"Departure" of Another ARCHER Season

Article first published as TV Review: 'Archer' - 'Archer Vice: Arrival/Departure' on Blogcritics.

FX’s Archer ended season five this week. Subtitled Archer Vice, it is a huge, splashy showdown, and a return to normalcy. The dictatorship in which the team is hiding collapses into itself, and probably would have even if the U.S. government hadn’t been bearing down on it, which it is.

At the same time, Lana (Aisha Tyler) goes into labor, of course, dividing the attention of Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), who has made the effort to become a doula and wants to be supportive in this situation. Archer and Lana’s romantic arc has been more funny than sweet. They are definitely in love with one another, but Lana is a tough broad, hating to allow any emotion to crack through her hardened exterior. Archer, by contrast, is an immature man-child who can be faithful, but tends to not act like an adult most of the time. Luckily, both have slowly gotten better, keeping enough of those cores to stay true to the characters and remain funny, but also exhibiting a level of growth over the course of the past few seasons.

This comes at an opportune time because Lana’s baby is also Archer’s. Not the result of a sexual hook up, Lana learned a cache of Archer’s sperm was frozen and she took some to make her child. It makes sense because, despite their issues, Archer is a fine physical specimen, and he’s someone Lana cares about. But one gets the sense in this episode that Lana did not intend to tell Archer the truth until she does, a raw moment for her after giving birth, and seeing that Archer is trying to be there for her.

Can these two move forward as a couple? Maybe. Archer doesn’t have to worry about the messy baby wrangling on set, being an animated series, and clearly the writers are going to find fun ways to use the infant, such as when she holds up a single finger to put Archer off while breast feeding. Archer is not a procedural and usually not stuck in any type of mold, so season six could find new territories to explore when two top spies have a baby on the hip.

It does look like they will return to being spies. In this season finale, Malory (Jessica Walter) blackmails Special Agent Hawley (Gary Cole, Veep) into cooperating, thus ensuring ISIS, absent during almost the entire thirteen-episode Archer Vice run, will return to form. It has been kind of cool to leave ISIS, this season being a big ol’ road trip with our favorite characters, who are always best when forced to spend lots of time together. But it will be great to get back to the office, as Archer is as much a workplace comedy as it is espionage adventure.

While I do note that Archer does kowtow to convention, this final episode of the season, more than most, actually doesn’t. A shoot-out as a regime falls and a main character giving birth at the same time feels very sitcom staple-y. Huge events are always mashed together inconveniently, especially at the close of a year. Yet, Archer‘s trademark humor and charm remains firmly in place, so while the story may seem dumbed down a smidge, the characters and dialogue do not.

The focus this week is on Malory, Archer, and Lana, all of them wrapping up their various threads, but that doesn’t mean the supporting players are ignored. Cheryl (Judy Greer) discovers she doesn’t have a chip in her brain, and her country music stardom, which she is likely to give up because she gets bored easily, comes from within. Pam (Amber Nash) gets a few last cocaine jokes in, but her withdrawal symptoms are starting to show, indicating a break away from the new her, too. Cyril (Chris Parnell) loses his position of power. Krieger (Lucky Yates) gets and protects a biological weapon. Ray (Adam Reed) has a few nice ne-liners, and recurring guest stars Slater (Christian Slater, Mind Games) and Juliana (Lauren Cohan, The Walking Dead) don’t go out quietly. The ensemble is well served.

Which means all there is left to do now is wait impatiently for another batch of one of the most consistently funny and original comedies on television. While no premiere date has been announced, Archer should be back in early 2015.

Blu-ray Review: ‘Archer – The Complete Season Four’

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: ‘Archer – The Complete Season Four’ on Blogcritics.


Archer is FX’s hilarious animated series about the employees of ISIS. Part James Bond spoof, part workplace comedy, it follows the zany adventures of some moronic people who, somehow, always seem to get the job done, despite being constantly sidetracked by their inane and selfish whims. It’s fantastic.

Season Four, recently released on Blu-ray and DVD, begins with “Fugue and Riffs.” Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) ran away on his mother’s wedding day, months ago, and hasn’t been seen since. Lana (Aisha Tyler) finally finds him living with a wife and kids and running a burger joint.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because Benjamin also is the titular character on the FOX series Bob’s Burgers, and “Fugue and Riffs” seems to be a demented, ultra-meta crossover, with Archer having become Bob (albeit with the children being his step kids) and John Roberts reprising his role as Linda, Bob’s wife. The fact that Archer would do something like this should tell you just about everything you need to know about the tone of the series.

“Fugue and Riffs” isn’t the only great installment in this two-disc set, which comprises 13 episodes. “Once Bitten” has Archer dying in the desert as Cyril (Chris Parnell) and Ray (Adam Reed) ineptly try to save him. “Live and Let Dine” features the spies undercover at a restaurant working for a mean chef, Lance Casteau (voiced by real celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain). And in the two-part season finale, “Sea Tunt,” the gang goes with Cheryl’s brother and his girlfriend (Bob’s Burgers stars Eugene Mirman and Kristen Schaal) to Sealab to stop the crazy Captain Murphy (Jon Hamm, Mad Men, playing the character from the Adult Swim series Sealab 2021).

This stuff is outrageous and will make you laugh out loud, but honestly, my favorite parts of Archer usually just involve the cast hanging around together. Malory’s (Jessica Walter) alcoholism, Pam’s (Amber Nash) crazy sex and danger obsessions, Cheryl’s (Judy Greer) twisted fantasies, Krieger’s (Lucky Yates) creepy experiments, and the rest blend together for a very pleasing batch of witty dialogue and humorous conflicts.

Archer is great because it knows what it is and wants to be and allows the characters to develop. It is a goofy animated sitcom, to be sure, but the players are much better fleshed out and dynamic than on, say, Family Guy. There are serial arcs and many recurring actors who pop up from time to time. What happens in one episode may have consequences down the road. It’s a show that should be watched in order, not just a random episode here and there, which is a rare thing for a cartoon.

There are, sadly, only two special features in this set. “Fisherman’s Daughter” is a movie that Krieger and Pam are making. Don’t worry, it isn’t tentacle porn, though it probably would be if we got to see all of it (only three minutes or so are present), and it does come awfully close to that line.  “Archer Live” features twenty-minutes edited out of a live stage show, which includes scene readings and goofing off with the audience.

Both of these extras are great. My complaint isn’t with the content itself, just that there isn’t enough of it. It seems there’s been a trend recently to slim down the bonuses on DVD sets, as I’ve commented on many being sparse this year, and while not every fan wants this stuff, it is valuable to some who could just digitally download a set if the draw for the physical media isn’t there.

Oh, and Archer has a mustache on the cover that you can take on and off, which sounds simple, but is much more fun than you’d expect.

Overall, this is a good release because the episodes are fantastic and the featurettes are enjoyable. Archer The Complete Season Four is available now.

The "White Elephant" In ARCHER's Room

Article first published as TV Review: 'Archer' - 'White Elephant' on Blogcritics.

FX’s Archer just returned with the season five premiere, “White Elephant.” A lot happens in the half hour, and it will change the format of the series for some time to come, if not forever. It’s an action-packed installment that stays true to the characters, even while altering the setting and circumstances, a bold move that few animated shows ever attempt. Well done!


“White Elephant” begins with a weird sequence in which Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) enters the ISIS office and his co-workers dance around him. Archer typically has a certain set of rules for its universe, and this defies them. At first, I assumed it was a dream, but moments later, reality sets in as ISIS is attacked by armed gunman and the headquarters is half destroyed.

Might the opening have been a clue that “White Elephant” and the rest of the season are all in Archer’s mind? We know he has a vivid imagination, and that would allow Archer to reset things later without having to literally blow up their premise, as they do this week. But honestly, I’d prefer to chalk up the first scene as a bit of whimsy that means nothing, and hope the story continues on from here.

The other hint that Archer Vice, as this season is dubbed in future episode title sequences, might not be real is that late in this episode, after the crisis is resolved, Archer imagines a series of scenes, which then play out over the next installments. These are jumbled and out of order, but after watching an additional four half-hours (all excellent!), they are definitely glimpses of future episodes. Perhaps the full installments are as much imagined as this quick montage is.

Should the events of “White Elephant” turn out to be real, though, there is some wonderful character development, and the program keeps its tone consistent. It makes absolute sense that Malory (Jessica Walter) would run afoul of the U.S. government, just as it does that she has the connections to get everyone out of trouble. She is selfish and doesn’t think the rules apply to her, and she seems to have lots of friends in high places, most of whom she has slept with.

One thing that may be missed is Archer’s enhanced tenderness towards Lana (Aisha Tyler) in this episode. He’s a little cruel, too, such as in the integration room, but that seems to be because of a lack of maturity, rather than because he doesn’t care. We see Archer want to be there for Lana and the baby, and this is a step up for him, putting someone else ahead of himself.

There’s always been an odd relationship between the two. I think Archer desperately wants to love, but having never really experienced it before, not even from his mother, he doesn’t quite understand. And Lana is a tough nut to crack, which makes it hard for her to fully commit to anyone. Perhaps, in time, they may be developed enough as individuals to have something real, but they’re not there yet.

Viewers learn a secret about Cyril (Chris Parnell) in “White Elephant.” Apparently, he used to be a defense attorney. Often, when a series brings up a past career in this manner, it seems forced and false. In Archer, though, given that everyone pretty much ignores Cyril, and Cyril insists he’s talked about it at length lots of time to Lana, it just works.

Dr. Krieger (Lucky Yates) has been promoted to full-time cast member in season five, his image added to the theme song. Honestly, it’s about time this happens. He is in the series most weeks, anyway, and he’s an interesting, weird character, adding something unique to the overall dynamic of the cast. He also has played a vital role in a number of past happenings, being the resident medical-y person. Plus, he’s funny, perhaps as funny as the rest of the stellar cast.

Archer may now be Archer Vice, but the characters, which also include Cheryl / Carol (Judy Greer), Pam (Amber Nash), and Ray (Adam Reed), are by far the best reason to tune in, no matter what they do. Whether spying or selling drugs, the essential things that make Archer so good remain, and because of that, whether Archer Vice ends up being a flight of fancy or an actual turning point, my optimism is high.

Archer airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

ARCHER Season Five Preview

Article first written for Seat42F.

FX’s ARCHER is back! Well, it will be back on Monday, January 13^th at 10 p.m. EST. But having already viewed the first five episodes of the fifth season, it’s easy to get excited. This is definitely one of the most creative, funny animated series for adults out there. The high quality of the first few years has been maintained, even as the show makes a bold effort to reinvent itself before it has the slightest chance to grow stale.

***As usual, spoilers will be light, but present. Because of the nature of this season, this review may be a little more revealing than most, and those who wish to be completely surprised should reading stop now.***

As one may have surmised from the artwork advertising season five, the season has been subtitled ARHCER VICE. While previous posters have little to do with the story, the most recent ones actually do herald a change. This time, it’s not just a marketing technique. By the end of week one, viewers will know what I’m talking about.

The premiere, “White Elephant,” begins with a normal day at ISIS - if a normal day for the spy organization involves roses and dancing to sweet music. But then, that tranquil scene is shattered when ISIS is attacked by the FBI. All of the employees are quickly arrested for treason.

Why? Well, I don’t want to give away everything. True to ARCHER fashion, though, the showdown is large and violent, while also still giving us some good gags. After all, Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) and his friends face peril every day, so a few bullets don’t necessarily ruin their moods completely.

From there, “White Elephant” sets up the rest of this year’s very large arc. This season will not be business-as-usual, with a bunch of stand-alone spy missions. Instead, the cast embarks towards a much larger goal, which will play out well past the two and a half hours released to reviewers. ARCHER will never be the same.

Believe it or not, though, a major story twist doesn’t change ARCHER all that much. As much as I like the new stuff, the plot has always been secondary to the characters. Fans enjoy watching Archer, Lana (Aisha Tyler), Ray (Adam Reed), and sometimes Cyril (Chris Parnell) going toe to toe with villains. But even better are the workplace dynamics, which includes those back at the office, such as Malory (Jessica Walter), Pam (Amber Nash), Cheryl / Carol (Judy Greer), and Dr. Krieger (Lucky Yates, deservedly promoted to main character this season). Those relationships, sometimes good, sometimes bad, always close-knit, are the major draw.

“White Elephant” removes these people from the familiar setting, but keeps them together, as it must. Sure, they may split up for little bits of time into small groups, but primarily, they stay close to one another. This makes sense, as they aren’t good people and their skills are limited, so who else would want to be around these flawed individuals? Still, it makes for very entertaining television.

Now, there are some changes that do affect the group as a whole. One of the players develops an addiction to an illegal substance. Another starts a career as a country music singer. A third is pregnant. A fourth matures just enough to put someone else first, mostly. A fifth takes control of the mind of one of his co-workers. A sixth reveals a past career that becomes relevant again, though it’s not the first time the job has been mentioned, just the first time anyone paid attention. All of these are threads that extend through multiple installments, which makes for some fresh plot.

The characters in ARCHER don’t exist in a bubble, and events and people from past seasons do return, sometimes in unexpected ways, sometimes just in passing mentions. This really gives the feeling of authenticity to the proceedings. Even though ARCHER is animated, it’s a developed world that feels sort of real, even as it goes over the top.

In short, “White Elephant” is a terrific episode, and judging by the first five installments, it’s going to be another hilarious year.

ARCHER Bitten By the Comedy Snake

Article first published as ARCHER Bitten By the Comedy Snake on TheTVKing.

Grade: 89%

In tonight's episode of FX's ARCHER, "Once Bitten," Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) is bitten by a deadly snake in the middle of the desert. His jeep is stuck in the sand, and Ray (Adam Reed) and Cyril (Chris Parnell) can't get it out. Can they find help for Archer before he dies?

Yes, yes they can.

Sure, killing off the title character is certainly not going to happen, so their eventual solving of the problem is a given. That doesn't make the journey any less fun, as Cyril, Ray, and Archer bicker. It's like a boys night out in the middle of nowhere, and with one of them dying.

We actually get a lot of character development for Archer in "Once Bitten." We not only learn that his bucket list includes eating one of the biggest foods, but also murdering Cyril. OK, so he is most likely joking about the second thing. But that's just his relationship with Cyril, and while he is slamming Cyril, we know Archer is OK.

More importantly, Archer revisits his past in the company of deceased actor James Mason. Why? Who knows? The point is, we get to see pieces of Archer's childhood, why he is who he is, what he used to be, and even a glimpse of his real father. Who Archer's father is is a big mystery on ARCHER, and "Once Bitten" stops short of solving it. Yet, it does seem like the bit of him that we do see also has influenced Archer to this day, so it's important.

Surprisingly, we also get some small, but deep, insight into Lana (Aisha Tyler) when Cheryl (Judy Greer) zings her good, perhaps sparked as a metaphor for the meat being grounded up in front of them. Cheryl often says things without thinking, but seldom do her words ever cut as deeply as they do here. It obviously affects Lana, and while her subplot in the episode is small, it's a side of her we have not seen before.

Malory (Jessica Walter) is, unsurprisingly, the cause of many of the problems that arise. Her selfish use of ISIS for her own personal gain, and her uncaring attitude towards others and the world, continues. Will she ever learn her lesson? Would ARCHER be as funny if she did? The answer to both questions is probably no, as she is the catalyst for many of the stories, and her character is a favorite of mine, despite how unlikeable she is.

Ray cannot stop himself from getting injured, can he? Once more, he hurts himself in this episode and removes himself from being a contributing member of the team. I feel like ARCHER misses having him in a wheel chair, and the writers will not stop until they put him back in one.

I have occasionally wondered why Krieger (Lucky Yates) isn't a more central part of the cast. But, in "Once Bitten," as Malory tries to make him run some control panels and help out, he keeps secretly putting together a rat wedding. Seeing this, I finally realize he is just too bizarre and different to be a member of the core group, nor does his character have any interest in being included. Which is fine. He's still good for a periodic gag.

An element ARCHER often makes use of is switching scenes mid-line, so that a different character in a different place finishes another character's sentence. "Once Bitten" has numerous examples of this. It seems like such a simple thing, and ARCHER isn't the only story that does this. However, it has kind of become a trademark, being owned by the show, and every single time, I still enjoy it.

"Once Bitten" is a fine installment, with plenty of amusing bits, such as Ray forgetting that he has bionic legs, much discussion about venom and taints, a goofy hat, a fish fight, and a camel wreck. ARCHER never goes too deep into the players in the series, but this episode tries to a bit, and still manages to be funny at the same time.

Watch ARCHER Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Archer is involved in "Lo Scandalo"

FX's Archer goes for the bottle story with this week's "Lo Scandalo." Meaning, all of the principal characters gather in one location and stay there for the duration of the episode. Malory (Jessica Walter) calls Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) to help her dispose of the body of the prime minister of Italy, which is in her living room. She tells Archer that armed men came in and did the deed, and shows her son that she, herself, is shot. Soon, the other ISIS employees join them in this scheme to cover up the crime, helping a guilty-looking Malory escape the law, while Archer becomes obsessed with having spaghetti and meatballs. But is the yarn that Malory is spinning them really the truth? And can they get the body out quietly without the police, who show up at the door, finding out?

Bottle stories are a convention that only the best sitcoms can use successfully. Archer meets that criteria. It has wonderful, well-defined characters, whose interactions with each other provide plenty of entertainment, and are always welcome. From the dinner party ruse to fool the detective, to discussions in the kitchen over what to do, "Lo Scandalo" is packed full of fun ensemble moments, allowing each of the principal cast members to shoot off some great one-liners.

What's more, when such immense talent is gathered together in this manner, and they are allowed to play off of each other, it makes for the best stories of the series. In animation, the actors often are not able to gather, making the task of a fluid interchange even more daunting and difficult. Whether Archer records separately or together isn't clear, but what is is that the dialogue flows seamlessly into a true art form. That may sound like high praise for a silly cartoon, but if any such show deserves it, it's Archer.

Archer can do this because its cast is excellent. From Judy Greer's Carol/Cheryl, to Chris Parnell as Cyril, and especially Amber Nash's Pam, each brings some unique talents to bare. Could other actors do this as well as this particular group? Possibly, but it's hard to imagine how. Each has become so ingrained in the fabric of the series, that losing any one of them would be a shame. While Archer does have the spy angle working for it, the workplace comedy group is the heart and soul that makes things work on a level above the norm.

"Lo Scandalo" certainly brings the funny, as well. The continued query of "Doesn't Italy use a King?" is more amusing each time it is uttered. Krieger (Lucky Yates) insisting that the others drop off the body pieces he has packaged for them in a smiley face pattern is great, but Archer and Lana (Aisha Tyler) both dropping theirs into the trash can in front of Malory's building, a moment done without mentioning the joke, is even better. And it's hard to top everyone wanting to know why the prime minister is in a rubber suit with a dildo up his butt, and their sometimes clueless questions to try to get to that answer.

This week's Archer is also a bit of a mystery. While Malory's words are quickly taken at face value, it becomes clear as Lana and Archer discuss the situation at the end that things don't quite add up. In flashes, viewers get the treat of Malory perfectly constructing the entire thing, including calling the police on herself, to make her seem as innocent as possible. She gives herself an alibi, and a way to rise above suspicion. It's very clever, and the long game of revenge is trademark Malory.

Archer, who often seems a little dense, and appears especially distracted through this episode, is the one who figures this out, cementing the idea that perhaps he isn't as dumb as he looks, and is quite an effective spy. It justifies his role on the series, and his character's reputation. He refrains from calling his mother out in front of everyone because, well, she's his mother, and he doesn't want her to get in trouble. Archer trusts Lana, so she is told, and that's it. But the details do not escape him, and that's extremely rewarding.

FX has a bona fide gem in Archer, in that it's smart, hilarious, and enjoyable week after week. It also has that special, ineffable something that really makes it shine, and sets it above the pack. Watch Archer Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to buy Blu-rays, DVDs, and streaming episodes of Archer. Please click here to read every Archer review I've ever written. Article first published as TV Review: Archer - "Lo Scandalo" on Blogcritics.

Archer meets "The Man From Jupiter"

     FX's Archer just premiered its full third season, save for a miniseries trilogy last fall, with "The Man From Jupiter." While at a bar, Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) meets his hero, Burt Reynolds (voicing himself)! But things take a turn for the worse when Archer learns that Burt is there for a date with Archer's mother, Malory (Jessica Walter). Disgusted, Archer kidnaps Burt. When the rest of the team attempts to correct the situation, they are assaulted by Columbians, who think that Ray (series creator and this episode's writer, Adam Reed) is Archer. Burt, with Archer along for the ride, races to the rescue, and Archer backs off interfering with Malory's relationship.

     While Burt Reynolds has not been doing a whole lot of acting in recent years, he is still an icon for many because of the legendary roles he played, and the great talent he brought to them. Many of those parts are referenced in "The Man From Jupiter," (though strangely not one of the best, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), and it's an utter delight to honor Burt in such a way. Many series might go for poking fun at Reynolds, or making him silly in somehow. But not Archer, who makes Burt's character live up to the hero status bestowed on him. It's actually refreshing and welcome.

     It is also incredibly funny, in contrast to the title character. The two spend most of "The Man From Jupiter" together, and so there is plenty of room for comparison. Archer may claim he is the world's greatest spy, but Burt quickly demonstrates he could do better, without being condescending about it. Burt also stays cool as a cucumber no matter what Archer puts him through, whereas Archer flies off the handle at the slightest things. Fans of Archer know that Archer is not the man that he thinks he is, but it's a rare treat to see him so obviously compared to someone who is a legend, and would live up to that persona.

     One should never pass up an opportunity to see a drunk, angry Malory, and this episode does not. Devastated by the break up letter Archer leaves pretending he is Burt, she goes off the rail, getting smashed and ranting. Poor Burt. Who would want to take out Malory in the condition he finds her in? Yet, true to the gentlemanly nature of this version of Reynolds, he is warm towards her, and keeps their date, even though that means taking Malory out in public fully inebriated. It's too bad their date scene doesn't make it into the episode.

     One of the very strong elements of Archer is the workplace ensemble. "The Man From Jupiter" does allow for a bit of that, as everyone is upset at Archer for hurting Malory. They rush to her defense, which is sweet, considering they all constantly complain about her. But it's not as though they like Archer any better. So what viewers get is the wonderfully funny image of Ray trying to use a wheelchair ramp to get out of Krieger's (Lucky Yates) van, while Lana (Aisha Tyler) shoots at the would-be assassins, and the two argue over whether Ray is fit for the job any more. Classic, perfect scene!

     In it's third season, Archer continues to deliver the humor and characters fans have come to expect. "The Man From Jupiter" is a rousing success, and should build excitement for the rest of the season. Watch Archer Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

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Article first published as TV Review: Archer - "The Man From Jupiter" on Blogcritics.

Archer The Complete Season Two arrives

     Now out on Blu-ray and DVD is Archer The Complete Season Two. In this second batch of episodes, thirteen in all, FX's Archer really finds its stride. The season opens with "Swiss Miss," in which Malory (Jessica Walter) attempts to find more money for ISIS. Unable to save the company, she sells it to ODIN in the next episode. Luckily, this new ownership doesn't last long. Other highlights include "Tragical History," where Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) tries to make Cyril (Chris Parnell) look like a hero, "Stage Two," in which Archer is diagnosed with cancer, and "El Secuestro," where Cheryl (Judy Greer) is outed as being rich. Finally, in the season finale, "Double Trouble," Archer decides to marry Katya (Ona Grauer), only to see her sacrifice herself to save him from old foe Barry (Dave Willis). 

     Archer takes on longer stories in the second season, rather than the one shots that populate season one, though some stand alone episodes remain. From Archer finding love, to Malory dealing with financial trouble, there is a serial aspect to the animated episode. In fact, Archer's grief over Katya carries into a special three-part miniseries that aired this past fall, prior to season three beginning later this month. It deepens the characters, and makes the fans care about them more. Sure, Archer is an animated comedy, and most of those don't need continuity. But perhaps that's why Archer stands apart as being so good; it isn't afraid to delve into emotion, albeit with a serious comedy bend.

     That's what Archer is: a truly unique series. Part James Bond-esque spy adventure, part zany workplace comedy. The characters are, across the board, well developed, and voiced by very talented actors. The stories are fresh and hilarious. It really makes this a must-see series, and kudos to FX for branching out into animation, and doing it so well.

     The special features are few, but rich in Archer The Complete Season Two, a big improvement over last year. "Archersaurus - Self Extinction" is a follow up to the "Original Unaired Pilot" from The Complete Season One. The Archersaurus, plagued by reviews of his pilot such as "It's just the first episode with a dinosaur," which admittedly, this reviewer jumped on that band wagon, is depressed, and falls into a life of depravity. Tortured and homeless, Archersaurus is taken in by Krieger (Lucky Yates), and comes to an unfortunate fate. It's a mockumentary that is every bit as funny as an Archer episode.

     This theme of doing what the show does best, and treating the series as reality, continues in the other featurettes. "Ask Archer" is five minutes Archer answering clever and creepy fan mail. "Semper Fi" is Archer's failed attempt to send a message to our troops. "L'Espion Mal Fait" finds Archer, after surgery, sporting a look very similar to that of voice actor Benjamin, much to the horror of all of Archer's friends and family. Each of these are very tongue in cheek, and contain the same vein of humor found in the episodes.

     Finally, "Isis Infiltrates Comic-Con" is made up of segments from Archer's panel at San Diego Comic-Con. It's amusing, but as it is a panel of live actors fielding audience and moderate questions, it's not as laugh-out-loud funny as the other bits, but it's still worth watching, and have some funny jokes.

     Archer The Complete Season Two is well worth the purchase. Please buy it today.

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Archer ends second season with matrimony

     FX's Archer completed its second season last night the titular character, super spy and ladies' man Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) looking to turn in his bachelor card for a wedding band. Last week, Archer was rescued from the KGB by the beautiful Katya. Malory (Jessica Walter) and Lana (Aisha Tyler) suspect Katya is a double agent, sent to steal Krieger's (Lucky Yates) secret project. Their theory is backed up when they hack the Russian network and find a file listing Katya as a double. But she has been in love with Archer for years, and convinces him of such, the file being a trick. Sterling and Katya decide to run off together, and Malory brings a team to try to stop them. A shootout ends with a wedding, but Archer's special day is interrupted when Barry (Dave Willis) arrives to take his revenge.

     Archer has always had a bit of a sweet side. Despite all the different women he beds, he has shown genuine affection before. He may not be able to stay faithful, but he would give it a shot. But perhaps Katya is different, as evidenced by Archer's quick proposal, something he doesn't usually end his affairs with. Would Archer have been able to live in matrimonial bliss, or would he have strayed before long?

     We will never know the answer to that because Katya sacrifices herself to stop Barry. As the now part cyborg foe attempts to strange Archer, Katya wrestles him off the roof where she dies on the street below. This negates any doubts anyone still may have that Katya's love for Archer is true. It also brings an end to an interesting story. It is regrettable that this avenue is not pursued for a few episodes. While long term it likely would not have worked, it would have added a fresh element for a few adventures. Sadly, that will not be happening, though, since the relationship flourished in a season finale, it couldn't really be expected to.

     Barry survives the fall because he is now bionic. Will next season pick up right where this one left off, with Barry heading back to the roof to kill Archer? One can hope so, because it's hard to believe Barry would give up so easily. True, Archer has a bit of protection on the balcony, surrounded by allies. But their guns were empty of ammunition. It's a pickle. It's also a bit of a cliffhanger because there is no way to know if that immediate threat will continue, or whether the characters will move on and Barry will return later.

     Archer airs on FX, and will return for a third season next year.

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Archer's "Tragical History": Spy Comedy or Workplace Comedy?

     FX's Archer began showing signs last season that, besides being a spy thriller, it may also be a workplace comedy. Those signs have morphed into the heart of the show in season two. While Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) and the other ISIS agents still sometimes go out into the field to do stuff, much of the action takes place in ISIS headquarters as the various personalities that make up its staff clash and chafe. Even while out of the office, more often than not some of the administrative staff gets into the action.

     This week, Cyril (Chris Parnell) feels bad about himself after his co-workers laugh at him. This is nothing new. But this time, Cyril is given the opportunity to do something about it when the mysterious Spelvin (Peter Serafinowicz, Shaun of the Dead, Running Wilde) gives him a computer virus. Cyril thinks he will mess with ISIS's systems, then fix it, becoming a hero. The first part of the plan goes fine. The second, not so much. Because Spelvin is really tricking Cyril so he can steal the list of agents and sell it to the highest bidder.

     Poor Cyril. While initially presented as a straight-laced dweeb, Cyril has since been shown with drug and sex addiction problems. Now he is also a traitor. Luckily, only Archer finds out, as Cyril needs his help to stop Spelvin, and in the end, though Archer will never admit it, Cyril sort of redeems himself. Did I mention Cyril is an accountant, and has no business getting mixed up in espionage stuff?

     The humor comes not just from Cyril's fish out of water schtick, but also in how he relates to super-spy Archer. At least twice Archer mentions something, and Cyril expresses surprise at the thought, only to have Archer query "And you don't?" Great punchline. They are two very different people, and the highlighting of that fact lent to copious laughter. I won't say it is exactly unexpected that Cyril saves the day, after Archer handles the combat portion, of course, but the story flows naturally. Plus, Spelvin has sexy bikini-clad ninja bodyguards for Archer to flirt with, so really, win-win.

     Back at ISIS, things look a lot more like The Office than James Bond. Krieger (Lucky Yates) should be fixing the computers, but Lana (Aisha Tyler) has destroyed his virtual girlfriend, so he is working on a new one. That image alone is priceless. Cheryl (Judy Greer) and Pam (Amber Nash) unhook all the computers, and Cheryl accidentally destroys them, and quite possible the elevator. Bickering with co-workers? Destruction of company property? Sounds like a workplace comedy to me.

     The series also stars Jessica Walter as Malory and Adam Reed as Ray. Tune into Archer Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Article first published as TV Review: Archer - "Tragical History" on Blogcritics.

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