Atlanta

A subversive and interesting new kind of comedy

A+screen+shot+from+hit+show+Atlanta

Guy D'Alema /FX

A screen shot from hit show “Atlanta”

Looking for a new, unique and thought provoking show that can also keep you smiling at random unexpected and quirky humor? Then FX’s show “Atlanta” is the one for you. “Atlanta”, written by, produced  by and starring Donald Glover (who has also recorded under the name Childish Gambino)  is a show set in Atlanta, Georgia focusing in on the lives of African Americans. The main cast includes Glover’s insightful “Earn” Marks, his newly discovered rapper cousin Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles (Brian Tyree Henry), and their sedated but likable friend Darius (Keith Stanfield).

This show consistently holds a surreal and disenchanted feeling concentrated almost solely on African American life, showing both the good and bad of life growing up in “Atlanta”, and rather than having a typical flowing plot that moves from point to point, it simply is life. It is focused on the few main characters and what is going on with no real direction, making it unique and fun to watch. Glover is simply displaying his mastery of mashing his two main careers; comedy and hip-hop, making a sardonic yet dreamlike show.

“Atlanta’s” intoxicating atmosphere is maintained by Glover’s ability to write each episode so that it is not the stereotypical “teaching a lesson” and directly laying out what the watcher should learn from their viewing. Instead, it is blunt and straight forward, you are an outsider watching the select character’s life and you are made to draw your own conclusions. Does one scene hold a hidden meaning? Who knows? You can only guess.

On top of that, the cinematography of this show maintains a unique aesthetic and feels strangely dystopian and raw, adding to the overall atmosphere of the show. Along with the unique visuals, “Atlanta” fully uses the music at its disposal, using songs created by both the characters in the show and other popular hip-hop and rap songs. One of the central themes in this show is of course the hip-hop music so it is a given that with producer Childish Gambino, the show’s playlist is set up for success.

Overall “Atlanta” creates an amazing mix of hip-hop, old school style, street and high life making an immersive and diverse experience conscious of the world’s constant cultural appropriation-both mocking and challenging it. This show is definitely very interesting and can catch your attention with how different it is. I could sing its praises for days on end, and go deeply into each and every character, but in order to not spoil anything: I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a down to earth and raw TV show, just be sure to pay close attention through every moment-you never know what you could miss.