Television Review: Archer

 

“Archer” (Season 1, Episode 1: “Mole Hunt,” FX)

Currently, twenty-two James Bond films have been made and a twenty-third is set to release later this year. Although we’ve witnessed the pop icon dismantle nuclear bombs, combat a giant of a man named Jaws and thwart evil plans, we never saw the secret agent deal with the mundane real world. By portraying an intelligence agency as any other boring day job, FX’s animated series, “Archer,” offers a fresh perspective on the tired spy genre with a crude protagonist, hilarious supporting cast and offbeat sensibility.

At the center of the show is Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), a loose parody of James Bond who comes with all the issues of self-entitlement and bad temper one might associate with a ruthless spy. Other than his humor, there is little reason for the audience to like Archer – he’s vulgar, selfish and prone to violence. When his butler, Woodhouse, lets a dog inside his apartment, Archer promises to rub sand in Woodhouse’s “dead little eyes” if he finds one strand of dog hair. Yet, the show’s creator, Adam Reed, is able to make him a surprisingly compelling character. Underneath Archer’s fragile ego is a childlike vulnerability. Allowing us to see the cracks on the surface makes it much easier for the audience to empathize with an otherwise unbearable protagonist.

In the pilot episode, Archer attempts to clear his name when a coworker accuses him of embezzling from the intelligence agency, ISIS. The only problem that stands in Archer’s way is that he’s totally guilty. He’s been blowing his operations account on personal expenses that include gambling, prostitution and a bunch of other vices. Typical of many spy thrillers, the plot turns convoluted when Archer discovers a mole in the field as he attempts to wipe out his own records. However, the pilot’s primary goal of establishing the world is enough to keep the viewer engaged and entertained.

To draw comparisons between ISIS and the C.I.A. would be inaccurate – the C.I.A. is much too professional. ISIS is less like a secret intelligence agency and more like a dysfunctional family. At the head of the company is Sterling’s mother, Mallory. Like her role on “Arrested Development,” Jessica Walter plays the domineering and cold mother. In fact, Mallory is so controlling that she forced Archer to assume her late dog’s name, Duchess, as his code name. While Archer is on rocky terms with his mom, the relationships with his co-workers are equally as strained.

For special assignments, Archer is partnered with his former flame, Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler). Certainly, his decision to mix business with pleasure comes back to bite Archer as Lana proves to be very jealous and shows major trust issues. Among other co-workers is Pam (Amber Nash), an HR representative who can’t keep her mouth shut, Cheryl (Judy Greer), the receptionist who Archer can never remember her name and Dr. Krieger (Lucky Yates), a mad scientist who also enjoys making love to his colleagues’ pita sandwiches. The interplay and banter between these colorful characters supplements the series with hilarious office humor. So, if you ever wondered what James Bond’s work might be like in everyday life, “Archer” answers your question.