The depth of Darius Epps
Shout out to series creator Donald Glover, actor LaKeith Stanfield, and the entire writing staff of Atlanta (2016-2022) for offering up such a sublime, idiosyncratically wise (and stylish) character as Darius Epps.
Darius deserves a costume compilation, not unlike this one. (Someone let me know if there is such a video somewhere in the interwebs.) Maybe I need to put that together…
Until then, let us bask and delight in the wit and wisdom written into the character of Darius Epps.
"If you could use a rat as a phone, man, that'd be genius. I mean it's like five rats for every one person in New York alone. Everybody would have an affordable phone. "
— season 1, episode 1
He’s not wrong…
“As humans, we're always close to destruction. Life itself is but a series of close calls. I mean how would you know you were alive, unless you knew you could die?”
— season 1, episode 2
Going deep at the wings spot.
Darius: “Mmm, breakfast cup.” Earnest: "You made that up." Darius: "Everything's made up, n*gga. Stay woke."
— season 1, episode 4
Facts.
"I would say nice to meet you, but I don’t believe in time as a concept. So, I’ll just say we always met."
— season 2, episode 1
Bold honesty and directness at its most metaphysical. Charming.
Nadine: "Can you help me stop thinking?"
Darius: "Perhaps. Catch." (throws apple)
...
Darius: "The stars are just a projection of what's actually already inside of our mind."
— season 2, episode 7
Did you catch the koan?
"I’ve been roaming the streets, high since twilight. This city is my Jesus."
— season 3, episode 2
The romance, the poetry.
"Rap Gods, for I am not accustomed to prayer, bear with me. I’d like to thank you for every life that’s here with me. You shall bestow Alfred with the energy to show. Let’s go!."
— season 3, episode 5
Who can’t use a little prayer?
"You have a beautiful spirit. Thank you for sharing your time with me."
— season 4, episode 10
Yes Darius, you do and likewise.