have some rather serious moments throughout the series, but they're a comedic duo overall. Truthfully, there isn't really a bad character in this series.
The one thing that is extremely important in Atlanta is the realism of the world. I mentioned it in the paragraph discussing story but Donald Glover's writing team does a magnificent job of capturing a world that really doesn't have any frills. Earn is legitimately broke and finds himself involved with drug deals and robberies by happenstance. This is the life for many people in Atlanta and they have mentioned that some of these writers are even truly reflecting on experiences they had. They also attempt to show how rappers are held to a different standard than normal people. They're expected to be bad people who kill others and do ruthless things. This is something that happens in the world today, and while its a great piece of the story, it's at times almost uncomfortable with how accurate it is done.
Atlanta is a special series without question. Donald Glover and the team at FX have captured a realistic world that often times isn't possible on television. In ten half hour episodes you are connected and caring about these characters through their journeys. Whether that be Earn's attempts to gain fame, or Vanessa trying to keep her life together, the story is gripping and never lets go. It also manages to go outside its comfort zones many times and throw something different at the audiences that, while unexpected, is absolutely great to watch. Atlanta is a fantastic series for anyone, and especially if you're a fan of the legend that is Donald Glover. Check out Atlanta as soon as you can, as Robbin' Season is right around the corner on March 1st!
