Since debuting in 2009, Archer has given its audiences a constant stream of epic spy adventures and an almost uncountable number of clever inside jokes. Over the course of 13 seasons, we’ve fallen in love with the dysfunctional cast of characters who fill out the Agency, formerly known as the International Secret Intelligence Service (or ISIS, for short), before the name was changed for obvious reasons.
Several recent seasons of the series took place entirely inside the mind of the titular Sterling Archer. They brought audiences on a series of wacky adventures, including a noir spy thriller, an epic island romp, and even a journey into outer space. In season 11, Archer finally woke up from his coma, and things began to operate as they did when the series began. Season 13, however, saw a number of changes for the Agency. A few problems popped up, some new, some rather familiar, and the reintroduction of a familiar face forced Archer into an unexpected and painful reunion.
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How Will the Agency Operate Under New Leadership?
Season 13 of Archer saw the Agency being placed under new management. A massive spy conglomerate known as the International Intelligence Agency, or IIA, led by the suave and scheming businessman Fabian Kingsworth, purchased them, as Fabian was impressed when a number of IIA plots that were foiled by the Agency. The Agency being sold prompted Mallory Archer, Sterling’s mother and the longtime head of the organization, to secretly abscond to a private island for her retirement. Unfortunately, the character’s exit was necessitated by the tragic passing of the talented actor who brought Mallory to life, Jessica Walter.
At the end of season 13, the Agency was forced to confront Fabian over his betrayal, which marked them as international criminals. The season finale ended with his arrest, and the members of Agency were once again self-employed. Archer ultimately decides to step aside and appoint Lana as the new head of the organization. In a potential season 14, it will be fascinating to see how the oftentimes hot-headed Lana operates as a leader, and how the Agency will function without the steady hand of Mallory at the helm.
What Will Come of Archer’s Nemesis Turned Friend Barry?
One of the most recognizable recurring characters in Archer is Barry Dylan. Dylan formerly worked for ODIN, one of The Agency’s rival intelligence services. The KGB kidnapped him and turned him into a nearly indestructible cyborg, which made Archer’s continuous attempts to defeat him all the more difficult.
However, despite a number of setbacks, the relationship between Archer and Barry has evolved into something of a bromance in recent seasons. However, when Barry is revealed in season 13, audiences are shocked to see that his consciousness has been taken over by Evil Barry, the alter ego he developed while stranded in space that still harbors a burning resentment toward Archer. Evil Barry tortures Archer over the course of several episodes, but ultimately, he is overcome by the kindhearted side of his mind, and the Agency is able to subdue him. Archer then rescues the innate body of Barry from a burning building. In season 14, audiences can hope to see Barry come back to life, and hopefully, be in the right state of mind to aid the Agency on their various missions. Will Archer and Barry finally get to explore their friendship, or will unforeseen events cause the cyborg to go back to his Archer-hating ways?
Will Archer Get His Drinking Under Control?
Archer’s penchant for boozing has been a staple of the series since the very beginning. He is seldom seen without a tumbler of scotch in his hand. However, his levels of intoxication reached an all-time high in season 13, which prompted his friends to gather in his hotel room for an intervention, wherein Archer revealed he was seeking therapy to deal with his addictive personality.
Archer’s drunkenness has defined so much of the series. He is almost never seen completely sober, aside from the occasional hangover scene. In fact, sometimes it seems that his intoxication is exactly what makes him so effective on missions. In a potential season 14, it would be interesting to see Archer seriously try and curb his drinking, and what that would mean for his personality both at the office and in the field.
Though the dream seasons were undoubtedly fun, it’s been refreshing to see the Agency return to its roots in recent installments of the series. Season 13 left audiences with a lot of unanswered questions, and will no doubt set the stage for an epic season 14.
