Production Note: We welcome Archer Associate Art Director Chad Hurd in to chat with us for the first time this season. He will be here at 1pm EST. Please direct all your feline AIDs questions @Chad.
“Coyote Lovely” is actually the episode those of us lucky enough to attend the Archer Comic-Con panel were treated to last summer. I can’t tell you how difficult it has been for me to sit on Archer-is-autistic and “Chewie, back me up here — was there not, like, a c*ck-hungry vibe?” over six months. I’ve coped by only implementing the Chewie line in my personal life. Gets more use than you’d think.
Before we get to the notes let me say that last night’s episode is the only ongoing immigration debate to ever hold my attention. Some (none here, I presume) will probably take issue with the use of illegal aliens as a running source of comedy on an animated sitcom. My thoughts: The approach is more than kosher as long as the jokes aren’t too easy and you equal opportunity ridicule all the contradictions on the US-end. And of course drop in a “spook” gag for good measure. So, as always, well played Adam Reed. Well played.
And just in case everyone didn’t pick up on it, two FX favorites — Nick Searcy and Dayton Callie — voiced guest characters last night. That philandering two-timer Matt Thompson provides the full scoop on their appearances over at Vulture. Now to the notes and GIFs.
- “Sun-Blasted Sh*thole” would fit nicely on Texas license plates, no?
- “I’m stacking rocks in order of descending size,” or “I can do this all day since I find repetitive behavior so calming.” — Who ya got?
- Big, big fan of finding new and creative ways to injure Cyril.
- Concussions are still super bad for you, but Sterling and Goodell agree you get approximately six freebies.
- Never Forget: Krieger is always listening, just waiting to pump the building full of experimental toxins.
- Love me some Searcy, but Dayton Callie’s disgraced alcoholic veterinarian may be my all-time favorite one-off character.
- Absolutely LOVE Lana’s realization that babysitting Archer is EXACTLY her job. Aisha Tyler’s voice work is far too often taken for granted.
- Archer’s running concern over a possible beej in the midst of border-jumping, shootouts, and emergency medical procedures is why you can never not love Sterling Archer.
And finally, “Coyote Lovely’s” production number is 402, so pretty sure Bilbo’s death not being an awesome afterthought a few episodes down the line was the result of some FX re-ordering. At least he went out sarcastically tracking down station wagons in Texas. RIP Bilbo.
Chet Manley GIFs on the next two pages as to not crash too many browsers. Welcome Chad!
We Have Something For This
The more Archer related content you read, discuss, and share on Facebook and Twitter, the faster you move up the ISIS ranks. First Up: "Brett Buckley". More details
How To Unlock:
Log into UPROXX or create an account and participate.
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/two-legged-dog-walks-upright-gets-new-fancy-arms-150x150.gif)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/kencosgrove-150x150.jpg)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/money-rain-150x150.gif)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/creedbratton-homosexuality-150x150.gif)
I hate that I JUST got to watch this episode last night.
Can anyone tell me the significance of Archer scratching DOM into the rock in the beginning of the show?
It’s a reference to a Kevin Costner movie, “Fandango”.
Thanks! I’ll have to watch the movie sometime.
any reason this why this episode aired so late? since they already mentioned that dude dying i think an episode before?
According to our friend Mr. Hurd, Bilbo is dead. The thing is, he has a twin. In the pilot episode you see that there are twin Bilbos.
I was hoping for a time travel, but it works out.
Bit late to the comments party here, but just had to say this was my favourite ep of Archer ever. Lupe hogging the doritos and the crisps all around her mouth just killed me
That was pretty awesome.
Lupe was amazing all around
Not sure if anyone will notice it here or not, but season 3 just showed up on Netflix instant. Been too long since I watched it…marathon time!
Yeah rewatching it now. The upscale dinner party had a very Clue feeling to it.
Stupid copyright laws. I can’t believe it’s just coming out now. That’s ridiculous.
Havent seen it mentioned and might have been lost with the brilliant rocks and kittens visual gags but in the chopper at the end, Archer is led face down due to the bullets in his back and the border patrol office who was caught, how can I put this nicely, in flagrante delicto (sucking cock) earlier has his face on his upturned fists as he looks admiringly at Archers rear end.
Every time you watch, you pick up something new. Incredible show. I have took to watching each episode four or five times.
How hard is it to poach a god damn egg Woodhouse!
The pilot episode has two Bilbo’s…
I’ve gotten into a mile debate with a friend, but I stick by what I said, this is my all time favorite episode of this show thus far, a ringing endorsement.
Also, “Wait, milk comes from Mexicans?!? So where does cereal come from???”
If there were an episode where an El Camino would have been useful…this was it.
At some point Mallory is just going to go full villain right?
Hasn’t she already?
i still expect it was her who hired the woman to shoot archer in the gut
“It’s not like baby-sitting Archer is my jo…Oh my God that is exactly my job.”
*Since when is baby-sitting Archer my jo.Oh my God that is exactly my job.”
Cyborg Bilbo?
I fear what Krieger has planned for Bilbo.
Diud she stop and say “I had something for this” in Spanish?
Yes she did, non-Spanish speaking Barry.
When did she say that? I caught “Por suerte no es Ray Gillette.” and laughed heartily.
It was after she saved Archer from the border patrol guys, I think
I’ve started going to parties and flipping up random fifths, and holding up one finger. It is neither healthy, nor a good idea.
I can’t be the only one who enjoyed Cyril being put through all the crap he was.
You’re not. I always enjoy Cyril more when Archer is making it clear he’s not a real field agent. Of course that’s partly because I enjoy Archer more when he’s oddly competent.
I liked the line when Lana figures out she is Archers Babysitter!
It really was a moment of clarity
It’s also a nice set-up for her destruction at the hands of Cheryl.
Pam’ Grimace line nailed the episode for me. A little disappointed that we had another episode of driving a dying Archer around so quickly, but hey. Nitpick.
Yeah, I felt like we just watched this episode, what with the taint snake bite…
i know the phrase “oh my god! milk comes from mexicans? what is cereal made out of?” will be repeated plenty of times between my husband and i over the weekend.
FANTASTIC EPISODE. and here i thought last week’s episode was fucking awesome. WOW.
Well I got to this discussion late as usual, probably can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said. Another awesome episode.
I also like how anti-racial profiling Archer is. He takes a hard stand on that issue despite acting exactly the opposite, especially when it comes to mixed races.
The how’s it hanging, Grimace? .gif just kills me.
That was so great.
Deputy Art wins this week!
Also, LOVE Archer is autistic, and drunk vet holding up the finger whilst drinking Sterling’s tequila…
I think I could watch another one or two episodes of Archer just chauffeuring the illegals around, lecturing them on social norms being in country and sharing the prayer beads in a fair manner.
Also Krieger with a cart full of dead bodies is normal at this point.
I love it when Archer explains anything
It was early and quickly overshadowed by the archer-autistic jokes, but I loved the line “I have a barret 50 cal, I could kill a building!”
Krieger though, I feel that was like the darkest thing we’ve seen him do on-screen (and he wasn’t even on screen!), just watching bilbo die for his amusement.
…And it was still funny.
That wasn’t Krieger, that was a hologram. zzzzzzzzzzz
Krieger had like, three lines in this episode and they were all killers
RIP you furry footed bastard
I swear to God, if I ever meet the real life equivalent of Pam Poovey I’ll ask her to marry me on the spot.
That, or Shock Box a hobo. Or both.
I kinda know one… but I don’t think she’d be too flattered by the comparison.
I’m gonna miss Bilbo.
I think the guy’s name is Chuy and not Chewie.
Yeah, but, you know, gringos who are Star Wars fans and all
I’d correct it but I feel like my brain’s inability to even consider another spelling should be saved for posterity.
They missed a gold opportunity for a Krieger “SMOKE BOMB” at the end of this episode.
Was H. Jon Benjamin the visual model for the lead BorderPatrol Agent (voiced by Nick Searcy)???
@Chad- the animation when the border patrol van rolled was fantastic. Great work to the team.
Great episode. Made me feel bad about being from Texas and speaking basically no Spanish.
Still time to learn
Same here. Apparently my high school Spanish class was worthless.
Dear Awesome entity of Uproxx – it is FAST becoming one of my honest favorite things, to watch archer Thurs nite (DRV saving), then read this forum Friday afternoon, and then watching the same episode again. I’LL BET I’M THE *ONLY* PERSON WHO DOES THIS!!!!!
Thank Uproxx for being you. I don’t know if you’re a guy or a girl behind this – but I hope your a girl, because I’m gonna kiss ya….. :::SMOOCH::::!!!!
XOXO
Swampmatt.
^ i agree Uproxx is the shit
Verified
Okay that is it for me everyone! Thanks for letting me hang out!
Thanks for the time, Chad. Keep up the great work.
@Chad: Was Nick Searcy told about the scene of him getting his Border Patrol stiffie serviced by a Border Patrol stiffie? Or was that a surprise for him?
Also, a metric shitton of people here have already praised the artwork this season, but add me to the list. Treat the entire staff to a round of Green Russians and send us the bill.
Verified
All that was written into the script, so I’m thinking he knew it was coming. “phrasing boom!”
I loved how Mallory told Bilbo exactly how he was going to die five seconds before it happened.
And then no one helped him while he was struggling and Kreiger listened to him dying over the PA system.
Brilliant writing.
and is it just me, or does the joystick look like a dildo?
Best visual touch: Archer’s stack of rocks after “I’m stacking rocks …”
Best audio touch: The eagle screech in the pause after Cyril punches Archer.
I watched it again and, sure enough, the rock stacking is in there. Twice. The first time when he’s “spooning the Barrett .50 cal” and later during Mercedes Moreno’s recap.
Awesome.
Seriously, though, there’s a 200% chance that some jackass comes here to talk immigration policy.
I don’t know what’s to talk about. They comin’ here commitin’ crimes and stealin’ jobs. Fences are for Frenches, get me some ex-Soviet engineers.
Is Jack Swagger a fan of the show?
Can there please be a plot where Gilette has to seduce an agent with the honeypot? Or an enemy agent tries to seduce him? Archers weakness gets exploited often.
A female agent? Or better yet… Pam!
i can’t say enough how great the animation has been this season. it’s been a huge jump from last year, is there any particular reason for that?
Verified
Not specifically. Everyone is just learning the ropes more and more as the seasons go on, what works, what doesn’t. Our illustrators are all super talented and have great directors. Bryan Fordney is a wiz at his job. We’ve also been using more 3D in the show, so car chases and things can be a lot more dynamic. Next weeks episode will blow your mind.
I loved the “3D” effect on the walk-in doors in the restaurant episode.
Ah the 3D stuff is what I was noticing but couldn’t put my finger on. The car chases just look so good this year. Thanks for answering my question!
I can’t believe the episodes can keep getting better sitting from here. They are just awesome. And the solid animation is nice, seems like most shows tend to improve but the attention to detail on Archer is incredible.
@Chad So with Bilbo dying last night, but his death being referenced earlier, the episodes are clearly being shown out of chronological order. Is this a production/airing thing, or is it to weave a tangled web of… Archerness (i.e. intentional)?
I’m voting that Archer needs time travel.
Verified
Well, if you were a true archer fan, you would have known that Bilbo has an identical twin. Look in the pilot.
@Chad If that’s the case, that means BOTH Bilbo twins are dead now, which seems awfully suspicious…
So, are all the Krieger cutaways leading to something? The dead bodies and tiny animals? Or just funny as hell glimpses into his life? Either way, he is awesome.
Lana realized last night all she does is babysit Archer. Does she break out on her own this season? Lana’s never apart from Archer.
Also, any chance we can pull Cyril out of the field? I vote we put Pam in as a field agent.
Verified
You are right. I loved Lana’s realization that all this time her only job has been to watch over Archer. You need to keep watching this season.
I thought that was cool too. It totally makes sense. One day, Lana should go full-Archer on a mission and make him figure it out. Although that could be coming given next week’s preview.
@Chad are you guys going to be experiment with an different visual styles or anything like that in future episodes? I love the art and animation and all that from show, but I was wondering if you guys were looking to do something crazy?
Verified
Not planning on any new visual styles, but we have been doing a lot of Flash and 3d this season. Watch next week’s episode to see it at our best.
I heart this show so hard it hurts.
One of my favorite things about Archer is, despite the fact that he is such an idiot in most senses, he is also highly skilled and does his job pretty damn well. Even admist mommy issues and moments of complete lack of tact, he still can shoot out an engine block while bitching at Lana. Love it.
Verified
he is a talented man for sure.
I mentioned this after “Midnight Ron” and one of your co-workers mentioned a pet in a future episode. I just want to call my “Right turn, Clyde” shot here.
Am I in the ballpark?
And this comment got me the Brett Badge …
No comment?
No worries. A nod’s as good as a wink …
@Chad I realized I misphrased my earlier question. Basically I’m just curious: Is there an actual layout of ISIS HQ that is followed (if someone wanted to replicate it out of popsicle sticks or Legos), or is the space used as the story sees fit (some episodes Krieger’s Lab might be next door to Pam’s office, other episodes it’s down the hall).
Misphrasing, boom.
Send this woman the DvDs
[thechive.com]
Verified
There is an actual map that says where everyone’s office is located. Extra offices and things that may pop up are easily added because the office space has a lot of hallways and doors. But yes, Isis is a real functioning space with a map that our storyboard artists and animators need to stick to.
Hmm that’s interesting.
Just another deliriously rilliantly funny episode. Can we have some translations of the Archer/Lupe exchanges? Crazy, I know, but there might be some people on here who kann nicht sprechen Spanisch
Hey, where’d my b go?
So, with my limited Spanish knowledge and some help from google translate I gave it a try..
10:15 Archer: Bad/Wrong, Lupe. Very bad/wrong.
11:20 Mercedes: Wait, I had something for this.
11:47 Lupe: Son [I think], you shouldn’t be drinking.
Archer: …med school? Sorry, Lupe. I’m in a lot of pain.
12:02 Archer: We all know who the terrorists are.
Lupe: The Muslims.
15:51 Archer: …drank all his tequila.
Lupe: It’s better. You shouldn’t be drinking.
Archer: LUPE, I already have a mother!
16:53 Archer: …why is it so cold?
Lupe: Because you’re going to heaven.
19:30 Mercedes: Luckily it’s not Ray Gillett, right?
19:39 Archer: What the? Crap!
19:43 I don’t quite understand Mercedes’ farewell to Archer, but it’s something about her heart and forever….
Hope that helps
Great work, VM. I definitely missed Mercede’s “I had something for this.” That’s tremendous.
Excellent. I caught the “I had something for this.” and it gave me a warm feeling inside. Completely missed the Ray Gillette line.
@Veike awesome translating. I think though the “Crap!” at 19:39 should translate literally as “Shit!,” as in the common, “What the shit, Lana!” etc.
also a callback to Archer properly using “shit” in different languages when appropriate, a la “Merde” in Monaco
OMG you answered my question!
On a more serious note, what kind of background do you need to animate on a show like Archer? Art school like the Art Institutes, or Savannah, or can you be self taught? Did some of the writers major in English or specifically in screenwriting? I love the work you do and it’s really inspiring.
Verified
Thanks! if you’re looking for an art job the best way to break in is by going to art school for animation. Most of the people working here have an animation or illustration degree. But, you don’t have to. Some are self taught and some went to other schools. It comes down to portfolio’s and connections. We also regularly look through portfolios on floydsubmission@gmail.com
Why would Mallory get her carpet redone in white? She spills bourbon on it at least once a day.
Also, the past two eps have been really solid, keep up the good work!
Verified
Thanks!
White carpet is pretty bold for sure.
She just really wants to be able to see the ants.
New carpet and she won’t have to reverse cowgirl with Cyrell.
Verified
gross billy!
Was that Conway in the heli? I’ve been waiting for him to show up ever since we saw Krieger fix his arm…
Verified
Nah that was just a dude.
Verified
Conway is one of the office favorites, and he is actually another good example of a joke that we got to add in later that was not written into the script.
wow. a really racist remark. LOL They probably all look alike to you, don’t they? hahahaha! Seriously though: racist.
So when do we get more Conway Stern (Not his real name)?
@ Swampmatt Yeah, I was a bit worried how that came out … But we don’t get to see his whole face…. but yeah, I just rewatched, different chin…
I, too, anxiously await the return of Conway Stern.
If you think about it, Conway did say “You haven’t seen the last of Conway Stern…. And that’s not my real name!”…. and we did see more of him in the bionic hand cameo appearance. So, that promise has been ‘technically” fulfilled.
Not really though, because when he said “you haven’t seen the last…” he ‘technically’ wasn’t addressing the audience but Archer. And Archer didn’t see his cameo…
I’d just really like to see him back