tek's rating: ½

Archer, FX
FX; IMDb; TV.com; Wikipedia

This show was created by Adam Reed, who has worked on various shows on Cartoon Network's "adult swim" programming block, and it definitely has the look and feel of one of those shows (especially Frisky Dingo, which Reed co-created). It's set at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS), which is run by Malory Archer, who used to be a field operative. (She's voiced by Jessica Walter of Arrested Development, and Malory seems to have alot in common with her character on that show, Lucille Bluth.) But the main character, obviously, is Malory's son, Sterling Archer, who is currently a field operative himself, and fancies himself a James Bond type. Though there is the implication that he only holds his position because his mother is the boss. Certainly, he's very self-centered and arrogant, and seems mostly interested in just living an extravagant, jet-setting lifestyle.

But the show is set mainly at ISIS headquarters. Other characters include Lana Kane (who we kinda like), an ISIS agent who used to date Sterling. She's currently dating Cyril Figgis, the ISIS comptroller, who's rather uptight, and jealous of Sterling's career and charisma, and also worries that Lana may still be attracted to Sterling. Though she claims she "really likes him" because he's the opposite of Sterling. There are a few other employees at ISIS we'll sometimes see, most notably Malory's secretary, Cheryl (who we kinda like). She is a major gossip, and also is infatuated with Sterling (though he always calls her "Carol," and doesn't seem interested in her, unless he can use her for something). And then there's Woodhouse, Sterling's elderly butler, who is devoted to his boss, despite being treated badly by him.

Anyway. It's not a show for kids, definitely has some very adult themes, and can be crude. Mostly it's a mix of office comedy and family dysfunction, and strained relationships. And um... it's fairly amusing, but... whatever. I dunno.


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