Approaching Atlanta as a show is a rather interesting experience, to say the least. I have a hard time reviewing shows as a whole, especially in the new age of 8-12 episodes a season as there seems to be more effort put into a single episode than the 16-24 episodes a season formula.
Atlanta is a show that is contradictory by nature, it applies two schools of thought in the art that were made to be completely opposite, realism and surrealism.
The types we watch usually apply in neither of the sides mentioned. You look at shows like C.S.I, N.C.I.S, or comedies like Friends and you'd see them operate in a world that isn't realistic in its bounds, but they never go the distance to be surrealistic.
Realism is a reflection of reality as it is obvious in the name. The main character here in Iraq during 2004 for example could die abruptly in an explosion while getting groceries in what seems like the middle of the movie.
Surrealism is that explosion leading the man's body to be transported into a world where it turns out that intelligent wolves are in charge of the world and they make major decisions in the world and make money off it. It is a metaphor in a way, a world made to paint an image of the real world with a few elements from it.
The Collide
The story is about the gritty reality of ambitious people simply aiming to make money. The buildings where people live aren't the stereotypical houses you'd expect rappers to live in based on music videos. The characters constantly sweat because Atlanta is hot and humid. It gives you that aspect of reality.
Where surrealism comes in Atlanta is where those two worlds collide, a grilled chicken box with the sauce shines brightly upon opening it because it resembles how good it is.
Surrealism comes in as a tool to escalate events for both a comedic and dramatic effect. Both are done in a way that is meant to provoke thoughts rather than laughter or shock, although it does provide both.
How would Justin Bieber be seen in public if he was black? Are shootings so common that the driveby car needs to be invisible for it to matter or cashier happening to carry an AK-47 that he shoots expertly out of nowhere? But death in the show is still depicted the same in the show, just like the public's reaction to a black Justin Bieber.
The Effect Of The Show
If you watch the show in a binging fashion, it will take a while for its ideas to resonate. I'd be happy to go through it episode by episode, as that's where the show's brilliance lies.
It's a show of subverted expectations, telling you stories that you're familiar with but also very far from knowing at all.
In Conclusion
As a rating, this show gets an easy 9/10 from me. It's less like a show and more like an experience that requires focus to fully appreciate. I'd call Atlanta a must-watch show for anyone whose relationship with movies and T.V shows is deeper than surface-level fun.
I know I will go back to watching it from the beginning once season 3 concludes and I am done with my BoJack Horseman first impression series. But this is an invitation for everyone to start watching the show ahead of next month when season 3 airs.