Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Archer S3

Been under the weather lately?
Haven't read Stephen King's It, nor have I seen the original adaptation, but a 2017 remake will be in theatres in September. "Every 27 years...," what perfect timing. Can't wait

Archer S3
13x20mins
2011 FX

An achromatic-stylized series set in an unknown time period, during which the KGB existed, Archer maintains slick animation, crude humor, and a perfect ensemble of voice actors.
Phones with qwerty keyboards, oldschool monitors, the KGB... achromatism is accessory to the series. Brilliant graphic design- pen-outlined characters against a flat background; the characters are more appealing to the eye. 

This season, Archer barely recovers emotionally, but his ego overrules and his immaturity kicks back into gear. Lack of self-control (especially with vehicles), among other character traits, Archer regurgitates how he's still an ass. Regardless, he and Lana dated "five years ago" and are at odds as ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service) colleagues. 
The episode format seems to diverge a bit, focus-wise, compared to the past two seasons. This is where most of the humor is: political jokes and occasional running gags ("Lana? LANAAA!" "WHAT?!") At headquarters and away, the missions make for a thrilling overall experience. The intention to immerse viewers into the missions, not the characters? Come on!
Expanding on political content and allusions, there are several overlooking foreshadowing moments. Lines alluding to Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" pertain to potential betrayal. 2011 presented several global turmoils, but Archer does not push toward controversial matters. In the final episode, "Space Race; Part 2," there are mentions of the eugenics movement in the 1960s and Archer dons Charles Davenport as "The Father of Eugenics, read a book." Even Bryan Cranston's guest role as Captain Tony Drake represents the community of those waiting for the world to end.. for mankind to end. A guest for each episode. 

Archer lives for adventure. Even rewatching the season several times over, it's not satisfying enough. Archer has professed to edgy comedy and suave moves, but the Season Three script is disappointingly lax. 
SWEATPANTS: Archer S3
Sequence6
Well-Casted9
Enjoyment6
Ability to be Binged6
Theme Song/ Animation is Present7
Personalities Differ Among Characters6
Alternating Viewpoints/ Camera Work7
Nice! There's Character Development6
Title 8
Suspense/ Surprise6
Total6.7

Eventually, you'll crawl out of your shell. 
Trade-off moment: finally, the time has arrived, but opportunity costs are the price. 
Get out there,