I haven’t written about FX’s Atlanta for a few reasons. Biggest one I hadn’t watched any.  But I must say they did my city right.  The first scene in the first episode first scene set it off with a Magic City, Follies and Cheetah joke. I could be biased but this is one of my favorite things to watch and can’t wait for more. the 22 minute run time leaves me yurning for more. Episode 3 is culminates the purpose of why it’s set in 2016. The soundtrack reflects what’s on Atlanta radio right now. You get the feeling like these people exist in real life and if you live in Atlanta you might know them.

Recap

This episode is about eating. Figuratively and literally. Earn starts by trying to score a kids meal which is a technique used by anyone with light pockets or light appetite. Somehow the universe puts something else in his way of trying to eat.  He finds his check was a measly $96 after agreeing to taking Van out to dinner. After getting what sounded like good advice for restaurant choice he then finds himself struggling with the price of food again.  Meanwhile Al and Darius get money the best way they know how. Sell drugs. They get there money up enough to go meet the “Mexicans” for a big deal. Funny thing I noticed was they all work commission jobs but somehow the legit one earns much less.

Atlanta Episode 3 Takeaways

Earn is exactly who you thought he was.

After the botched date night Earn reveals he is truly of my generation because he smart understands how things are moving, he feel has to go his own way to the top. We are still waiting to find out what happen at Princeton but we know he’s crafty. So it’s safe to assume it will come back up around the time he will decide to change jobs. The thing about is it will be a challenge finding the right fit because he can’t have something that will take away from his hustle time.  He feels the crossroads coming and he tells Al that his life as a drug dealer won’t last long and will need to find new revenue streams.

I’m interested in the pacing of the show going forward because it’s really drumming on a drama’s pace that is usually reserved for a 48 minute run time. I’m starting to get the feeling like this season will really be an extended origin story which isn’t bad, but will lack a real emphasis on action and any fast pace moving. Give me an hour finale with some good stuff in it and all will be forgiven.

Favorite Lines

Earn: I was working at Al’s today.

Van: You smell like work, What’s that Kush?

Favorite Scene: Looking For Parking

Earn tries to save a few bucks on parking by skipping valet. Pulls up to a spot. Homeless man disguised as a parking

A Migos origin story in the “Atlanta Universe”?

attendant. They have an exchange and the results are magical. Summing up the man he goes on. Let me list all the reasons why you shouldn’t park here then tell me this isn’t a parking lot and I’m charging just as much as valet

“I found this vest over there at the Kroger shopping center and this here is a light saber, Luke Skywalker”

Last Word

The first real cameo happens when A-Town favorite Migos are the ‘Mexicans’ that Paper Boi and Darius are meeting and they acting just as the were on the Noisey Atlanta only this time with a Mexican Cartel flavor.

Overall a great episode that helps establish each character a little bit more and dives into the motivations. I see some concerts or shows in the near future.