Value (Atlanta)

"Value" is the sixth episode of the first season of the FX comedy-drama series *Atlanta*. It was written by series creator and star Donald Glover along with Stefani Robinson, and marked Glover's directorial debut. The episode first aired on October 4, 2016.

Unlike previous episodes, "Value" shifts focus to Van (Zazie Beetz), with Earn and Alfred appearing in smaller roles. The story follows Van as she goes out with a friend, smokes marijuana, and then panics the next morning when she must take a drug test for her job at a school.

The episode was seen by an estimated 0.827 million households and received a 0.4 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research. Critics praised it highly, particularly Zazie Beetz's performance and the deeper look at Van's character.

**Plot**

Van has dinner at an upscale restaurant with her friend Jayde (Aubin Wise), who is dating an NBA player. Jayde questions why Van is still with Earn, telling her she needs to know her "value." When Jayde invites two men to join them, Van feels uncomfortable and leaves. In a parking garage, Jayde apologizes and offers to smoke marijuana with Van on the rooftop, where they reconcile.

The next morning, Van wakes up at home and realizes she has a drug test that day. She asks Jayde for help but gets nowhere. When Earn arrives to spend time with their daughter Lottie, Van desperately tries to find a way to pass the test. She contacts Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry), who suggests a method to alter the sample. Van takes urine from Lottie's diaper, puts it in a condom, and ties it to her leg.

At school, she goes to the restroom for the test, but the condom breaks and spills the urine. Called to the principal's office, Van admits to smoking marijuana. The principal says she understands but, because of Van's confession, will fire her within a week. Dejected, Van returns to her classroom and sees one of her Black students wearing whiteface.

**Production**

In September 2016, FX announced the episode title "Value" and that Glover and Robinson wrote it, with Glover directing. This was Glover's third writing credit, Robinson's first, and Glover's first directing credit.

In August 2016, it was reported Glover would make his directorial debut with this episode. Producer Hiro Murai praised Glover's direction and the focus on Van, noting that the show is male-centric but that this e