A selection from the Netflix Trending List: Archer

Are you running out of series to binge for a while? No long-awaited movie finally on Netflix? Are you just endlessly zapping through that also endless stream of content that Netflix has managed to collect by now? Netflix invariably recommends new content to watch based on your viewing history. But I’m one of those who when someone recommends a series to me immediately decides never to watch it.

Then there is also the list of currently watched content under the heading Trending. But do I like what everyone else likes? Old films, new films, well-known titles and obscure eastern bloc cinema about men racing pigs through the dilapidated streets of their village. It all comes along. In this series, we’ll try to help you by picking a random title from Netflix’s list of trending content and telling you why we think it’s worth watching. Today a series for people with big waffles and small hearts who prefer to hide their emotions behind reckless behavior and adolescent humor: Archer.

Can we call it a character study?

This is one of those series that reveals more about its aficionados than you’d like. The fat Van Dale defines ‘adolescent’ somewhat anticlimactic as ‘like a teenager’. Doesn’t quite cover the load I think. You better show someone a compilation of Sterling Archer’s pranks. Anyone who can appreciate his jokes and jokes has probably heard the word adolescent. Especially from people with disapproving looks. But pubescent human children are also provided with a consciousness and an emotional life and therefore need catharsis. Archer certainly offers that in abundance.

We follow Sterling Archer and his colleagues at freelance espionage services provider Isis (yes it’s a pre-Syrian Civil War series, later seasons drop the name). Sometimes they work for the US government, sometimes for individuals, and sometimes they get their act together on their own account. The visual style is mostly 1970s, but the technology and sensibilities are decidedly modern. As mentioned before, the humor is not very refined, but self-aware without becoming referential.

Archer works for his mother, the owner of Isis. Something that bothers him every day, but with whom he is so entwined that applying for a job elsewhere is not an option. Let’s assume another employer wants to hire a permanently drunk adult baby. But Archer is no inept clown. When the plot demands it, or just when it’s funny, Archer is suddenly the best spy in the world.

Unexpectedly sincere

Humor is ultimately subjective. There are no rules that mandate laughter. Nevertheless, there are a number of guidelines. Usually drama and silly humor don’t mix. An intense moment in which the hero barely survives an explosion that kills many is ruined by a screaming droid that comically flies into the screen. But it is possible to have these two elements share the screen, but then they must be connected.

What the Archer series succeeds in over the course of several seasons is to give depth to a primarily comic character. His drinking is quickly and often used for a quick laugh, but hides deep suffering. His twisted bond with his mother is initially a joke, but the way the lack of a parent shapes Archer is clearly and realistically incorporated into the character. Even Archer’s trademark recklessness (or rather, especially) emphasizes this fact. In the first place, especially the driving force behind many a funny situation. But oh so clearly the result of a person who does not dare to give value to his own life (something that is explicitly stated by another character).

Archer is just stupid adolescent humor first and foremost. But the series can be used as evidence for a statement that I often take up arms for. A story is always better with engaging characters. Action, humor, horror, it doesn’t matter. Even seemingly superficial entertainment benefits from an occasional reminder that you’re people-watching.

Seasons 9 through 13 on Netflix

In fact, you should just start with season 1. The show starts nice and silly and grows well through the seasons. Where the first 9 seasons can currently be streamed is unfortunately a mystery. If you really can’t get it, don’t worry. The later seasons are mainly seasonal storylines that are great to watch separately. The coma seasons (seasons 9 to 11) are especially good to consume without any prior knowledge.

So, are you looking for a new series to binge on? Are you a fan of weak male humor that can be surprisingly profound at times? And are you a fan of the feel of old James Bond movies? Then I’m pretty sure you’ll appreciate Archer.

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