By Tom Sams
James Bond is an asshole, just think about it. He’s misogynistic, an alcoholic (how many martinis can one man stomach?), he uses women and discards them like they’re chewed gum, and yet somehow everybody thinks of Bond as a hero figure. Throughout 23 movies, we still haven’t really clocked on to the fact that in real life, nobody would like Bond and his teammates would not get on with him. Well, that embodiment is essentially Sterling Archer, the titular character of Archer, FX’s animated comedy show that features a multitude of characters within ISIS, a fictional spy agency.
James Bond is an asshole, just think about it. He’s misogynistic, an alcoholic (how many martinis can one man stomach?), he uses women and discards them like they’re chewed gum, and yet somehow everybody thinks of Bond as a hero figure. Throughout 23 movies, we still haven’t really clocked on to the fact that in real life, nobody would like Bond and his teammates would not get on with him. Well, that embodiment is essentially Sterling Archer, the titular character of Archer, FX’s animated comedy show that features a multitude of characters within ISIS, a fictional spy agency.
Archer stars H. Jon Benjamin as the main character, super spy… Archer. Written and directed by Adam Reed, the show explores the suave and self-centred secret agent as he completes missions for his boss at ISIS, Mallory Archer (who is domineering, cold and also his mother). Accompanying him at ISIS, we have Lana Kane, perhaps the only capable ISIS agent and also his ex-lover, Cyril Figgis, the comptroller, Cheryl Tunt, Mallory’s secretary, Pam Poovey, the human resources director, Dr Krieger, the head of the applied research department, Ray Gillette, an openly gay field agent as well as Woodhouse, Archer’s loyal butler, who is frequently treated like a pet as opposed to a human being.
This animated sitcom deals with dark humour, raunchy scenes and some of the greatest running jokes and one liners ever seen on television. With such a large cast, you’d be forgiven if you immediately thought of other large ensemble sitcoms such as Arrested Development (props if you did); however large casts can often mean too much to focus upon, especially within a sitcom environment. The audience often has a hard time dealing with so many little stories, especially when all they’re tuning in for is jokes, but Archer’s fantastic writing, stories, characters and gags make this a show you need to watch immediately. It’s James Bond meets Arrested Development, primarily looking at the deception and rivalries.
This animated sitcom deals with dark humour, raunchy scenes and some of the greatest running jokes and one liners ever seen on television. With such a large cast, you’d be forgiven if you immediately thought of other large ensemble sitcoms such as Arrested Development (props if you did); however large casts can often mean too much to focus upon, especially within a sitcom environment. The audience often has a hard time dealing with so many little stories, especially when all they’re tuning in for is jokes, but Archer’s fantastic writing, stories, characters and gags make this a show you need to watch immediately. It’s James Bond meets Arrested Development, primarily looking at the deception and rivalries.
It’s almost like Get Smart if there was 100 times more sex and everybody was drunk all of the time. Viewing the show in the UK is damn near impossible, however, unless you own a Netflix subscription, as the first three series are all available for streaming right now. Season 4 has already started in America and is due to start next month on Channel 5, although an exact air date has not been announced yet. I urge you to watch the Pilot immediately if you can pick up the DVD or watch it on Netflix. Every single episode contains lines that you will be quoting non-stop. Enjoy your new favourite show, and even though Sterling Archer is pretty much a dick, he’s going to become your new favourite character too.
Tom cheats on I’m With Geek with HateMail, a site about professional hatred.
Tom cheats on I’m With Geek with HateMail, a site about professional hatred.
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