ARCHER: THE COMPLETE SEASON TWO
(not rated)
MOVIE: *** (out of 5)
BLU-RAY EXPERIENCE: **1/2 (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
Even though “Archer” is produced for the FX cable network, it seems appropriate it’s coming from a Fox property. With the exception of “South Park,” Fox has a corner on the market for irreverent adult cartoons, no matter where it ends up. “Archer” is one of those animated shows that doesn’t seem obvious at first, but once you watch it for a few episodes, it all makes sense.
The second season of the hilarious FX show hits DVD and Blu-ray featuring the bumbling and womanizing spy Sterling Archer and his organization ISIS, this time trying to deal with budgetary constrains and relationship angst between its members.
Part of what makes “Archer” work is that it isn’t trying to directly spoof anything. Even the obvious spy references to James Bond aren’t a crutch for the show. Rather, the stories are made for themselves, rather than being full of pop culture or non sequitur humor (a staple of other Fox animated series like “Family Guy”).
Not a spy spoof, but clearly a spy comedy, “Archer” tells its own unique story with wildly inappropriate characters. But even without the show dripping in pop culture, it makes nods to it with extremely relevant references to movies like “White Lightning” and “Mandingo.”
Like the previous season, the humor lies in Archer’s aloofness and ability to be an absolute idiot but come out on top. It’s a mind-bogglingly sexy show with plenty of sexual references for all types of persuasions and body shapes. This season sees Archer learn about his family history with his put-upon manservant as well as the sticky situation that arises from a former prostitute bringing a paternity suit against him.
“Archer” was a gamble because it’s not star-heavy or a send up of spy shows in particular. But it succeed and works because it’s just damn funny. Here’s to season three, currently on the air on FX and returning in January.
Special features include a bizarre wink and nod to the Archersaurus, including its own extinction. There’s a pretty funny “Ask Archer” segment, along with Archer reading a letter to honor the troops in “Semper Fi.” Additional features include the featurette “L’espion Mal Fait” and a visit from ISIS to Comic-Con.