Tonight we welcome Animation Director Bryan Fordney to our season-long Archer discussion. This week’s episode, “Crossing Over,” welcomes the Season 3 returns of Nikolai Jakov and everyone’s favorite schizophrenic half-cyborg spy nemesis, Barry Dylan. Just like our other guests Bryan will be here to answer questions and provide juicy behind-the-scenes info. In-between pulls from the Jägermeister machine, of course.
Quick bio from Bryan:
“I started as an intern on Frisky Dingo, doing lip flap and a little character animation. I’ve been on the Archer animation team since the pilot, and the Animation Director starting with season two. I’m one also one of the most important drones in the ISIS building. I am what you might call the ‘Drone King’.”
Being the ‘Drone King’ is exactly the awesome badge of honor it sounds like it is, and Bryan has provided some kick ass supporting visuals to hammer that home after the jump.
Pre-show talking points…
- “Archer’s sex life compromises his effectiveness as an agent. But more seriously than the countless other times.”
- Archer and…Pam? This whole time I thought they were going for a Moonlighting angle.
- Will we finally find out if Jakov is actually Sterling’s biological father?
- Can Bionic Barry only wear track suits going foward?
- Is the ‘Irish Amber’ bar sign in any way a nod to Amber Nash?
Here’s one of my favorite of Bryan’s ‘Drone King’ images. Links to the others below. And yes, he’s the dude in the mustache who came to party.
More Drone King: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Open thread is open for business. Live blog with Bryan Fordney begins promptly at 10PM EST, but he (and possibly another member of the Archer team) may drop in beforehand if the conversation warrants. As always, everyone is encouraged to chat and GIF away well into the morning. I’ll put a cap on things in the AM.
Follow us @KDMaske, @TheCajunBoy, and @UPROXX for reminders. Images via FX and Floyd County.
Tonight’s Badge: Unlock “Bionic Barry” with active commenting and sharing via the Twitter and Facebook buttons on this page. You must be a registered UPROXX commenter.
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I can no longer watch this show because I am having impure thoughts about Pam particularly after the last episode.
Also, the ping pong paddle made a very underrated appearance in this ep. One of my favorite running gags.
Great episode, but I’m already tired of Barry. Please tell me there’s a plan to be rid of him entirely by the end of the season. He adds nothing to the show.
Wuh.
I’m serious. I just don’t like his character. There’s a fine line between making a character unlikeable and making him so unlikeable that I have a hard time watching episodes he’s in. Think of it as cartoon X-Pac Heat.
I agree. The Barry character is very far-fetched.
Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.
I’m just throwing this out there… But I think Cyril is going to align with Barry at the end of the season in some sort of out-of-nowhere heel turn ala Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
I have concerns about Pam.
I can’t stop watching this show.
Good one other barry
One of our spring co-ops just swung by my office to pick up a file and I dropped a “Later Tater” as he left. That alone makes today a good day.
Goddamn, that was good.
Bryan, Mark, thank you guys so much for participating. Seriously one of the best episodes ever.
Chet, you’ve outdone yourself on the GIFs. I may have to dedicate today’s GIF post entirely to you..
Verified
I think I’m outta here. Thank you VERY much for having me and Mark here. It amazes me how much more you guys know about the show than I do. Unfortunately I must get some sleep. Season isn’t over yet. Catch TJ next week!
Thanks for coming by. Its really cool you guys have been hanging out with us while we repeat what we just heard five seconds ago on the show you help make… yeah!
Verified
I echo Bryan’s thanks. We really really appreciate all the love, no matter how unhealthy. Good night.
Thanks for hanging out, guys!
Verified
I have some useful images for you all to look at. I hope it helps you make sense of what you saw tonight.
[cl.ly]
[cl.ly]
[cl.ly]
So who got to work on the stripper’s “physics”?
Amazing
Let me see if I can post these…
And another…
And finally…
Any bonus production shots like previous weeks?
Anybody up for rerun rivebrogging?
Methinks I got a new favorite episode… “Skytanic” has been dethroned.
Side note: It got a little awkward in my house when I burst out laughing at the “pushing rope” line and my wife didn’t get it. I’m a grown-ass man trying to explain whisky dick.
Verified
She had to learn about the birds and the limp bees at some point.
My wife asked me how I knew that, to which I replied: “How could you not?”
This is gonna be a while…
YES!
Fuck and yes.
Verified
We had a few different passes for this on how exactly the waffles should interact with the stripper. I’m happy one ended up on Cheryl’s head.
awesome.
I also noticed the one off of Sterling’s head. Nice touch.
Meanwhile, Photoshop had some Green Russians tonight. Also, there’s way too much to focus on.
Bro!
You can’t!
terrifying, yet accurate
I didn’t think you could subtitle table flipping. Thanks internet.
Though technically he is just using one arm.
Verified
The guy whose head exploded was voide by Jonah Eller-Isaacs.
He is a fan of the show and he has a very serious illness, skin cancer.
He just got out of the hospital again TODAY.
If you would like to learn more about Jonah or possibly donate to his organization, following the link -
[groinstrong.com]
Verified
We were really surprised that FX allowed those boobs in the front of the episode in the strip club.
That is surprising but FX seems like a cool network like HBO and lets their people really push the envelope.
Holy sh*t, Chet. I want you to to gif up the whole episode. I don’t even know where to start. Use your best judgment. And lots of Pam. With text. You deserve a raise.
Ditto. Lots of Pam.
As I’m With Kanye pointed out on Tumblr, let’s remember this episode as the one that Angelina Jolie leg-bombed “Archer.”
Brilliant.
Verified
Thank you. But I’m sad to hear that you’re glad Jakov died.
Verified
Meant for Maske.
Not happy he died, but glad you guys aren’t scared to make some sacrifices for the sake of the overall storyline.
And did he really die? Neal had us hook, line, sinker on Ray’s paralysis.
they never found the body, right?
And next week Katya is back.
I can’t feel my leg
Wow. I think this is my favorite episode so far. I love archer and Pam doing the nasty!
That episode was GD pantheon. Bravo.
another great episode! thanks bryan,mark, and everyone else involved with making this great show!
Verified
Thank you, sir! Or miss. But probably sir.
bryan, this might not be your area, but is Archer Malorys maiden name?
Was that an awesome episode? Yes it was, Bionic Barry. Yes it was.
that was fantastic. only this show could end with “come on, you were pushing rope.”
“Pushing rope” Sweet mother of mercy that is delightful.
It’s like the end of 2001
Hey I saw your name!
“C’mon you were pushin’ rope!”
WHIPLASH!!!
STANDING O
Cyborg handmarks FTW!
Pam and Archer fucking makes me happy.
Oh Marmaduke.
Rationalizing my behavior. Oh marmaduke
Definitely need a supercut of all the voicemails…i think i peed myself
Seconded…
awesome chase animation
his damn elaborate voicemail hoaxes and ruses!
Burt Reynolds?!?! IS BURT COMING BACK?!?!
wow so far this episode has everything Pam on the toilet, Chupacabra reference, ocelot piss…amazing!
And the voice mail gag.
CYRIL!!!
(sorry guys I had to pause my DVR.
I have a craving for salsa hummus now.
Can i just tell the site that its gratitude is appreciated? I know they’ve been gold.
lack of pockets really is the tracksuit’s only flaw.
ONLY flaw.
Holy f’n sh*t this episode is rocking my balls off. Bravo.
I have no response to that
“Doesn’t merit one.”
god damn it, cyril, you asshole!
“You guys like smooth R&B?”"