Archer - Season 1

The creators of Sealab 2021 and Frisky Dingo have parted ways with Adult Swim, though that doesn't mean they're done making realistically drawn, crudely animated, foul mouthed cartoons. Archer takes their typical sense of humor and brings it to FX in the form of a spy show starring the hot H. Jon Benjamin and a few other comedy veterans. Sterling Archer has some skill in espionage but his defining character traits relate more to his spoiled relationship with his mother, who runs the agency, and his James Bond-like overconfidence with the ladies. He and fellow agent Lana go on their fair share of missions through these ten episodes, though a lot of focus is on the bureaucracy and inter-office politics that take place when things are less dangerous. A lot of time is spent with the different supporting characters just talking about random stuff together, and it provides easily as much comedy as anything relating to actual spy work.

It took me some time to warm up to the show, partly because I didn't like what they were doing with Sterling's character, and partly because the jokes were often just a bit too crass. I feel like Benjamin's best work comes when he's just talking calmly, although lately and especially on this show he spends a lot of time shouting at people. Also, while it's clear the writers are pretty intelligent, it seemed like there was too much reliance on gay jokes and other stuff that really didn't have much to do with the subject matter. As it went on though, there was enough clever stuff and a few moments as hilarious as anything these guys have done that I have to give it some credit. I feel like the show still has the potential to be a lot better, and I can't wait to see where they take it with the second season.