The Zeitgeist of Atlanta(FX) | Video Essay

[@imdankarlin]

After the therapy episode, I always surmised that it was Al’s mom that abused Earn; which was why he stayed away from Al after the funeral, and Earn’s father’s “he would tell you before he told me” was an outdated view of Al and Earn’s relationship, which compelled Al to call Earn back in the pilot. Al’s mom is also implied to be abusive in other ways in New Jazz, given the things that Al yells at Lorraine (serving as a stand-in for his mom) near the end of the episode.

[@yeremydiaz8439]

wow, great take. it just left me thinking

[@aliya.ayyyeee]

Being a kid that grew up watching The Adventures of Pete & Pete, and Donald Glover being in a close age range as myself, I think seeing the world played out surrealistically just makes sense for us. While Pete & Pete focused on seeing the world through kid’s eyes, Glover saw that the surrealism of existence doesn’t stop there, and doesn’t have to. I have no idea if there’s any inspiration from that show, but the early to mid-90’s was an interesting time for television and film in general, and I can’t help but feel that it played a big part in Glover’s artistic vision behind everything he’s done. Even being a writer on 30 Rock or being one of the main cast members of Community, both those projects had very surreal vibes that had to have resonated with him… as I believe he’s careful and particular with the projects he chooses to participate in. Atlanta was pure genius, and I can’t speak personally to the black experience in America, but Atlanta really gives us a lens to see and feel the surrealism of that experience in a way that while heavily influenced by many artists of the past, hasn’t quite been done like this before. I think everyone who’s ever felt othered in this world can understand the surrealism of existence and while others can never genuinely fully understand someone else’s lived experience in a personal way, many of us know the surreal feeling of existence. As I said, Atlanta is its own personal lens of a specific experience and watching the art created from that experience was so brilliantly portrayed. I can’t wait to see what else Donald Glover brings us in the future. It’s safe to say he’s one of if not the most influential voices of this generation.

[@qwertmanjenkins]

Probably the best Atlanta video on youtube!

[@jjarvicious]

I'm so glad u brought up The Boondocks cuz I've always felt like Atlanta was a live action Boondocks or at least it filled a void dat The Boondocks left after McGruder left da show, da comedy, da tragedies, da social commentary & da afro surrealism is all there

[@savlosavage]

The last episode subtly was telling us that Darius was blending the TV shows he was watching with the real life situations that they all described to eacother that they have gone through. You even hear various lines on TV that are said throughput the show. It's the same thing with swarm

[@blaheedsimmons2226]

could yu elaborate

[@savlosavage]

@blaheedsimmons2226 you can break down everytime he would mention something he watched or seen somewhere ... it's literally foreshadowing for the later escapades Vern goes through

[@Ace01010]

ooohhhh okay I'm loving these connections and insights

[@Im_Absolute]

Thanks for tha video. I didn’t like tha ending simply cuz I hate tha whole “is it a dream shtick” but it didn’t bother me since most storylines felt concluded by that point anyway.

[@FredUAW]

Outstanding summation!

[@leftovernoise]

Let's gooooo Actually, I gotta watch the last episode before I watch this in case there's spoilers but I'll be back!

[@tas11117]

Great work, really enjoyed the video!

[@yousufhussain2989]

Loved this analysis!

[@seouleshoes]

First off, you got a dope voice, sounds like you should be narrating for sure more or even some voice over work! I agree with Al softening up. It's not that he's about that life or has others' backs, it's just more so he's growing up and maturing, and realizing some fights just aren't worth it. Not only for the sake of himself, but those he's close with. I feel like he's always had that sense of maturity, Woods is a good example that shows it when they're getting a pedicure. Darius is definitely a chaotic neutral I'd say haha. But he really is the closest thing to a DD while the others are enjoying a party since he's already having enough fun as is, regardless of influence (figuratively that is.) The ties to real life events, and the cultural debates of cancel culture, cultural appropriation, racism, social caste systems, etc., really makes you think of this show. Which is why I agree they want you to analyze it. I forgot where I saw this, I think it was another Atlanta video, but someone commented on how it feels surreal being a person of color in America at times. Really liked your analysis of this, keep it up!

[@PickleN00dle]

I fucking love this channel

[@YohanceToye]

Great vid essay

[@amuhammad27]

Manboy still isn’t the good guy… But this was spot on! And yes, the Cheesecake Factory is gross 😂