Ep 2. Streets On Lock

After a successful premiere, Atlanta Season 1 Episode 2 titled "Streets On Lock" is another gripping and entertaining episode. In this episode, Donald Glover’s character Earn finds himself in a precarious and unusual situation. After being fired from his job as a manager at a local airport, he needs to find a way to make ends meet and support himself and his daughter. Out of desperation, he approaches his cousin Alfred aka Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), a young up-and-coming rapper, to ask him to give him a job as his manager. Alfred, however, is hesitant, and it takes several attempts for Earn to convince him.

Despite the initial apprehension, Alfred agrees to hire Earn as his manager, and the duo sets off to promote his music and make a name for themselves in the rap industry. Their journey takes them across the city of Atlanta, where they come across different characters and situations. They make a stop at a local radio station to promote Alfred’s music, where they meet a slimy radio host who is more interested in promoting his favorite artists than giving Alfred his due respect.

As the episode progresses, Earn and Alfred find themselves in a dangerous situation, trying to navigate their way through the city’s dangerous streets. They’re warned by several people to be careful and avoid certain areas of the city, but they’re determined to make their mark on the music scene.

One of the standout scenes in this episode is a tense and unnerving confrontation between Alfred and a group of men who are trying to steal his chain. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to balance humor and drama that this scene is both terrifying and hilarious. As the scene unfolds, it’s difficult not to feel a sense of unease as the tension builds, and you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen next.

Another great moment in this episode is a visit to a strip club, where Alfred and Earn hope to network with other rappers and promote their music. The scene is both funny and poignant, as they interact with the club’s staff, who are all struggling to make ends meet in their own way.

Overall, Atlanta Season 1 Episode 2 is a great follow-up to the series premiere, with its captivating storytelling, strong performances, and sharp writing. The show perfectly balances humor and drama, and it’s clear that it’s not afraid to tackle tough subjects and explore the complexities of life in Atlanta. If you enjoyed the first episode, you’ll definitely want to tune in to this one.