Archer: Season One

So I just finished a marathon session of the show, and boy let me tell you, it is some funny sh*t. There are a few key elements that make it as awesome as it is, which I will now break down for you.

The Voice Talent

• H. Jon Benjamin as Sterling Archer - A veteran of the comedic animated scene, Benjamin's timing has always been his strong suit. He has the uncanny ability to add pauses that give the viewer just enough to think "Wait, wtf did he just say?"
• Jessica Walter as Malory Archer / Judy Greer as Cheryl - If you've seen Arrested Development, you should be sold. Jessica Walter is perfect as the micro-managing, over-mothering, creepily-seducing head of ISIS and mother to Sterling; Judy Greer, meanwhile, has a fabulous turn a the over-sexed, schizophrenic "secretary" Cheryl/Carol/Crystal/etc.
• Chris Parnell as Cyril Figgis / Aisha Tyler as Lana Kane - Parnell gives real life to the abused, under appreciated, yet still unlikable head of the agency's paper pushers; Tyler brings a great range to Lana, shifting effortlessly from sexy to intimidating to scary and even a little tender.

The Writing

This has got to be one of the most quick-witted, wait-what-just-happened shows I have ever seen. There are jokes thrown in there that most people may completely miss, either because they don't get the reference or because they simply missed a throw-away line. Even better, several of those jokes ("monster hands," "danger zone") become recurring gags that really add up over time. The plot of each episode also usually manages to spoof spy drama (24, Burn Notice, James Bond) while actually being fairly entertaining and even a little surprising at times.

The Animation

I've got to give credit here: these are some of the best character animation I've seen in something on TV since The Venture Bros. Just like the throw-away line gags, there always seems to be something eye-catching or unexplained that any given character might be doing, even if it's in the background. Likewise, the action pieces are unique and quirky, but in a way that really seems to suit the show.

Final Thoughts

I don't think I encountered a single dull moment in these first ten episodes, and they will undoubtedly be watched countless times without losing their luster. The first season can be purchased for relatively cheap, and is also on Netflix Instant Watch. If you're looking for something fun to fill a few evenings, you may have just found it.