Ep 1. Alligator Man

In the Season 2 premiere of "Atlanta", the episode titled "Alligator Man" begins with Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry) being released from jail. As he steps into the light of day, he's welcomed by an outside world that has completely changed since he's been inside. His cousin, Earn (Donald Glover), who he has hired as his manager, is there to pick him up and they waste no time in picking up where they left off.

The two cousins set off to check in and visit Paper Boi's uncle, Willie, at his home. Along the way, they cross paths with the eccentric Darius (Lakeith Stanfield), who joins them on their trip. As they reach Willie's home, they learn that Willie is missing. All that's left is his pet alligator, which seems to be the only evidence of the old man's previous existence.

The episode then revolves around the group trying to track down Willie, while Darius becomes fascinated with the alligator and begins to bond with it. Meanwhile, Earn struggles to balance his job as Paper Boi's manager and his personal life as he tries to earn the respect of his baby's mother, Van (Zazie Beetz).

The search for Willie is a bit of an adventure, as the group discovers new leads and follows up on them. At one point, they check in with one of Willie's old acquaintances, who point them towards a bowling alley, where Willie may be. While there, Paper Boi and Darius get into a confrontation with a group of locals, leading them to be forced to leave the bowling alley in a hurry.

Throughout this episode of "Atlanta," we see the characters struggling with themes of identity, purpose, and perception. Paper Boi's time in jail has left him feeling unsure about how he fits into the world, while Earn's family issues weigh on him heavily. As they all try to navigate their own personal struggles, they're also dealing with a world that is constantly trying to box them in and label them as one thing or another.

This episode is a strong start to the second season of "Atlanta," once again displaying the beautiful balance between humor and drama that the show is known for. It explores important themes and questions in an entertaining and engaging way, all while keeping the storyline moving forward. The show has always been one of the most innovative and unique shows on television, and the season 2 premiere is no exception.