Every Episode Of Atlanta Season Two Ranked Worst To Best

The most eerie episode of Atlanta's second season, just so happened to be its best. It also just so happened to be Darius' first solo outing as he goes it alone to pick up a free piano offered by a famous musician.

From the moment we meet the elusive, off-putting man named Teddy Perkins, the tone of not just the episode but the entire show itself shifts. For audiences, it's almost an hour long nail-biter as the uncomfortably creepy Mr. Perkins makes moves against Darius.

Teddy bares a striking resemblance both physically and vocally to one particular musician but in him inhabits an abusive childhood narrative that was seminal for many musicians. The topic of violent fathers who beat their children to greatness is alluded throughout, with Darius' bewildered horror contrasting Teddy's broken acceptance.

The horror-movie elements of the episode are watered down to a psychological exercise and had the episode involved Earn or Alfred, the plot might have been different. For Darius though, the spiritual and otherworldly character has his reality shattered when he meets a man who has known nothing but abuse his entire life.

The episode is haunting and violent, and is an incredible departure from the usual Atlanta narrative.