Review: Archer ‘The Kanes’

Spoilers Below:

Ah, meeting the parents. I’ve been there, my friends, and let me tell you, it’s not all water volleyball and cat milking, Focker. In fact, this might be one of the few times I use the words “sympathize” and “Archer” in the same sentence. Still, as an international superstar secret agent, you’d think Sterling would be able to play it pretty cool. Well, we’ll see…

Sterling and Lana headed to San Francisco to meet Lana’s parents, a university professor and a microbiologist (a.k.a. “huge nerds,” according to Sterling), who still thought she was going to Columbia for environmental science. While visiting, some criminals stole Lana’s dad’s algae bio-fuel research, and she, her dad, and Sterling made chase. Mid-pursuit, Lana confessed to her father that she is actually a secret agent. Upon catching up to them, Lana and Archer discovered that Slater and the CIA were actually the ones they were chasing, and with a generous cash donation, Mr. Kane completely accepted the situation.

In the end, Lana apologized to Archer for not including him enough in family events, and he apologized for misconstruing her parents’ advances earlier and trying “to spit roast your mom.”

In Case You Missed It:

1) Sterling had six flasks whilst going through airport security.

2) Lana told Sterling: “No one’s guessing who’s coming to dinner,” a reference to the classic 1967 film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

3) When first meeting Lana’s parents, Sterling attempted the “If it’s going to be that kind of party, I’m going to stick my dick in the mashed potatoes,” an old bit from comedian Mantan Moreland.

4) “Don’t do that” count: two.

5) Krieger’s van logo appeared to be a throwback to the cover of Rush’s 1974 self-titled album.

6) Lana’s dad called Sterling an “ass bucket.” Twice.

7) “Speaking of McQueen, if there was ever a time to wear the tactleneck…”

8) Lana’s middle name is Anthony?

9) The gang-bangers were listening to a version of “Mulatto Butts,” that went something like: “Mulatto cops; black and white cops.”

10) Pam referred to Krieger as: “Beardsley McBug-Eyes.”

11) Anyone else miss Malory this week? What gives?

Thus far, Archer has had quite a bit of luck meeting main characters’ family members. We’ve already found out quite a bit about Cheryl’s family, and we’ve met an important part of Pam’s as well. It allows the show to explore the background of numerous fan favorites, and it’s about time, considering it’s now season six.

Overall, Adam Reed and the gang did a fantastic job this time. Lana’s parents were just like you’d expect for a talented, intelligent, secret agent. They were both brilliant, successful, and prominent, and of course, despite Lana being incredibly adept at her work, they still expected more of her.

Of course, the story followed the typical meet-the-family arc where disapproval turned into acceptance, but I suppose it would be awkward any other way. We’d all feel uncomfortable and saddened (if you have any soul) if her folks still didn’t accept their daughter for who she is, and in this case, it led to Lana accepting Archer more for who he is. Or, in the words of her father: “We still love you, even when you make stupid, stupid decisions like him.”

On the flip side, Sterling chuckled every time Lana’s parents mentioned her PhD, which leveled the playing field between both parties. I think this says a lot for the relationship between Archer and Lana, because although they constantly bicker, they really seemed like a team when compared to the skeptical parental units. I mean, Lana actually endorsed Sterling’s driving in front of her pops, and that has to count for something.

Sure, it seems a bit late for this kind of episode, as I alluded to earlier, but that a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things. This was a solidly funny episode, with a solidly entertaining plot, great guest performances by Keith David and CHH Pounder, and made for a welcome addition to Archer’s sixth season. Considering how much the show has developed over the years, more well-rounded episodes like this could make it the best year yet.