3 out of 5

Director: People who direct these things

Archer is a toned done version of Adam Reed and Matt Thompsons previous animated works, Sealab 2020 and Frisky Dingo. The toning down is not a bad thing – it gives the show a bit more drive, as the focus was obviously on eschewing some of the more surreal bits of their humor and making a plotty show out of it. The effect of this was hinted at in the brilliant first season of Frisky Dingo, but as this is no longer part of the insane Adult Swim block, it seems that the desire for Archer was to at least keep it in the real world. Things are still hilariously non P.C. and unpredictable, but at least theyre all humans. The animation even gives license for shooting and tons of sex without having to worry about special effects or actors always looking muscley on screen. And we can get on board for a rude and crude spy spoof, yeah? Mostly. While Reed and Thompson always seem to have issues staying on task (Sealab and Dingo wandered after first seasons), here the forced focus makes the comedy never quite slip into place. The frequent innuendo, great characters, ridiculous situations, and perfect voice acting should all be five star hilarity, but the ball stops and starts for some reason. Completely watchable, and probably good for repeat viewings, but not an instant charmer.