Atlanta Season 3 Episode 3 Review: The Old Man and the Tree

 ***Spoilers Ahead***

Brian Tyree Henry (left), Donald Glover (right). Photo Credit: FX

The Old Man and the Tree

Aptly titled "Robbin' Season", the 2018 batch of Atlanta episodes featured Alfred, Earn, and the rest losing possessions of value and being taken advantage of. Season 2's 'Woods' saw Paperboi being mugged by thieves posing as fans while Earn was nearly robbed of his job as manager due to his own incompetence and insecurities. Season three has seemingly toned down that aspect of the series now that the gang is in a better place financially, but 'The Old Man and the Tree' makes it clear that they are still being taken advantage of, just by a new set of people. Though they may have made massive strides in their careers, the characters are still struggling to deal with the challenges that come with their new environment

The episode begins with Earn, Alfred, Van, and Darius going to the playhouse of billionaire investor Will for a lavish party full of wealthy people. As the four split apart, Alfred meets an old man named Fernando who he initially befriends and ends up playing poker with. After a bizarre conversation about Fernando's encounter with a pale, black ghost, Alfred wins the poker game with ease. Unfortunately for Al, Fernando locks himself in his room and refuses to pay up. This situation is as frustrating for Paperboi as it is for viewers but ultimately reveals how those in higher positions are every bit as manipulative as the ones they dealt with in their home city. Furthermore, a talk that Alfred and Earn have emphasizes the whiplash Al is dealing with in his new, uptight surroundings. He can't use physical force to take the money he is owed like he could in Atlanta, even though the white woman at the party can playfully steal his hat and Fernando can cheat him out of thousands without repercussions. The double standard between races is as glaring as ever in this affluent setting and is a concept that Atlanta tackles brilliantly here. 

In another section of the episode, Earn feels that UK rapper TJ is taking advantage of billionaire Will and robbing him of his money despite not having the talent to back it up. Though Earn warms up to TJ after his talk with Alfred ("White kids be scamming all the...time. Hell you think TikTok is?" - Al), it's easy to feel put off by his disdain for TJ. No one can get far in this industry without exploitation and TJ supposedly scamming a billionaire is hardly worth much criticism. As Glover's character deals with the Will and TJ situation, he also has to come to terms with Van's disoriented and somewhat reckless behavior. It is apparent that Zazie Beatz's character is becoming incredibly distant and living in the moment to a startling degree. From pushing waiters into swimming pools to ignoring Earn's urgent call, the Atlanta writers are clearly preparing for an ominous reveal that will give proper insight into Van's mental state. 

Darius deals with his own strange encounter as an Asian woman named MK mistakenly assumes he's hitting on her and details how black men often pursue her. Though the two maintain friendly relations, a white man named Socks overhears the exchange and is outraged on Darius's behalf. This escalates to an absurd degree when a mob of white virtue-signalers gang up on MK for her racially-charged remark. The humor here emerges from how calm and nonchalant Lakeith Stanfield's character remains as the white people get worked up over MK's comment about him. The juxtaposition between the chill Darius and angry partygoers serves as a flawless commentary on how performative activists will blow something minor out of proportion whilst ignoring their own shortcomings. The parallels to Loquareeous's encounter with the lesbian couple in 'Three Slaps' are evident and confirms that the premiere was more than just a standalone piece.

'The Old Man and the Tree' is an intriguing ride through the toxic atmosphere of the upper echelons of society. The themes and elements of "Robbin' Season" continue to live on in season three as the core characters deal with deception and manipulation at a higher level. The episode ends with a cathartic moment as Alfred attempts to chop down Fernando's tree after he refuses to pay him. Though the gang escapes in a getaway car with Socks at the wheel, it's not hard to imagine that Al's actions will catch up with him in a future installment. This frantic closer works as the perfect ending to a chaotic episode that highlights how Atlanta's third season is just as captivating and thrilling as the first two.

Stray Thoughts

• Jai Paul's cameo was definitely a highlight, he previously worked with Glover on his 2020 track 'Time'.

• Earn's mention of how Doja Cat's camp was doing something "similar to them" was probably a shot at FX's Dave, a show that has been accused of ripping off Atlanta and featured a guest appearance from Doja herself. 

• The fifth episode of the season is titled 'Cancer Attack'. Could Van's sporadic behavior and panic attacks be related to a cancer diagnosis? 

GRADE: 9.2/10

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Atlanta Season 3 Premiere Review

***Spoilers Ahead***

Donald Glover (left), Brian Tyree Henry (right). Credit: FX

Three Slaps

On March 26, 2018, Jennifer and Sarah Hart drove their SUV off a cliff and killed the six black children they had adopted in a horrific murder-suicide. This shameful tragedy may not have gotten much attention from the mainstream press but it clearly caught the eyes of Donald Glover and Hiro Murai. 'Three Slaps' cuts back on the comedy in order to bring this gut-wrenching story to the small screen in a Get Out-style fashion. Though it may appear to be detached from the main narrative of Atlanta, the themes of white saviorism and adolescent trauma feel right at home in the dramedy's landscape.  

After a chilling dream sequence that takes place in an abandoned lake, viewers are met with the character of Loquareeous, a young boy who misbehaves in class and deals with frequent visits to the principal's office. Though it's quite painful to see him chastised by his mother and slapped by his grandfather, it is nothing compared to when his mom lets Child Services take Loquareeous to his new home. Upon arrival, the fabricated sweetness of his new caretaker Amber mixed with the blunt, irritable nature of her wife Gayle is nothing short of skin-crawling. From there, Loquareeous meets his new, silent siblings, eats Amber's "fried chicken", and is forced to slave away for the farmer's market that the two ladies are a part of. 

Outside of a cheeky reference to rapper NBA Youngboy, there's little to laugh at here and this is clearly a strategic choice to drive home the horror aspect of 'Three Slaps'. The episode ultimately escalates as it progresses, going from mildly discomforting to traumatizing within the span of just thirty minutes. This culminates with the caretakers murdering a social worker that comes in to check on the kids and leads to the murder-suicide that almost takes the lives of the adopted children. Thankfully, Glover's version of this real-life tragedy ends with the kids surviving and Loquareeous finding his way back to his mother's house. Even though it is revealed that the entire ordeal was a dream Earn was having, that fails to make the events of this outing any less haunting.  

'Three Slaps' blends the eerie stylings of 'Teddy Perkins' with the childhood angst found in 'FUBU' to concoct a spine-chilling premiere. It's difficult to label this episode as enjoyable or entertaining  because of the troubling nature of what's being depicted, but the content is still incredibly captivating. Though it may seem like this installment is pointless filler, it is clearly going to be part of a larger narrative that Atlanta will be crafting this season. This episode is a masterclass in horror and the team behind the series deserves major praise for shining light on such a catastrophic crime.   

Stray Thoughts

• If it weren't for the Black Panther 2 and Rihanna references, I would have assumed this episode was a flashback to a character's childhood, possibly Darius. 

• I wonder if the inclusion of American Dad had any deeper meaning to it.

• So was the lake scene at the start a dream within a dream?

GRADE: 8.5/10

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Sinterklaas is Coming to Town

While the first two seasons of Atlanta primarily took place in the titular city, it's only natural that the series would change the scenery as it enters another chapter. With Paperboi becoming a much larger act and Earn growing more competent in his role as manager, 'Sinterklaas is Coming to Town' reveals that a lot has changed in four years but there are still enough familiar beats to showcase the infectious chemistry between the core characters.

'Sinterklaas' begins with a groggy and sick Earn frantically scrambling out of his hotel room to secure the $20,000 needed to get Alfred out of a Dutch prison. Although this appears to be an alarming situation at first glance, it is soon revealed that Paperboi's jail cell resembles a cozy suite more than a security facility. Some of the most entertaining moments come when Brian Tyree Henry's character treats his cell like a luxurious resort, choosing to order all the food he can stomach and taking a peaceful nap even after Earn pays his bail. 

The newfound stardom that Alfred basks in is even more enjoyable to witness, with his fans holding up "Free Paperboi" posters and Alfred returning the favor by showering them with paper bills. After that situation is resolved, the Earn and Alfred storyline takes on a refreshingly relaxed tone. Earn is far less neurotic and insecure than he was in past seasons while Alfred is in a surprisingly calm mood. The only conflict that emerges is when Alfred decides not to perform at the venue due to the blackface-wearing audience members. This ends with a hilarious moment where the event manager becomes furious with Earn and chases him down. He ultimately beats up someone wearing blackface that he mistakes for Glover's character, meaning that Earn was essentially saved by the racism that made him uneasy.

The side-plot of 'Sinterklaas' centers on the unlikely duo of Darius and Van as they deal with a death doula and watch the suffocation of Tupac (or a Tupac lookalike). The inclusion of Tupac here is reminiscent of the black Justin Bieber from season 1's 'Nobody Beats the Biebs' since both feature a well-known figure taking on an unusual likeliness. Outside of the references to the rap icon, Darius once more steals the show with his deadpan delivery and eccentric brand of one-liners. Lines like "this city is my Jesus" or his explanation of how he got his balls crushed in Nigeria illustrate why his presence has been sorely missed. They may not have as much chemistry as the others but it's still engaging to see the interactions between Darius and Van, on top of learning more about the mental state of Zazie Beatz's character.

'Sinterklaas is Coming to Town' is a flawless return to the type of absurdist comedy that Atlanta excels at. It serves as a pleasant reintroduction to the cast of characters that have made this show so engaging from the start. When it comes to the uncomfortable nature of the blackface scenes, it seems like some of the elements of 'Three Slaps' are seeping through and will continue to control the atmosphere of this season. There could not be a better way to bring these characters back after such an extensive hiatus and the events of episode two will make longtime viewers excited for what's in store for the rest of the dramedy's third season.  

Stray Thoughts

• Both 'Three Slaps' and 'Sinterklaas' reference Rihanna.

• Alfred being in a European jail is likely a callback to the A$AP Rocky fiasco. 

• I wonder if Earn will continue to be sick and if it has something to do with Covid. 

• It's a shame we don't get to see what happened to Clark County after the events of the season two finale.

GRADE: 9.0/10

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’Atlanta’ Renewed For Third Season by FX

Photo: FX

FX has renewed dramedy Atlanta for a third season. The series stars Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz. The second season premiered on March 1, 2018, and consisted of 11 episodes. Overall, the program's sophomore run averaged a 0.33 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic. Atlanta was down 25% from its previous season. Per Deadline, the series is slated to be back in 2019. Read our reviews of the series here. This was a correct prediction for the TV Ratings Guide.

What do you think of this news? Will you be watching season three? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Atlanta ’Robbin’ Season’ Season 2 Episode 11 Review ’Crabs in a Barrel’ [Season Finale]

***Spoilers Ahead***

Crabs in a Barrel

Photo: Donald Glover (left). Zazie Beetz (right). Photo: FX

One of the most pivotal moments in the career of a rapper is going on tour for the first time. It displays how far the artist has come and shows that people are willing to travel and pay money just to see them perform. Through two seasons, Alfred has grown substantially in the rap game. Paperboi has gone from quietly producing music to becoming a household name. After a season full of peril and dire situations, 'Crabs in a Barrel' dials back on the drama and takes on a relatively relaxed tone. Earn has a meaningful conversation with each main character and finally encounters a victorious moment.

The Atlanta finale begins with Alfred meeting a lawyer to see if he's the right fit for him. Earn coming late to the meeting adds on to the existing fear of Marks being dropped by Al. At times, it's almost painful to watch Glover's character being an unprofessional manager. Since Alfred has become a recognizable and prominent artist, one more error on Earn's part could cause him to be fired for good. Even though it's clear that Alfred needs and deserves someone with experience in the industry, it'd still be devastating to see him let go of his cousin. As the trio of Earn, Darius, and Al get ready to move out and go on tour, the writers segue to a teacher's conference where Earn and Van learn that Lottie is a gifted student. Since their split, the two have not shared a single scene together. But, this segment makes it clear that they still have affection for each other. Additionally, aside from this scene, the series hasn't exactly focused on the character of Lottie. Since most comedies diminish the role of children and infant characters, it felt especially enjoyable that the writers put the spotlight on her. The conference cemented the fact that Atlanta can effortlessly switch between disheartening and sweet, amusing moments. Every now and then, it's nice to have a minute to concentrate on producing sheer comedy.

But, like clockwork, Atlanta roams back to darker territory with the Darius plot. As Darius waits to get his passport renewed, Earn details his fear of losing his job as Al's manager and explains how his life is falling apart. This is a moment that Robbin' Season has been building up to for a while. The greatest outcome here is that we get a glimpse of Darius's serious, grounded side. Although we got a peek of it in 'Teddy Perkins', Stanfield's character has rarely showcased his levelheaded behavior. As he comforts Earn and alleviates his worries, it's difficult to fathom that this was the same character who was playing chess with himself a couple scenes ago. Darius has several dimensions to him and it's marvelous that he can alternate between being a comic relief and a makeshift life counselor. To sum up, the chat between the two comes off as organic and heartwarming. It's not often that the writers give the characters room to breath. When moments like these do come up, it's hard not to savor it. The talk between those two and the scene with Al, Darius, and Earn sitting on the couch shows a side of the show that has been sorely missed in the second season. Although fast-paced and dangerous events are exciting, it's also nice to have moments to reflect on the situations at hand. The couch scene also serves as a throwback to Atlanta's early days and puts into perspective just how far these three have come since then.

The last act of 'Crabs in a Barrel' is easily the most interesting and refreshing part of the episode. As they enter the airport, Earn's fear of losing Al returns when he sees Alfred having a good time with Clarke County and his manager Lucas. Upon putting his backpack on the conveyor belt, Earn realizes the gun that Uncle Willie gave him is inside it. Knowing Earn's bad luck and taking into the account the pattern that Robbin' Season has followed, it would have been more than likely to expect an outcome where Earn is arrested for having the gun. That hypothetical result would've served as a somewhat predictable and quite rotten closer. But, Atlanta is anything but a predictable series. Earn puts the gun in Clarke's bag and Clarke puts it in Lucas's. This leads to the latter being taken away and Earn receiving an unexpected moment of triumph. The icing on the cake is when Alfred commends him on his stealthy move and tells Earn that he wouldn't think of firing him. After a season where all signs pointed to Earn's demise in the music industry, this was a beautifully perfect twist. Furthermore, Earn experiences an epiphany that he must take drastic measures to survive in the music business. This ends up being a remarkable moment for the series as it shows that Earn is capable of being a competent and intelligent manager.

Similar to the season one closer, 'The Jacket', 'Crabs in a Barrel' is a satisfying finale that provides some growth for each character. It lays out the groundwork for a third season that will likely see Al's star status increase even more. Aside from that, the writers confirm that Earn will definitely be around for the ride. Although it may be calm and slow-paced, that's just what Atlanta needed after ten episodes full of conflict and chaos.

Miscellaneous

• Darius playing chess with himself was the best moment in the episode. 
• Also, Darius's high-pitched voice had me in tears. He was the MVP in this one. 
• I wonder if Clarke County is secretly furious at Earn for putting the gun in his bag.
• Tracy's appearance at the end was hilarious. I guess he's homeless now. 
• Season Grade: A
• This season has been near flawless. I'd say that it's even better than the first. 
• The wait for season 3 will be painful. 

Grade: A

My Ranking of Season 2 Episodes (Best to Worst)

01. 'Teddy Perkins' (Season 2, Episode 6)

02. 'North of the Border' (Season 2, Episode 9)

03. 'Woods' (Season 2, Episode 8)

04. 'Alligator Man' (Season 2, Episode 1)

05. 'Crabs in a Barrel' (Season 2, Episode 11)

06. 'Barbershop' (Season 2, Episode 5)

07. 'Sportin' Waves' (Season 2, Episode 2)

08. 'Money Bag Shawty' (Season 2, Episode 3)

09. 'Champagne Papi' (Season 2, Episode 7)

10. 'FUBU' (Season 2, Episode 10)

11. 'Helen' (Season 2, Episode 4) 

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Atlanta ’Robbin’ Season’ Season 2 Episode 10 Review ’FUBU’

***Spoilers Ahead***

FUBU

Photo: Alkoya Brunson. Credit: Indiewire/FX

Through the course of a relatively short run, Atlanta has consistently modified and revamped story, setting, and character elements to create a fresh experience every time. For the most part, each attempt has succeeded in marvelous fashion. Episodes like 'B.A.N' or 'Teddy Perkins' have gone down as some of the dramedy's most engaging and thought-provoking outings. With that said, all these installments have had at least one main cast member in the mix. 'FUBU' drops all established actors and journeys into the world of Earn's childhood. Even for an experimental series like Atlanta, this is a rather risky move to pull off. The child performers have to mimic their adult counterparts in a believable manner. To put it lightly, that's usually not an easy task to accomplish. 'FUBU' takes a stab at this and the talented kid characters manage to successfully portray younger versions of Earn and Paperboi. Furthermore, despite the seemingly friendly atmosphere, this episode doesn't shy away from including a tragic, horrifying event.

The bulk of 'FUBU' takes place in a high school and focuses on Earn struggling to prove that his FUBU shirt is legitimate. On the surface, this seems like a generic coming-of-age storyline that can be found in countless family sitcoms or children films. In fact, some aspects of the episode definitely lean dangerously toward that route. Since Atlanta normally strays away from clichés, it comes off as a bit tedious to see them following a fairly familiar design. Despite my quibble about the episode's framework, the acting certainly delivers in all categories. Alkoya Brunson's depiction of a child Earn simply knocks it out of the park. The fact that he's constantly trying to prove himself fits right in with Glover's character traits. As 'FUBU' reaches the midpoint, it's clear that Earn has the fake shirt and Devin owns the real jersey. This revelation immaculately resembles the sort of situation that the adult version of Earn would get himself into. It's not too different from Earn choosing a fangirl's college dorm room instead of a hotel in 'North of the Border'. Both circumstances reveal that he rarely thinks things through despite generally having good intentions. Also, the state of fear and distress that overcomes Earn after he finds out his shirt is a bootleg is incredibly convincing. It feels right at home with how Earn would deal with this predicament while simultaneously giving a realistic look at the toxic environment of high school. While many productions romanticize high school life, Atlanta instinctively addresses the harsh realities of one's adolescent years. Nothing proves this better than Devin committing suicide. 

The death of Devin adds an extra layer of depth to what would have been a fairly shallow episode. Instead of simply being an introspective look at Earn's younger days, 'FUBU' becomes a terrifying depiction of the aftermath of peer pressure and lies. This changes the outcome of Alfred sticking up for Earn and makes that scene rather harrowing to look back on. It's heartbreaking that the signature duo indirectly caused a classmate to commit suicide. But, it's also a bit reassuring that Earn didn't end up being bullied and abused for wearing the fake shirt. This scenario truly conveys how Alfred has had Earn's back from the start. It beautifully shines light on the dark beginnings of their friendship. The only real problem with 'FUBU' does not originate from anything that's onscreen. Instead, the flaw stems from what the writers don't include. The episode could have been better if they had focused more on the dynamic between young Alfred and Earn. Additionally, it wouldn't have hurt to see younger versions of Darius or Van. Although the outing works well without them, I would have preferred to witness a full-fledged backstory that examined the early days of all the characters. 

'FUBU' is an episode that starts off slow and quickly escalates into a horrifying and captivating outing. While it's not perfect, the child actors play their roles well and the writers send a clear, concise message. If nothing else, 'FUBU' shows that Atlanta can still create a solid outing without the help of any of its main characters. Overall, the installment acts an engaging origin story and only strengthens the bond between Alfred and Earn after 'North of the Border' threatened to tear it all down. 

Miscellaneous 

• I still want to see how Earn met Darius and Van. But, I guess that's material for another episode. 
• This season went by so fast. Next week is the finale. 
• I wonder if Childish Gambino's new single will be played at the beginning or end of the finale.

Grade: B

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