A month ago, FM Hip Hop covered the status of Lando, one of Donald Glover’s highly anticipated roles. However, Lando was stalled due to Glover’s calendar of previous engagements, one being the ultra-successful series Atlanta.
Now season three of Atlanta has concluded, leaving many fans wondering what was up? Finally, there’s insight, as Stephen Glover, writer/executive producer, and brother of Donald Glover, broke it down.
Hot Start to Hot Lanta Project
Atlanta aired in 2016, and it was hot for many reasons. Not only was it a project of Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, but it also hit heavy on relevant topics in the community. Atlanta reflected the grind, relationships, and the ups and downs of everyday life. Atlanta was likely relevant because the characters Earn, “Paper Boi,” Darius, and Van were touchable.
Glover’s Atlanta Season 2
Massive hype was surrounding a follow-up season. And Donald Glover came through. In season two, things felt the same but with a slight change-up. Audiences got to see an expansive view of the lives of the characters. Frankly, that was legit. Characters expand, and the storyline should grow with them. Yet, things got a little weird. For example, in “Alligator Man,” where Kat Williams made a guest appearance as a relative with a pet alligator. Yet, the show maintained a balance of artistry, drama, and hilarity. So viewers kept their energy for season three.
Season Three
Atlanta was off the air for an astonishing four years before the next installment. Many wondered if the story would continue. But when it came back, things were a lot different. The show felt displaced and disjointed. For many, it wasn’t very clear. Some wondered, was this the same show?
It’s a Wrap
The season wrapped up in May 2022. And inarguably, this season stood out. One might say the show took a creative leap. Season three saw the cast overseas, far from Atlantan soil. The cast was depicted in surreal scenarios making it difficult to untangle fantasy from reality. Furthermore, in a few episodes, the main characters didn’t appear. So, it was apparent that people either loved or hated the new direction.
Stephen Glover’s Take
Donald Glover’s brother Stephen, a writer and executive producer on the series, believes season three was one of the best seasons to date. In an interview with GQ, Glover explained why. According to Stephen, he understands the polarity, but in retrospect, it has people talking, which is a good thing. Glover contends he’s gotten comments ranging from this is trash to this is great. And he thinks that is fantastic.
In his words,
“I don’t think people realize how hard it is to get someone to say, “this is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” and someone else to say, “this is trash” about the same thing.”
Although not everyone agrees that such is a good thing, it is something to have diversely varying views on a piece. Fundamentally that is what art does.
Atlanta as Art
Season three of Atlanta has proven the show is a work of art. Many are calling Atlanta a work of surrealism. According to an earlier article in Technique,
“The message of “Atlanta” is not that the surrealist occurrences in the show are fictive and imaginary, but that they are real and happen every day.”
That is an interesting point. .
Why the Leap?
Undoubtedly, many fans of the Paper Boi story and the struggle with his rap career are wondering why the leap. But as Glover contends, season three of Atlanta tells a bigger story. It branches out not only thematically but expands the perspective of the characters. In his words,
“it’s our first time seeing the characters and what it feels like being in this bigger world while also still having your Atlanta roots, the things you come across, how you try to navigate that, and what you learn.”
No lies were detected there.
Not Passing the Vibe Test
Despite Glover’s rationalization for some, season three does not do it for them. However, there are those applauding Glover and his brother’s elevation of the series. Given Childish Gambino’s, aka Donald Glover’s, artistic direction, it’s not too unexpected. As Stephen told GQ,
“We’re always trying to give people something that they need, but not necessarily what they want.”
So that’s the rub, and fans will have to take it or leave it.
what’s Next
Reportedly the Glovers are working on “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and a project entitled “Swarm.” And there are indications Atlanta will get a season four. So while some may be sour on Atlanta after season three, there will be plenty of Glover projects to check out. And when and if these projects are released, FM Hip Hop will keep you informed.
Written by: Renae Richardson
