Apart from the excellent writing and overall creativity of the show, courtesy of the multitalented, Donald Glover, the success of Atlanta relies on its characters, especially the way they are portrayed by the actors. One of the most beloved characters (if not the most) is Darius Epps, played by LaKeith Stanfield.
Darius might be a ing character but every time he appears on screen fans know things are going to get hilarious and extremely weird. Paper-Boy's best friend never fails to deliver, with his one-liners that at first glance might sound like pure nonsense, most of the time are profound thoughts that come from extremely deep places.
Darius's Personality In A Nutshell
"I Would Say It's Nice To Meet You But I Don't Believe In Time As A Concept So I'm Just Going To Say We Always Met." | Alligator Man - S2/E1
After Darius drives Earn to see his uncle, he refuses to stay in the car and decides to come into the house with Earn. The uncle, played by legendary comedian Katt Williams, welcomes the pair with disgust and hostility, even more, when the first thing Darius says to the man are these words.
A respectable thing about Darius is that he is always himself, no matter who is in front of him. Speaking these words in a casual conversation might seem ridiculous to most people (including Earn's uncle) but if you analyze what he is saying in an analytical and profound way, it makes perfect sense.
He's Not Wrong
"Every Now And Again, People Just Want To Have A Good Time". | Teddy Perkins - S2/E6
Every fan of Atlanta is looking forward to the show's new season, coming out this year. Last season was full of outstanding episodes, including the fan-favorite, "Teddy Perkins." This is the first episode dedicated to Darius, and fans loved it. It mixed comedy and horror perfectly, leaving behind multiple quotable lines, like this one.
In an attempt to defend rap music as a true artform, Darius expresses these words to the eccentric Teddy Perkings. In true Darius fashion, he doesn't hold back his thoughts and speaks his mind freely. The quote, apart from referring to rap music, can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the polar opposite situation Teddy is currently living.
A Line Referencing Childish Gambino
"Everything's made up, stay woke." | The Streisand Effect - S1/E4
Before Darius takes Earn on an episode-long ride across the entire city of Atlanta, he eats his breakfast in a cup, calling it (go figure) a breakfast cup. Earn tell Darius that he invented the term but Darius comes out with this short but profound quote.
This underrated episode encapsulates Darius's sense through his quotes, and this is the best example. A line thrown out of nowhere but with some kind of substance. Darius might be weird, but he sometimes makes a good point. He is the Yoda of Atlanta. The "stay woke" is also a famous line from Childish Gambino's (Glover) "Redbone."
Asking The Important Questions
"You Want To Manage A Rapper But You Can’t Do Business High?" | The Big Bang - S1/E1
In the first episode of the series, Earn is trying to convince his cousin, Paper-Boy to let him be his manager. While they're out with Darius, sitting on a couch in the park (yes, there is a couch in the park), they offer a t to Earn, but he refuses to smoke it, Darius then expresses the quote.
It might not be good advice but he is speaking a truth that happens within their environment. Even though he didn't get Earn to smoke with them, he almost agrees with him. It shows the duality of both characters, Earn trying to remain professional with his actions, and Darius living life as a kid running on a playground.
Wise Musings From Darius
"Not All Great Things Come From Great Pain. Sometimes It’s Love. Not Everything’s A Sacrifice." | Teddy Perkins - S2/E6
Back to this masterful episode. Another thing that took fans by surprise was the depth of Lakeith's character. It showed a multilayered Darius, leaving behind his great comedic timing to display fear and nervousness, but staying true to his nature.
During the dreadful (in a good way) episode and in true Darius fashion, he always maintained his composure. Always speaking his mind, calmly, but firmly. With this quote he tried to leave that horrible situation in Teddy's house by doing what he does best, sharing his opinion.
The Mystery That Is Darius
"Could I Measure Your Tree?" | The Big Bang - S1/E1
The first time meeting someone's parents can be an awkward interaction. But if the first thing you say to them is this, things will get even weirder. At first sight, the quote appears nonsensical and that's why it makes the scene (and Earn's dad's reaction) so funny.
But after multiple views, you can see that the TV in Vanessa's apartment is on in the episode's last scene. With a closer look, you can hear the newscaster talk about a tree that fell and cut the power of an entire neighborhood. Did Darius want to warn everyone about the incident or did he do it himself?
Darius Speaking Facts
"Learning Requires Failure." | Crabs In A Barrel - S2/E11
Last season's finale depicted an anxious Earn, worrying about whether or not his cousin will fire him. He looks for consolation in Darius but instead of saying something philosophical or "woke," Darius tells him exactly what he needs to hear.
The entire main cast of Atlanta can flawlessly hold a scene perfectly, but when Earn and Darius are paired together, the dynamic between them exploits the show's capacity for quality. At times it can be extremely funny and sometimes there are moments like this that are quiet, powerful, and justified.
A Wild Introduction
“Cookie?” | The Big Bang - S1/E1
This is from the first time fans (and Earn) met Darius. In fact, these were his first words ever, but they immediately painted the perfect picture of Darius's charismatic and weird persona. Lakeith Stanfield was born to play Darius.
Before he says this iconic line, he is standing with his face covered and with a knife in his hand. It's a great contrast because people would expect an aggressive character but he is in fact the polar opposite of that. He immediately offers a cookie to Earn, showing his true intentions in the show's world.
Rap Can Be For Everyone
"I Don’t Know, Man, I Like Flo Rida. I Mean, Moms Need To Enjoy Rap, Too." | The Big Bang - S1/E1
A show about the music industry has to have good music. One of the best parts of Atlanta is the soundtrack. With music that matches perfectly with each scene, the song choices become an essential aspect of each episode. They have so much confidence in this department that they even make fun of popular artists like Flo Rida.
A running gag of the first episode is a joke based on the "awfulness" of Flo Rida. It seems like everyone on the show agrees with this statement except for Darius. With this quote, he defends the American rapper alleging that there is room for every kind of art. It's the first time it makes sense to have him as a music business partner and not only as a loyal friend.
Always The Philosophical One
"Stars Are Just A Projection Of What’s Actually Already Inside Of Your Mind." | Champagne Papi - S2/E7
After leaving "Drake's party," Darius and Vannesa's friend stay by the pool talking about the meaning of life. He explains many different theories, some of them based on real mind-bending scientific investigations), but right before the end of the evening, he says this quote while looking at the stars.
The quote itself is a beautiful way of giving meaning to uncertainty. It not only shows the positivity within Darius's heart but his selflessness too. Everyone in the scene was minding their own business, so no one listened to him when he said it. In a sense, the words spoken are not meant for a particular character to hear but for the audience itself.