Archer Review: Baby Shower

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Every now and then, a show will put forward an episode which isn't perfect, but no one cares about those imperfections because there's one awesome thing that eclipses all else. 

That would sum up Archer Season 5 Episode 6 - and the awesome thing in question is none other than Grammy winner (and possible Faustian bargain maker) Kenny freakin' Loggins. 

This may not be my most objective review. I'm a big fan of 80s music, I love Kenny Loggins, and I love when a show integrates music into its narrative. This episode did it all, and I may be biased, but I think it did so really, really well. 

Kenny Loggins' guest appearance was fantastic. This isn't the first time we've seen someone play a douchier version of themselves in a TV show, but that didn't make it any less fun. His insistence at being called K-Log was hilarious, as was his paranoia about his briefcase. 

And who knew Kenny Loggins had combat skills?!?

Archer and Pam's team-up to secure K-Log's services as a singer for Lana's baby shower was a great idea. For one, Archer exhibited curious restraint when dealing with a gun-toting and ass-kicking Loggins, as demonstrated in this Archer quote:

Archer: I don't know about you, but I'm gonna be pretty upset if I end up having to murder Kenny Loggins.

His reluctance to engage could have been the hero worship, but it could also be because Archer went there with a purpose and just wanted what he went for. Either way, Archer exhibiting restraint is not something we see every day.

Secondly, we got to see the old Pam as she fought off Loggins' bodyguard AND managed to use her brain to get the hotel info. Though she's still on cocaine. Is her character inconsistent at this point? Yes. Did I care? Nope. 

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, we got more Krieger! Krieger found a way to sell the cocaine online (or so he told everyone). However, why he made them package it in their underwear will forever be a mystery. 

Also, Lana. Most people will say that Lana is the straight man of the group; she's the most logical and the most competent. I honestly think that Lana's just as nuts as the rest of them. Even with the financial pressure of the baby and being unemployed, Lana CHOOSES constantly to stay with the band of misfits, almost asking Malory for a loan rather than leaving and finding work elsewhere. 

I'm positive that Archer and Lana are end game for this season - hence Lana's masochistic insistence on sticking around and Archer's slow climb up maturity hill. Archer's unintentional crib gift (and Lana's reception of it) is just more evidence towards that theory.

Besides,  Archer's "Danger Zoning" of Pam just didn't have the same ring to it. Not to mention Lana's rejection of Cyril's advances and this golden insult:

Archer: Cyril, shut your pout-hole, accept the fact that Lana was so far out of your league, that impregnating her would have basically been interspecies breeding, and get on with your life!

Last point: I'm still not a big fan of Cherlene just yet, but my goodness, her singing voice (done by Jessy Lynn Martens) is just beautiful.  That "Danger Zone" duet with her and Kenny Loggins better be on iTunes real soon...

Other Notes

  • Archer's exasperation at Lana's ignorance of Kenny Loggins had me in stitches
  • Poor Ray. The whole baby shower was his idea and he didn't even get to give his gift!
  • I definitely want to see a showdown between Malory and Kreiger's holographic wife.
  • Play those drums, Woodhouse!!

Running Jokes

  • Archer's wet nurse named Ruby - and him wanting Pam to wear that nametag.
  • Cherlene/Cheryl's thing with ghosts in her house.
  • Malory's breaking a LOT of glasses in hand this season.

Shout-Outs/References

  • Poco - Jim Messina's other band after Loggins & Messina
  • "Imma plant a red fern for you, jug!" - Where the Red Fern Grows
  • J Alfred Gotrocks - I believe this was a reference to the TS Eliot poem "The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock," though I can't for the life of me figure out why that was relevant.
  • Faustian bargain - Loggins might have a human soul in that briefcase. Or plutonium.

Archer Vice: Baby Shower Review

Editor Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (10 Votes)
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Archer Season 5 Episode 6 Quotes

Malory: Are you bothering them?
Lana: I am. And also, Happy Opposite Day

Man, I am blowing this jug!

Archer