Archer [TV Review, Full Series]

I've wanted to do a write up on this series for a while. I'm now going to take the time to do it. This is Archer, and I've not laughed so hard since the first time I saw Porky's (a movie that nearly killed me because I could not breathe - sadly it was never as funny as that first viewing. Archer maintains the humor through multiple viewings).

Green Russians, you gotta watch out.

I am serious when I say that this because one of my favorite shows ever in the blink of an eye. Less than five minutes into the very first episode I was hooked. It was mad, zany, utterly hilarious, and very inappropriate.

It is bloody perfect. Well, not every single episode... but taken as a whole across the seasons, it is perfect.

5 out of 5 stars

That's a good boy. 'Urf!'

Archer is set in an undefined world where the old Soviet Union is still around, they have modern cell phones and satellites, advanced space stations, but old 1980's Tandy style computers and 80's era cars. A world of modern airplanes and high tech security, but plagued with anachronisms. It's a spy thriller in the vein of the great spy thrillers.

The Destruction of Sennacherib, verse 3, Lord Byron.

The series is filled with one liners, snappy comebacks, and a fondness for metalinguistic manipulations.

Here's some quick and dirty quotes.

"Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays." Archer, s1e2 Training Day.

Framboise, she's like Pele...

"You know what's dangerous? You're obsession with me. Seriously, Lana, call Kenny Loggins, 'cause you're in the Danger Zone." Archer, s1e3 Diversity Hire.

"Archer broke both of Wu's arms while shouting, 'woo!'" Commander Kellog, s3e13 Space Race II. 

"Oh, rocket launchers. My car is slowing down for no apparent reason. Just must be out of... carburetor." Ray Gillete, s2e11 Jeu Monégasque.

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/hey-will-i-get-to-learn-karate-the-dane-cook-of-martial-arts/#sthash.K8VRf18f.dpuf

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/hey-will-i-get-to-learn-karate-the-dane-cook-of-martial-arts/#sthash.K8VRf18f.dpuf

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/hey-will-i-get-to-learn-karate-the-dane-cook-of-martial-arts/#sthash.K8VRf18f.dpuf

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/hey-will-i-get-to-learn-karate-the-dane-cook-of-martial-arts/#sthash.K8VRf18f.dpuf

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/hey-will-i-get-to-learn-karate-the-dane-cook-of-martial-arts/#sthash.K8VRf18f.dpuf

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/shows/archer/page-43.html#sthash.IEMi7WQf.dpuf

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/shows/archer/page-43.html#sthash.IEMi7WQf.dpuf

Karate: the Dane Cook of martial arts? No. ISIS agents use Krav Maga. We got an ex-Mossad guy who comes in on Thursdays. - See more at: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/shows/archer/page-43.html#sthash.IEMi7WQf.dpuf

Those are pink handcuffs. Yeah.

"Here's a sniper out there whose bullet could spark World War III and you idiots are tying up ISIS resources on high school bullshit? Cause I don't really see a downside to that Archer-wise. So load up. There should be a big box of grenades around here somewhere." Archer, s2e7 Movie Star.

Oh, and "Phrasing." Everyone, all the time.

I think those will be enough... it's a tiny sample. So much of the show is back and forth fast dialogue. It reminds me of the style of dialogue used in film noir. Snappy, on the ball... biting at times, or in the case of Archer, mental.

This needs no explanation.

I would love to say that each season of Archer has a (sort of) plot arc to it. However that would be a lie, for the most part each episode of Archer is connected to the previous, but there is no grand over arching plot to the seasons. There are running themes, and each character changes and grows as events occur.  

"Your clothes. Give them to me."

Characters die, characters grow. This is excellent. It's a completely character driven show, and that is something I love. I studied under a professor that stressed the ideal of the character centered screenplay. It's ingrained. The better the characters the better the movie/tv show/game/ etc. 

Jazz hands!

In addition to all this fun, there are the constantly running references. Some of these are so obscure that you have to look them up on the net.

I'm not into baseball, so I had no idea who Johnny Bench was. Nor did I understand why he would call... I do now.

There are references to Bartleby the Scrivener, a short story by Herman Melville. I mean that is way out of left field... however since Archer uses this reference, well... now I know more about this. Woo. 

Fiocchi is actually an Italian ammo maker. Not lingerie.

Then there is the use of Chekhov's Gun in season one. In fact there is a whole dialogue discussing the use of a Chekhov's Gun, after a Chekhov's gun was used. Excellent self reference. "And woefully esoteric," according to Woodhouse.

Season four has a whole section on diegetic and non-diegetic sound. You know this is just going to be easier: Film Sounds. (Also loving the fact that my spell check thinks diegetic is not a real word. Stupid program.)

To say the least with a boatload of esoteric references, snappy one liners, strong characters, and a great anachronistic world, Archer is a wonderful and supremely entertaining show. I am beyond thrilled that season five is airing on FX. I am not thrilled that I have to deal with commercials. Thankfully I have the other four season on DVD.

While not every episode is a perfect try, most come close. Taken as a whole, Archer is absolutely entertaining, and that after all is what this blog is about. Being entertained. This series is better than being a pirate, its like being a Pirate King!

"Oh, what is her problem?"