Archer: Season 2

OVERVIEW: The comedy series "Archer," created by Adam Reed, was first announced on FX in the fall of 2009. Reed credits the inspiration for the show to a personal experience in which he was unable to muster up the charisma to hit on a beautiful woman; he later fantasized about a suave, debonair spy who would always have the right moves. I have absolutely fallen in love with "Archer;" I can't get enough of the continuous wit and exceptionally clever dialog. Unlike other animated shows, "Archer" utilizes complex plotting as well as character development, allowing viewers to watch and rewatch episodes without sacrificing entertainment value. I am personally humbled by the various cultural references employed by the writers--it just goes to show how involved intellect must be in creating comedy. I fully understand that much of the show's content may be deemed offensive to some viewers, so to enjoy it, it's best to keep in mind that "Archer" is written in a satirical manner. It is fair to warn, however, that the series earns its TV/MA rating quite well through use of crude language, violence, and sexual situations; basically, it's probably not suitable for children or anyone who isn't a fan of that sort of comedy.The storyline centers around Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) who is the sort of spy Reed had imagined, only with a few extra character `flaws'--he is pretty much a sociopath. Despite bearing the codename Duchess, Archer is considered the world's most dangerous spy; were he not absorbed with promiscuity, alcoholism, expensive toys and tactlenecks, he might also be considered the world's best spy. Archer works for his self-centered and emotionally distant mother, Malory Archer (Jessica Walter), at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) based in New York City. Fellow ISIS employees include agent Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), comptroller Cyril Figgis (Chris Parnell), agent Ray Gillette (Adam Reed), HR Director Pam Poovey (Amber Nash), Head of Applied Research Dr. Algernop Krieger (Lucky Yates), ISIS whipping-boy Brett Buckley (Neal Holman), and nut-job secretary Cheryl Tunt (Judy Greer). Other recurring cast-members include: ODIN agent Barry Dylan (Dave Willis), call-girl Trinette (Maggie Wheeler), KGB head Nikolai Jakov (Peter Newman), ex-KGB agent Katya Kazanova (Ona Grauer), and Archer's valet, Woodhouse (George Coe; Roy McCrery in flashbacks).Season 2 Guest Stars: Head of ODIN Len Trexler (Jeffrey Tambor), actress/Russian-sleeper Rona Thorne (Rachael Harris), German billionaire Conrad Schlotz (George Coe), German teenager Anka Schlotz (Kari Wahlgren), pimp-turned-laundromat-owner Popeye (Clarke Peters), Ruth (Joan Van Ark), El Frente Rojo agent Sia (Nika Futterman), computer-security expert George Spelvin (Peter Serafinowicz), Irish mobster Mikey (Darren Criss), head of the Irish mob Freddy Dulaney (Darren Criss), German freelance assassin Mannfred (René Auberjonois), German freelance assassin Uta (Kat Cressida), WWI ace Reggie Thistleton (Roy McCrery), and eco-terrorist Joshua Gray aka Gandalf (Robb Pruitt).ARCHER: THE COMPLETE SEASON TWO--kicked off in January of 2011. The second season carries some of the long-running jokes from Season One, but now that we have become comfortable with the characters, Season Two is able to investigate greater character depths. Some of the continuing themes include: Who is Archer's father? Will Brett finally die? Will Lana and Archer get back together? What is to become of the rivalry between Barry and Archer? What happens to Katya?SPECIAL FEATURES: [13 Episodes/2 Discs] Archersaurus--Self-Extinction, Ask Archer, Seper Fi, L'espion Mal Fait, and ISIS Infiltrates Comin-Con 2011.EPISODES:Episode 1: "Swiss Miss"--Besides making budget cuts, Malory seeks a new investor, Conrad Schlotz, a German billionaire in control of all European videotext services. To do so, Malory offers ISIS agents for the protection of Schlotz's 16-year-old daughter, Anka, who is the target of a kidnapping plot by El Frente Rojo. [El Frente Rojo is a Spanish criminal organization--the same previously infiltrated by Hector Ruíz, the ISIS agent shown `vacating' his position in the episode "Diversity Hire."] Just as the team arrives in Gstaad, Anka molests Archer, but Archer is named the pervert. Attempting to distract Conrad, Malory puts on her best moves; unfortunately, Conrad has a thing for dairy cows and Pam. El Frente Rojo's Gstaad operation is led by Sia and her twin lovers--one of whom Archer fatally wounds early in the episode, but the other ISIS agents refuse to believe him because the unhurt twin is still walking around. Despite being banned from contact with Archer, Anka slips into his hotel room to seduce him. Sia and Carlito, the other twin, walk in on Archer and a topless Anka; the episode culminates in a very cold and explosive snowmobile chase.Episode 2: "A Going Concern"--Krieger removes the KGB mind-control device from Sterling's brain, leading Archer to again question his mother as to whether Nikolai Jakov is his real father. Malory deflects the confrontation by informing Archer that she is selling ISIS to ODIN and marrying Len Trexler. Barry offers Malory's vacated position to Lana on the condition that she sleeps with him. The rest of the team, in fear of their jobs (along with Archer's fear of a new daddy), plans to drive Len and Malory apart by reimplanting the KGB chip into Len's brain and convincing him that Malory is evil.Episode 3: "Blood Test"--Since his split with Lana, Cyril has taken to binge eating and sexual addiction. Sterling arrives at ISIS to find that Trinette, his favorite prostitute, has given birth to a baby by the name of Seamus Sterling Magoon. In order to receive child support from Archer, Trinette schedules a paternity test; to ensure Archer doesn't tamper the with DNA samples, ODIN is put in charge of the testing. Even though Barry has taken great care in protecting the samples, Archer manages to exchange his blood with an unsuspecting fool's, i.e.: Cyril's.Episode 4: "Pipeline Fever"--Archer and Lana are dispatched to New Orleans to intercept eco-terrorist Joshua Gray (aka Gandalf) and his plan to blow the U.S.'s largest natural gas pipeline. Sterling jumps at the chance to commandeer an airboat for travels on the bayou. Through the course of the mission, we learn: (1) Archer's three greatest fears, (2) how Lana first became an ISIS agent, (3) Lana used to be a hippie, and (4) Archer isn't Lana's only ex-boyfriend on the bayou.Episode 5: "The Double Deuce"--Archer is in charge of babysitting the wee baby Seamus for the weekend. Woodhouse notices an obituary for Sir Augustus Stilton, one of his WWI comrades, and the latest of four mysterious deaths to veterans of the Double Deuce. This leads to a confession about the Double Deuce's tontine and the revelation that Woodhouse may be the next member to be assassinated. When the remaining tontine members gather at Archer's apartment, Woodhouse goes on to share memories about "Blood April," including the death of his lover, Reggie Thistleton (Roy McCrerey). We also learn how Woodhouse first came into Malory's service, leaving Archer to feel (slightly) guilty about Woodhouse's impending murder.Episode 6: "Tragical History"--When Cyril blows a team game of darts, he feels emasculated. A mysterious computer security expert, George Spelvin, convinces Cyril to download a pirate-virus into the ISIS mainframe under the impression that Cyril would then be able to play hero by fixing it. Krieger and the rest of the ISIS underlings work tirelessly to remove the virus; attempting to `beat' the virus out, a frustrated Lana sends Krieger into a deep depression by destroying his virtual fiancé. Cyril is unable to remove the virus, rendering the mainframe's list of undercover agents `compromised.'Episode 7: "Movie Star"--New-age starlet, Rona Thorne, shadows Lana to prepare for her role as a covert agent in the upcoming film "Disavowed." Lana initially feels that involving a civilian in her work disrespects the integrity of her position, but when Archer volunteers in her place, Lana immediately OKs taking Rona on as an apprentice--even if it is just to irritate Archer. Chatter has warned that a member of the KGB will assassinate Associate Prime Minister Cochenko at the upcoming UN conference. As Lana warms to having Rona around, she lets Rona tag along for the mission where Lana is tasked to snipe the KGB assassin before he or she can strike.Episode 8: "Stage Two"--When Malory has a scare with breast cancer, Sterling accompanies her to the oncologist. Malory's diagnostic exam clears her, but a large tumor is found in Archer's chest; Archer's stage two diagnosis and `stay positive' attitude garner resentment and jealousy from Malory. Despite not being his real father, Archer decides to spend time with the wee baby Seamus. Even Lana can't escape Archer's newfound charm; they have what is later referred to as `cancer sex,' which causes Archer to be late for surgery. Once the tumor is removed, Archer is in full celebration-mode until he is informed that the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes. The doctor then recants Archer's diagnosis--sending Archer into another attitude-relapse. The doctor quickly calls back to explain the chart mix-up and confirms that Archer really does need chemotherapy.Episode 9: "Placebo Effect"--Archer strikes a bond with a fellow cancer patient named Ruth; she is an elderly lady who has been forced to spend her savings on prescriptions. When Dr. Krieger discovers that their expensive cancer drugs (other than the marijuana) are really just candycorn and Zima, Archer embarks on a rampage of revenge. Since he is now on the real chemotherapy drugs, Archer's physical state is weakened; Lana agrees to help him carry out the rampage, which starts with kneecapping Irish mob-men at a drug warehouse; Mikey (Darren Criss) names Freddy Dulaney as the head of the counterfeit cancer-drug operation. Archer goes on to produce an epic film titles "Terms of Enrampagement"--a working title. Back at ISIS, the `uber German' Dr. Krieger is revealed to be fluent in Portuguese; Cyril suspects that Krieger is actually a `Boy from Brazil.'Episode 10: "El Secuestro"--During Pam and Cheryl's walk to work, Pam is kidnapped; Cheryl manages to escape by concealing her identity and convincing the kidnappers that Pam is Cheryl. Malory intends to fire Cheryl for being late again, but changes her tune when she discovers Cheryl's last name is really Tunt, not Gimble. Archer makes friends with Cheryl's pet ocelot, Babou, who could really use some toys. Now that he knows Cheryl's true net-worth, Cyril attempts to ransom her himself.Episode 11: "Jeu Monegasque"--In order to retrieve another one of Malory's sex tapes, the ISIS team travels to Monaco; Le Chuffre offers to exchange the video for $4,000,000 in bearer bonds. Ray manages to swing the last hotel room in Monaco during the week of the Grand Prix, meaning that he will have to share the room with Lana and Malory. Because Archer deposits the bearer bonds with the hotel's casino, Benoit (Balls) gives him a VIP suite and luxury treatment; the more Archer drinks, the more of the $4,000,000 he loses gambling. Meanwhile, the `drones' back at ISIS discover that Malory raised the money for the exchange by emptying each of the employees' 401K accounts. When Lana, Archer, and Ray learn that their accounts have been emptied, the three agents concoct an elaborate plan to recover their money from Benoit. Krieger, Pam, Cheryl, and Cyril seek revenge by selling ISIS equipment to anyone with $5.Episode 12: "White Nights"--Hoping to resolve paternity questions with his could-be father, Nikolai Jakov, Archer steals Ray's mission to make an air-jump into Russia. Because he took so much time with his monologue, Archer misses the jump-window and lands in a Russian military camp. Malory seeks out Barry (who is fluent in Russian) to go to Moscow and rescue Archer. During their attempted escape from the KGB, Archer and Barry exchange insults and fists; in a moment of déjà vu, Archer drops Barry from a balcony... again.Episode 13: "Double Trouble"--Katya Kazanova, the mysterious and beautiful ex-KGB agent credited with saving Archer's life, has returned with Archer to the U.S. to meet his mother. Everyone at ISIS is suspicious of Katya's true intentions; Lana points out the `coincidence' that Katya has defected just as Dr. Krieger is finishing his top-secret project. Archer tries to prove Katya's loyalty by pulling her KGB file to show she has been disavowed; to trick ISIS, the KGB has instead labeled Katya as a double agent. The only thing stranger that Katya being a KGB traitor is that Archer seems to truly love her, he even asks her to marry him. In an homage to the "Bionic Man," Nikolai Jakov orders Barry to be rebuilt as an unstoppable, track-suit-wearing cyborg who is determined to seek revenge against Archer.

Great show.

I'm not a mean person. In my daily life I am kind, sensitive, resolutely politically correct and inoffensive, no matter how much vitriol and meanness patients hurl at me.All of that being said, I'm not a women's studies major by any means; I was always a tomboy as a kid; most of my friends were (and are) guys; and I grew up watching comedy from low-brow (Three Stooges, Benny Hill) to high brow (Monty Python; the 70s original Saturday Night Live cast), slapstick to cutting satire.I don't find formulaic sitcoms to be funny most of the time, probably because the quality of network TV shows and their writing has dropped so egregiously in the last 30 years. Given the choice, I'd rather watch Family Guy over Three And A Half Men, because Family Guy is flat-out funnier. (But, given the choice, I'd rather watch Futurama over Family Guy, because Futurama is wittier, not mean-spirited or reliant on gross-out comedy).All of that being said -- maybe because of how I grew up, maybe because Archer has some major throwback tendencies, and it is totally irreverent and politically incorrect in almost every possible way (gender, race, religion, size-ism, sexual preference) -- I LOVE Archer.I think it is hands-down the funniest, best-written animated show on TV right now, network or cable/satellite. I am SO glad I found it. (I skipped past it many times because the stupid satellite receiver guide descriptions of the show and episodes were so understated.) It wasn't until one day when I actually flipped past it and SAW it, that I was hooked.And while it manages to be totally politically incorrect, it's not completely insensitive. Underneath it all, Archer ("The spy who loved himself") has his own neuroses, the reasons for which are explored in both sensitive and insensitive ways. The fact that Lana (his ex, his near-nemesis, and his frequent temptation) is often the better spy, objectively, is not skipped past. She's more tactical, less egotistical, and generally very competent (though the ongoing jokes about her "man hands" are hilarious). The fact that Archer could not do (or get away with) all that he does without the support staff behind him, however severely twisted they may be (Cheryl, Krieger), is also not skipped past. And above it all is haughty, hilarious Mallory, who actually means the insensitive and politically incorrect things she says. Her son, Archer, master spy, is well aware of his mother's failings, and this makes him a more sympathetic character, despite being so full of himself. The times he is humbled feel deserved, but most of it is humorous without being mean spirited.The animation is better quality in season 2. I suspect the producers got higher budgets for the second season, so that's a plus that is missing from season 1. There are longer story arcs (who is Archer's real father) for the major characters and also some backstory about characters more in the background. And, despite the ongoing and cherished political incorrectness, there is more open homosexuality in guest characters and puncturing of stereotypes.That may be the best thing about Archer, the show and the character: the frequent puncturing of stereotypes in the midst of the irreverence and political incorrectness.If you want to laugh your butt off at a loving homage to old spy and scifi (and cult or B) shows and movies, set in a vague future-present-past with all kinds of old and new technology, that is very wittily written, laugh-out-loud funny, but also subtly amusing, this is a show you just can't miss.I'm reminded of a joke someone told me once long, long ago:"How many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?""That's not funny!"If you can't help laughing at the above joke -- male or female -- you'll probably enjoy Archer.If the above joke pisses you off, you better pass on Archer, because Archer, ISIS and crew will probably piss you off too.

It's old cartoon, kicks ass but the price should be lower, really what is Amazon prime doing except free shipping.?

Great show! Will make you laugh

If you've NEVER seen this show, do so. If you love Arrested Development, loosely based, & most cast from show in cartoon! Raunchy, politically incorrect, hilarious, spies & espionage! CANNOT. LIVE. W/OUT!

If you're a fan of the fast-moving, quick-witted, occasionally daffy and hard-charging "Archer" series then you're going to love Season 2. There's something about the dry Archer characters when combined with a Bond-like parody that leave you with quite a smile and not a few laughs. Be forewarned: if you're thinking this is a cartoon for the under PG-13 crowd think again. No, the sex is for the most part suggested, but there's plenty of quick shots of characters in position for it, and there's plenty of scenes of violence (aftermath, rarely committed) that could cause a bit of moments for younger audiences. Teens? Adults? No problem. Great stuff. And I realize that some will say that I'm being excessively cautionary—but there are some out there who will bark about this stuff and it's best to know up front. If you're looking for a gift: if the subject knows "Archer" then this is great. If however they're just starting out go straight to season one or they're liable to be wandering around a bit.

Seconde saison, toujours aussi fou et irrévérencieux que la première !A noter, le sous-titrage français est bien présent contrairement à ce qui indiqué sur Amazon et sur les photos des jaquettes.Si vous aimez l'humour à la South Park et êtes fan de James Bond, foncez ! Vous ne serez pas déçu :)

As some of you, know that I am a totaly blind person, so, I am some what not in my comfort zone to review a film, but the reason I am doing it is if in case that other blind persons like me are thinking to get it and are wondering if it is good for me being blind if the person didn't see it alreaday on tv. because of course, when you are totaly blind, the reason for the person to like this or that film will be base on totaly different reason than a sighted person. And of course, one of the biggest reason is, can I follow the story line and actually get enough jokes without seeing it? and without description video? and in this case the answer is a big yes, of course I am aware that I miss a lot and the reason I am sure of it is that my friend is kind enough after the show, we watch it a second time, I mean an episode, and the second time, he tells me , like he will say stop it, and he tells me what is actually happening and to be honest I had no idea at all. but the good news if you are a blind person that live alone and you did ear people talking about Archer but you never had the chance to get it on tv, don't be afraid to get it, you will get enough jokes, even without noone to tell you about it, me, I don't care that someone tell me what I have miss, I am totaly happy just the way I get it. and not to many actually make me laugh! and it get better, every time you will watch an episode for a second time or third, I am always amaze to realise that I had miss this joke or that, but this is also true for everyone I guess blind or not. but with Archer, it is a sure thing, my favorite one though , if you have never seen one, I would suggest I think it is the number five, but I am not totaly sure, cut it the one about cocaine, the complete season is about or around cocaine, I don't want to give away anything, but I must have listen to that one a good 8 times, and I mean the total season, 8 times! a bit crazy will yu say? it is fine by me, it is that great! but this one is also very good as all of them. thank you for reading

Eine willkommene Abwechslung in unserer stets politisch korrekten Welt. Gut gezeichnet, spannend und immer frech. Besser geht es nicht. Habe mir auch schon Staffel 2 und 3 bestellt.

Before we get into the show itself, another quick word of warning. Once again, for some unknown reason, Fox has released these DVDs in a bizarre Region 2 NTSC format. In case you put these discs in your player, and the picture comes up monochrome and striated, that's why it does that. Seriously, who's in charge of deciding the format on these things, a ring-tailed lemur on heroin? But if you have a relatively modern TV/DVD combi, XBox, or computer that you can play DVDs on, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting the discs to play properly. Any other issues or problems pertaining to the format that you have personally experienced would be most welcome as comments at the end of this review.Anyway, Sterling Archer, the world's biggest jerk of a secret agent is back, along with the rest of the dysfunctional crew at the ISIS spy agency. Watch in awe and embarrassment as they try to cope with guarding a German industrialist's nymphomaniac sociopath teenage daughter from terrorist kidnappers, Mallory Archer's decision to sell ISIS to the highest bidder, determining whether or not Sterling is the father of the wee baby Seamus, guarding a gas pipeline from an eco-terrorist and surviving in an alligator-infested swamp, a plot to kill off the last remaining members of an RAF squadron, the deadly chaos brought on by one man's insecurity, babysitting a Hollywood actress who's tagging along to get inspiration for her role as a spy in her next film, the onset of breast cancer and tracking down an Irish gang that's profiteering from a chemotherapy scam, the kidnapping of one of their office staff, a series of colossal foul-ups in Monaco involving casinos, a pay-off, and the Grand Prix, and a botched mission into Russia that leads to some very unexpected developments.You'll learn more about the secret backgrounds of not just Sterling Archer and his mother, Mallory, but also ISIS staff members agent Lana Kane, secretary Cheryl (Or is it Carine, or Carol, or what?), Head of HR Pam, Ops Center Controller Ray, butler Woodhouse, comptroller Cyril, and top boffin Dr. Krieger. It's not so much a can of worms that's opened up with these revelations, it's more like a 55-gallon oil drum of worms. Worms with teeth. Teeth, and . . . wait . . . I had something. Never mind. Massively stylish and crammed full of action, cool jazz, and women with not much clothing on, this is spy spoof comedy at its best. Also Peter Serafinowicz doing a damn good Michael York impression.As far as special features go, they're all fun, and consist of a behind-the-scenes documentary explaining the tragic story why "Archersaurus" never made it beyond the pilot episode, a fan-letter Q&A session with Archer himself (in which he also pitches his book "How to Archer," also available here on Amazon), Archer's shout-out to some American troops in Afghanistan, what would happen if Archer found out that he was actually a short, balding, bearded guy who looks startlingly like voice actor H. Jon Benjamin, and the "Archer" panel at the San Diego Comic Con, where you get to meet the people behind the show and get some interesting questions answered, plus a hint of what's to come in "Archer" Season 3.If you liked "Archer" Season 1, this is more of the same, only a bit edgier and more emotional. If you've only seen a couple of episodes of this show on 5* (and considering their broadcast schedule seems to be determined by drunken chimps throwing darts randomly into a list, I'd be amazed if you saw more than a couple of episodes on 5*) and liked them, I can highly recommend both Seasons 1 and 2 in full on DVD. If you're a fan of envelope-pushing adult cartoons such as "Family Guy" or "The Venture Brothers," or fast-paced comedy or the spy-film genre in general, I think you'll get a massive kick out of this as well.

Es war nicht klar ersichtlich, dass die DVD nur in Englisch erhältlich sind. Wir wollten Sie auf Deutsch. Das ist ärgerlich.