Review: Archer “Dingo, Baby, Et Cetera”

Overview:

The Agency’s latest mission sends Archer and company all the way to Japan to take care of a notorious assassin who operates under the name of “The Dingo.” Any super assassin is reasonable grounds for concern, but Sterling’s anxiety over this particular job is in overdrive when it’s revealed that The Dingo has played a very significant role in Sterling’s past. Suddenly, Archer is forced to confront some of his most painful memories and get back to his roots in order to pull off this dangerous mission. While Archer gets lost in the past, Lana finds herself aimlessly coasting in the present when one of the targets from this mission forces her to face the ambivalence that’s recently taken over her life.

Our Take:

After 12 seasons and nearly 125 episodes, the audience has a pretty strong grasp on the nature of Sterling Archer. A lot has changed over the course of Archer’s decade-plus tenure on television, but the series’ characterizations have always felt fully-formed ever since the zippy pilot episode. Archer may occasionally go to deep places, but it’s been able to successfully transform through so many facelifts over the years because Sterling and the rest of the characters have distinct surface level personalities that are easy to transpose into new situations or onto heightened versions of the cast. That being said, Archer has attempted to shake itself out of this position of stasis ever since Archer awakened from his coma. Ever since, the spy series has seriously examined the question of “Who is Sterling Archer?”, and it’s finally ready to answer this. This long overdue look into Sterling’s past and what’s ostensibly his origin story, helps make “Dingo, Baby, Et Cetera” not just the strongest episode of this season, but one of the most fulfilling episodes that Archer has done in years.

Archer continues its streak this season where it portrays the worldwide destinations that it visits in stunning detail. “Dingo, Baby, Et Cetera” makes beautiful use of flowing cherry blossoms and other regional affectations that enhance the story. The episode also takes it easy on the cultural gags, which is for the best. The action sequences are a little rushed this time around, but there’s still a ton of mayhem that takes place in both the past and the present. Busy yakuza fight scenes, motorcycle chases, smoke bombs and explosions are all on display, but these moments are strengthened by how “Dingo, Baby, Et Cetera” contrasts them with Lana’s own struggles and character development through this mission.

Archer has covered so much ground during its lifespan, but this helpful look into the character’s roots is the type of essential storytelling that the audience deserves. This introspective detour happens at the perfect time. It’s unclear if this look into who Archer used to be and how he cribbed his core persona from others will connect with the rest of his character development from these past two seasons and actually culminate with him maturing and turning into the best version of himself by the end of these eight episodes. The contrast between these extreme versions of Archer is enough in itself, but it’ll play even better if this long-awaited look into Sterling’s past manages to trigger the changes that he’s been on the cusp of realizing ever since he’s woken up from his coma and reentered society.

Krieger unintentionally dispenses some sage advice when he tells Archer about the human mind’s resilience and what it’s capable of when confronted with pain. People are doomed to repeat their mistakes until they actively work to better themselves and truly change. Sterling continues to struggle with this realization, but he’s never been closer to genuine growth.