Ep 1. The Big Bang

In the pilot episode of the acclaimed series "Atlanta", entitled "The Big Bang," we're introduced to Earnest "Earn" Marks, a young father struggling to support his family by working at an airport. After learning that his cousin Alfred, a rapper known as Paper Boi, has gained some local notoriety for his mixtape, Earn sees an opportunity to finally make something of himself by becoming his cousin's manager.

Despite his cousin's initial reluctance, Earn convinces Alfred to let him handle his career, and they begin navigating the tricky business of the Atlanta rap scene. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, from local drug dealers to Instagram celebrities, as they try to gain exposure and make a name for themselves in the music industry.

Meanwhile, Earn must also contend with his ex-girlfriend Van, the mother of his young daughter, who is frustrated by his lack of ambition and constant financial struggles. As he tries to balance his personal life with his new career path, Earn must navigate the obstacles and challenges that come with trying to make it in the highly competitive world of hip-hop.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the unique style and tone that would make "Atlanta" such a critical and commercial success. The show's witty writing and sharp social commentary are evident from the very first scene, as Earn has a run-in with a strange man wearing a giant white suit in the airport parking lot. This surreal encounter sets the stage for the show's eclectic blend of humor and outright weirdness, as we're taken on a journey through the underbelly of Atlanta's rap scene.

The performances are also a standout feature of "The Big Bang", with Donald Glover (who also created and wrote the show) delivering a nuanced and compelling portrayal of the driven but conflicted Earn. Brian Tyree Henry is likewise excellent as Paper Boi, channeling the swagger and intensity of real-life Atlanta rappers like Future and Killer Mike.

Overall, "The Big Bang" serves as a strong introduction to the world of "Atlanta", setting up the themes and characters that would become the show's signature elements. With its blend of humor, social commentary, and compelling characters, it's no surprise that "Atlanta" quickly became one of the most buzzed-about shows on television, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase over the course of its two seasons (and counting).