I will be the first to admit that when I heard about Archer returning for a second season January 27th on FX, I had yet to even see a single episode of the first one. However, I was lucky enough to get a copy on DVD, and have become an instant fan. Note: this show is not for everyone. It’s a rude, crude, and sometimes downright strange animated comedy, but man it had me laughing so hard I could hardly catch my breath.
Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) is the top agent at ISIS, an international spy agency that seems to have as much intrigue and drama within its own office walls as it does on the field. Archer is egotistical and downright clueless when it comes to the people around, but his biggest issues seem to be with his mother Malory (Jessica Walters), who just happens to be his boss. To make matters worse, his ex, Lana (voiced by Aisha Tyler), is a fellow agent who has now hooked up with gentle ISIS comptroller Cyril (voiced by Chris Parnell,) although Archer believes she still has the hots for him. Throw in a secretary (voiced by Judy Greer) who continually changes her name from Cheryl to something else with a “C,” and you’ve got one zany office.
The DVD comes with all 10 episodes from the first season, each one with its own brand of crazy, off color humor. Standouts for me include episode 3, “Diversity Hire”, in which the office is intrigued by a new agent who may or may not be what he says, and episode 5, “Honey Pot”, where Malory demands Archer seduce a male spy in order to prevent him from leaking information about her relationship with an enemy.
The DVD set also offers some extras, such as a few “making of” shorts and deleted scenes, though I was hoping for a little more. They did, however, add on a special un-aired pilot episode that includes another actor that was hired to play Archer, however once we get a glimpse of who it is, the joke wears very thin, very fast. For those interested, there are also pilot episodes of two FX shows, The League and Louie.
As I mentioned before, Archer is not for everyone, so if you are not of fan of the non-politically correct, South Park/Family Guy take-no-prisoners approach, then this might not be for you. If you are, well then sit back, enjoy, and get to know your friends at ISIS.