Archer: Codename Duchess

"Archer"
Day/Time: Thursdays @ 10pm est
Channel: FX
Rating: NR (Not for children)

If you haven’t seen the animated show “Archer” on FX then you are seriously missing out. But don’t worry, the full first season is now FINALLY out on DVD and just in time for the second season to start on 1/27/11 (Check your local listings for times). If you’re wondering why you should bother catching up on this cartoon then I will gladly tell you all about the first season. This is more than just a cartoon. It’s geared specifically for adults and the humor ranges from the ridiculous to the sublime. I haven’t met a person yet that has seen this show that hasn’t absolutely loved it.

While the first season was only a mere ten episodes long it set up plenty of back story and a plot that left you hanging and upset that you had to wait practically an entire year for the next season. As the season opens you are introduced to super spy Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) and his cohorts at ISIS. Lead by his mother Malory, who is brilliantly voiced by Jessica Walter, Archer is made to work with his ex-girlfriend Lana (Aisha Tyler), her new boyfriend and ISIS comptroller Cyril (Chris Parnell), a sexual fetishist receptionist Cheryl or Carol or whatever (Judy Greer), and the office whipping girl, HR leader Pam (Amber Nash). Together this crazy crew finds themselves in personal tangles and always seems to interfere with their espionage work.

As the season wore on you found that the work for ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service) was only just a mild distraction for these trained spies. It was their personal lives and dramas that were the real story. “Archer” keeps the story lines new and constant running jokes. You find yourself thinking that they won’t go there, but oh yes they do and much further.

This group of hilarious cohorts find themselves searching for moles inside of ISIS, dealing with a new spy in the group that seems too good to be true (and not just because he’s black and Jewish), going up against rival assassins, protecting a “luxury airship” from bomb threats, and trying to obtain new and lucrative contracts to keep ISIS afloat. All this happens while Malory is trying to keep the identity of Archer’s real father under wraps.

I strongly suggest that you go out and buy the first season or get it on Netflix or download it free somewhere on the internet. “Archer” isn’t just some half hour long cartoon. It is a hilarious comedy full of animated action. The critics love this show, it has a huge fan base, and the voice of Archer, H. Jon Benjamin, even won an Emmy for his voice work on the show. You really can’t get much better than this. So everyone lotion up your man hands, grab your ping pong paddles, and remember, it’s just the tip. Oh, and whatever you do, DON’T LIGHT THAT MATCH! THIS PLACE WILL BLOW AT ANY SECOND! (You have to watch the first season to understand any of that. So get to it.)

I would include a video but none of them are appropriate for all reading and viewing audiences as this show is not for children. But you can go to the official website where they have full episodes and clips up and just about anything else you would want to know about the show and it's cast.

I do give this show five full frames so you know I mean business.


Head on over to www.j1studios.com and discuss "Archer" in the forum. Tell me how much you love it and then how much you love me for getting you turned on to the show.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.