In today's column, I review "Archer," FX's attempt to get in on the Adult Swim-style world (the creator is Adam Reed, the guy behind "Frisky Dingo" and "Sealab 2021"). Though I generally lose interest in Adult Swim shows quickly, this one seems to have its hooks in me.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
'Archer' review - Sepinwall on TV
In today's column, I review "Archer," FX's attempt to get in on the Adult Swim-style world (the creator is Adam Reed, the guy behind "Frisky Dingo" and "Sealab 2021"). Though I generally lose interest in Adult Swim shows quickly, this one seems to have its hooks in me.
Frisky Dingo was near genius and next to Venture Bros, the best thing Adult Swim ever has had on. I'm looking forward to checking this out.
ReplyDeleteI caught the preview episode they aired in then fall by accident- not sure if this was intentional but my comcast guide listed two episodes of Always Sunny, only the second one turned out to be Archer but my DVR picked it up anyway. Pretty clever way to introduce a show if it was done on purpose.
ReplyDeleteIn any event I have very high hopes for this show. The preview episode (which I believe is the second of the two they're running tonight)was hysterical. Honestly I don't think I've laughed harder at anything all year. Perhaps more so since the show came as a surprise. I'm curious to see if it holds up after a few months of building expectations.
The voice-talent is definitely promising but I agree with you in that Alot of Adult Swim cartoons start as funny and novel but don't stay as amusing after a few episodes. Its encouraging to hear you've liked at least the first five!
I generally agree with you about Adult Swim, Alan, but you should give Venture Bros. another shot some time. It's pretty great.
ReplyDeleteI've been giggling at all the commercials I've seen for this, so I'm in. Well, I was in once I recognized H. Jon Benjamin's voice--something about his delivery never fails to crack me up.
ReplyDeleteI generally agree with you about Adult Swim, Alan, but you should give Venture Bros. another shot some time. It's pretty great.
ReplyDeletePeople keep telling me this, but thus far, I'm not seeing it. I've watched several early episodes, and when those weren't doing it for me, I asked a few fans to suggest an episode I could jump ahead to that might let me see the greatness ahead. They all pointed to "Tag Sale, You're It," which I watched and reacted to the same way as the earlier eps: I get what the show's doing, but it's not really making me laugh.
Home Movies.
ReplyDeleteVenture Brothers really grabbed me with 'Ghosts of the Sargasso,' but it really comes into it's own in season 2. That was when they really started delving into character growth and the mythology of the show. How Dr. Venture's father really messed him up, the inner workings of the Guild of Calamitous Intent, Brock's early work with the OSI trying to bring down the Guild. The mythology on this show rivals Lost in complexity, really astounds for a Adult Swim show.
ReplyDeleteI also really enjoyed the sneak peek Archer episode, so I'm look forward to more of those.
I'm looking forward to Archer as "Frisky Dingo" was my second favorite Adult Swim show, behing VB and just ahead of "Harvey Birdman".
ReplyDeleteI would also suggest "Victor.Echo.November" or "The Invisible Hand of Fate" as better examples of the interpersonal dynamics that drive Venture Bros.
Yeah, I stopped watching Venture Bros. towards the end of the first season, but recently picked it up, and the second season is amazing. "Twenty Years to Midnight" is pretty good, but it helps to watch the S1 finale and the first episode or two of S2 first.
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited about the voice talent; Jessica Walter as a cold matriarch and Judy Greer as a "lovestruck secretary?" Yes please! And H. Jon Benjamin's work in Home Movies is one of my favorite things ever.
I thought Frisky Dingo was really uneven in quality but I did love Sealab 2021. At least for the years Harry Goz was on.
ReplyDeleteArcher looks really good though.
RIP Harry Goz. Can you imagine if he were Archer's supervisor, or just an older agent? Would have been genius.
ReplyDeleteAnything that brings H Jon Benjamin to prime time is a good idea in my book. I've worshiped the guy ever since Dr Katz, Professional Therapist. I don't think there's a quirkier voice actor out there.
ReplyDeleteWith everyone else espousing (much deserved) love for The Venture Bros, I'll just hope that Archer inspires you to discover Frisky Dingo. The first season is ridiculously brilliant.
ReplyDeleteWatching one or two eps of Venture Brothers is like watching a couple of Lost eps. It just doesn't work all that well. They are working on very long character arcs. The entire last (half) season would be completely incomprehensible if you didn't understand all the back-story (particularly 24's).
ReplyDeleteLove this show...first ep was good and the secnd was off the charts! Thursday has way too many good shows
ReplyDeleteGreat, great stuff. I'm hoping they let Chris Parnell stretch his legs a little more with Cyril, who largely seemed a straight man in these episodes. Otherwise, keep 'em coming.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a gigglefest over here. I'll keep watching it.
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