Review: Archer 1999 – Season 10

If you’ve watched Archer the past couple years, you know we are dead center in the middle of an inception (Yes, like the Dicaprio movie). We’ve run along in early Hollywood, faced jungle adventures and so much more randomness that all sits nicely in the wheelhouse that is Sterling Archer’s mind. The newest chapter in this internal saga takes place in deep space and rides in with the title Archer 1999.

From what producers and writers tell me, this was a snapshot of not only the character’s mind, but also into creator Adam Reed’s cranium. Is this an allegory to his life or fan favorites of the year, or is it more prophetic, aligned with the singer Prince, crooning about 1999 that builds to an ending with “Oops, out of time?”

Though, I’m pretty sure I’m wrong, and what I did there, was send you onto a side story. Much in the same way Adam Reed has done these last years. Same lovable characters, new sets of parameters and story opportunities. So let’s get into it, season 10 and what I’ve garnered in facts and opinions.

Once again, the whole cast of misfits return, though in different capacities and in some cases, different shells. Archer holds true as the belligerent and untrustworthy bad boy, Lana is the picture of professionalism and trustworthiness…in theory and Cyril is steadfast as the perpetual butt of jokes with inevitable esteem issues.

That though, is where space and its final frontier come crashing into the crew. The lovable Pam is no longer blonde, heck, shes no longer human. Now she’s one of the rock people and now quite literally weighs a ton. Krieger comes home to his scientific experimental ways once again, but some could also argue that he was once an experiment himself. As we find out that he is a human amalgamation in the vein of Bishop from the Aliens franchise. An android with in-depth programming and white milky blood that 80’s sci-fi loved to have spurt out. And rounding out the dis-embodied cast is Mallory Archer, taking the form of a glowing orb that floats through space and occasionally transforms to bipedal to consume alcohol.

Lastly, we have Cheryl and her spontaneous and dangerous nature as an ace spaceship fighter pilot. And Ray Gillette coming into a new role as a courtesan, aka future male whore, with a funny take on the role that feels like Morena Baccarin’s character Inara on the much loved show Firefly.

All of this, plus the return of characters and voices we love, and newly strange characters brought into to expand our new universe. Truly, the galaxy is never-ending or at least the galaxy that comes out of the writers, room.

As for the review, I can only say so much, but some of it is important to get across. I was apprehensive about this new endeavor for the Archer crew, going to space felt like an escape more than a destination. But with the character and this current inception we find ourselves in, maybe that’s just part of the journey. I will say the the first episode is a little rough in my opinion. Reintroducing the characters takes a little too much time and takes away from story and reality we now find ourselves in. Luckily, the next episodes I reviewed picked up nicely with humor and stories that remind me why I love this show so much. Enjoy the new season and let us know what you think.

Make sure to check out our interviews with the cast as we discuss this season. Find it here.