First, Hiro Murai is a genius. I know we all knew that already but this just further confirms/reinforces that universal truth. One of the best-directed episodes of television I have ever seen. Goddamn. Donald’s voice under the prosthetics was immediately a dead giveaway for me, which only made the whole thing even stranger/creepier. And Lakeith truly committed to treating him like the strange and unsettling thing that he was. Two absolutely masterful performances. It was amazing how this morphed from “Oh Atlanta is just being its usual weird self” into “pants-shitting terror” at such a gradual, expertly-controlled pace. The script was pitch-perfect in that regard. The major turning point after the rest of the crew gets off the phone came at just the right moment and really signaled the end of any semblance of humor that was left in Darius’ situation. Obviously we don’t know what the rest of the season has in store but as of right now, this episode needs to be the one that gets submitted for the Emmys this year. It’s definitely an episode of television I’ll never forget.
Legion came back and I was like "Yes! Best show on TV right now" then two days later Atlanta's like "Nope." Had a lot of interruptions, so I should do a rewatch. Anyway, FX has been great these past few years. So many good shows.
Episode reminded me deeply of Twin Peaks (moreso than any other episode) and especially reminded me of TP’s Harold Smith, the character who is afraid of sunlight. Kept me on edge the whole episode. Amazing performances, script, atmosphere. Just plain amazing. I read some stuff online that Teddy was based on Michael Jackson but I didn’t do too much digging beyond that. Excited to read some peoples’ theories.
Guys....I just watched the ep, and that might have been the most interesting/well done pieces of art I’ve witnessed in a while. This show does experimental episodes so well. The make up on Donald was really well made too.
He also brings it up in the first season when Paper Boi tries filming him in the club, says it steals your soul or something
I personally really appreciate that they didn't end with a fakeout, and that Teddy was actually planning on murdering Darius.
Yeah, they were brothers, I don't think Teddy really lied at all except about his intentions with Darius.
One thing that did confuse me was that Benny looked different when he came back later. So for a second I though Teddy imitated him earlier, but I’m sure Benny wanted to get more dressed up for his death
Yeah, I went back and forth on it maybe being his father under the bandages, but in the end I think that they were brothers. I read the dynamic as Teddy being subtly jealous of Benny getting their father's attention, however warped it was. His piano playing was beautiful, and he spoke about needing his own sacrifice to create great art (and be loved). He bleached his skin over time as a way to avoid the actual condition that Benny had, perhaps hoping to supplant him in the world.
I think you're thinking about it too much, but the real details don't matter. They both exist, Teddy was emulating his father's behavior and controlling Benny's life, valuing the creation of pain to make art. Their exact skin conditions seem irrelevant, just adds to the creepy factor.