A final season is never easy, especially when the series has been a real phenomenon. Not an impressive success but in any case an excellent series demonstrating all the talents of Donald Glover. Papier Boi and his team are therefore closing the doors of an adventure that began several years ago. In just eight months, we were treated to two brilliant seasons, this one equal to the previous season. At the end of season 3, Atlanta left its characters in Europe. We were then entitled thanks to the success of Al and a crazy tour to memorable sequences between London and Amsterdam. For this final season, it was logical to see the characters return to square one, but this is not to be repetitive but to offer a worthy conclusion to the series. If at the beginning we followed characters smoking splifs on a sofa in a wasteland, they have grown and evolved.
Al begins to discuss what he wants to do following Paper Boi despite being at the height of his fame. Earn, on the other hand, became a successful and respected manager. Van is calmer in his life, probably because with age we settle down and then Darius is always true to himself but it is also what makes it possible to see that not everyone has necessarily grown up and keeps the soul of the beginnings. The characters are still so well written in this series and all unique in their own way. It’s a real strength and what has forged the soul of Atlanta over the seasons. The return to the beginnings is a good idea which allows to close a circle well started because in four seasons, if it may seem short, they have experienced a lot. Atlanta therefore regains its rights and once once more becomes a character in its own right in the series. The multiple references to previous episodes (like the mockumentary which was one of the best episodes of season 1). BAN has what it takes to make C8 blush at home as the absurdity of the talk show is so explosive here.
Atlanta continues to be a crazy series, full of surprises that does not shy away from convention. The series remains irreverent at will. The statement itself that Donald Glover has been aiming for from the start is still present. We talk regarding the living conditions and the mistreatment of African Americans by the system. It’s strong and the absurdity of the sequences or the very madness of the scenario makes it possible to highlight all of this in a striking entertainment. Rather than saying things with boring words, Atlanta prefers absurdity. And the message is all the stronger. This is one of the feats of this series and this final season demonstrates it perfectly. Visually, season 4 is also an excellent surprise. The way we play with the camera in this series never ceases to amaze me. It’s an inexhaustible resource of ideas that makes me wonder if finally season 4 should be the last or not? In a way, better to stop at the top than to know the fall.
The artistry in Atlanta continues to be brilliant and provides the series with plenty of great moments. Even in these last episodes which once once more use everything that Donald Glover and his team have at hand. Like the penultimate episode where Paper Boi finds himself in the Georgian countryside. It’s loud and sometimes feels like looking at a painting hanging in a museum. We understand why the series was able to wait between season 2 and season 3. Donald Glover and his brother Stephen prepared the ground in the previous season in order to build something here. The trips are strong, almost like an Atlanta-style Inception. Is Atlanta finally a dream of Darius or part of reality still holds the story? The series does not give the answer and leaves the viewer the opportunity to imagine it. It’s all the more interesting but if everything is a dream, it would also explain some of the absurdities of the story.
To conclude its story, Atlanta offers us a story equal to what we have seen in previous seasons. It’s a weird but also unique way to tell a story. Atlanta will mark the landscape of the playoffs for years to come, as a model to be studied. If at times the subject is too political, it is also one of the strengths of the series because one of the major sources of inspiration for Donald Glover and his team. I leave this group of characters without anyone really knowing what will happen to them followingwards, but letting us imagine it is ultimately strong.
Note : 9/10. In short, a season worthy of a brilliant series.
Available on myCanal
Atlanta season 4 is the last of the series.
