Created by Adam Reed (the man behind Sealab 2021 and Frisky Dingo), Archer is a new animated series for adults. Set at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS), suave master spy Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), is a self absorbed narcissist who treats women, his co-workers and even animals badly. If this sounds like yet another James Bond inspired parody, it is, but few have taken it to such a ridiculous level; Archer, code name “duchess,” happens to be the son of the head of ISIS, (Jessica Walter). So maybe he’s not as smooth as he thinks he is.
Archer has a butler named Woodhouse (George Coe), which seems to be an alternate-spelling homage to the author of the Jeeves stories. (There are also references to Herman Melville, O. Henry, Texas sniper Charles Whitman and “I Dream of Jeannie.”) As anyone familiar with the Adult Swim brand of comedy is undoubtedly aware, pop culture references always play a part in the humor.
Though ISIS is a spy agency, it is portrayed as a workplace like any other; where office romances and gossip are just as big a deal as whether Archer is going to stop a terrorist arms sale. Each day, Archer is forced to deal with his mother as well as Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), his former girlfriend and a fellow agent. Large breasted, and appreciative of porn, Lana is now dating the rather boring, but well endowed agency comptroller named Cyril (Chris Parnell), which makes Archer incredibly jealous.
The second of the two episodes that air tonight is a good snapshot of what Archer is about. Our hero concocts a story about a hunt for an agency mole, so he can break into the mainframe—whose password is “guest,” because this isn’t a very smart group of people—to delete his exorbitant expense account. And it seems every member of the staff –whether it’s a field agent like Archer or Lana an accountant like Cyril, or a secretary like Cheryl (Judy Greer)—is either sexually harassing someone else or being sexually harassed. Archer and Lana fight over missions, based on who has a kitchen remodel they need extra cash for. And HR rep Pam (Amber Nash) is no help, because she’s just as perverted as everyone else.
So as you can see, Archer isn’t Bugs Bunny. However, if you enjoy adult humor, definitely give this show a look, a laughed loudly and often at the episodes I was able to preview. The voice cast is excellent, and the animation solid; F/X just might have a hit on their hands.
Watch Archer (Tonight at 10 and 10:30ET/PT on FX)
