I’ve found that much of the Intellectual Property I enjoy tends to have a strong humor component, especially when that humor challenges longstanding traditions or approaches an issue in an outrageous way, while still communicating a progressive, tasteful opinion. Works like Blazing Saddles, Seinfeld, and Bojack Horseman all jump to my mind as shining examples of this. However, I also really enjoy spy films, and it just so happens that Archer has a wiki, so I’ve chosen to write this post about that.
Archer is a television series written by Adam Reed and follows the main character, Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin), along with the antics of the rest of the dysfunctional intelligence firm he works for as they find themselves in the middle of escapades they themselves often create. The component I enjoy most about Archer is it’s mockery of the canons of traditional spy/secret agent movies, which it does mainly by emulating them in an ironic way.
Anyone who has seen a Roger Moore era James Bond movie is familiar with the eye rolling moments of not-so-subtle sexism, racism, and self-congratulating “macho man” attitude prevalent in old spy films. Sterling Archer embodies this attitude, but with the added disadvantage that he’s fairly incompetent, and thus gets no passes for his childlike and irresponsible ways and is constantly criticized for his inappropriate comments and loose canon behavior.
Another reason I enjoy Archer is that it is filled to the brim with cultural references. What I can only imagine is a massive cooperation between the artists and writers of the show is the amount of effort put into turning small details into treats for anyone privy to classic pop culture. When just a generic sports car illustration would suffice, Archer is driving an 80’s Ferrari 308 GTB, a car known for its role in Miami Vice. Hunter S. Thompson quotes are peppered throughout the show, both Kenny Loggins and Burt Reynolds have made cameos, and hundreds of other subtle (or not) references to popular music, classic cocktails, and more are made throughout many seasons.
This abundance of references is something I really enjoy and only does good for the show, as it simply doesn’t matter to those who don’t get a reference and provides a great deal of relatable moments for those who do.
The show also benefits from the excellently witty, dry humor of H. Jon Benjamin, who also does voices in Bob’s Burgers as well as some Arby’s Commercials and produced a jazz album featuring Aziz Ansari.
The show’s setting in time is ambiguous however, which may be confusing to some viewers as you often see cell phones and 60’s technology on the same screen. I don’t personally have an issue with it, but I could understand why someone might.
Overall, I think all of these factors together allow Archer to culminate into not just an enjoyable show, but a show with great re-watch value that’s very redeeming and enjoyable to watch.
Max's Eng Comp Blog 