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Below, we pick out each major reference in Teddy Perkins and explain its significance.
(His cartoonish disfiguration recalls theinfamousBo Selecta!Michael Jackson sketch.)
Even our first look at Teddy, emerging from the shadows, is a nod to anMJ meme.
Bennys wheelchair-bound, obscured appearance is a re-creation ofphotos of MJ post-surgery.
(The Jacksons: An American Dreamis another reference.)
The character Benny likely gets his namesake from Michael Jacksons Ben,the title track from his second album.
Hes referenced as a friend of Benny Hope and Perkins is a fan ofMusic of My Mind.
Perkins dismisses the thought as a dreamers idea.
He cant see hope through Bennys eyes anymore.
Benny, we learn, once had a New York City residency with Jamal, a fellow jazz pianist.
One of Jamals works, Piano Solo 11 plays in the episode.
The rap debate
Atlantais never morecritical about rapthan when one of the Glovers is writing the episode.
Dont you find it insufficient as an art form?
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
The 1962 hagsploitation horror classic is the film reference easiest to spot.
Teddy Perkins, likeBaby Jane, understands its history as it critiques the price of fame and familial abuse.
Apparently, Darius really isnt a picture person.
Furthermore, Teddy shares the last name ofPsychostar Anthony Perkins.
Creep and Creep 2
In Patrick Brices found-footage horror flicks, a Craigslist ad goes murderously wrong.
Although its a very different story, the sense of isolation and spooky house are probably touchstones for thisAtlantaepisode.
Sammy Sosa hat
Listen to Darius,just Google it.
