I've always enjoyed watching Archer and seeing the creator try so hard to recreate the wittiness of this show and fail. It's comedic schadenfreude and it warms the heart.
I watched it for the first time in 2007, the insane cult status the show had before the netflix revival was cool, this is why more sitcoms should end early because they're remembered fondly and not just fading into obscurity after the audience jumps ship because it got bad.
For what its worth, I do like the original cut of season 4, its flawed but incredibly ambitious as far as writing goes, shame that scheduling was not taken more seriously, feels like they just rushed to get the shooting done instead of making sure they had people when they needed them, at spots it feels like its held together with duct tape. But I can't fault the writing and different approach they went with, because as far as material goes it easily at the very least rivals season 3, I'd say its better than 3 is, its just that you have to look past the obvious production issues and shortcuts that had to be taken.
Season 5 however was just sad to watch, for as flawed as season 4 may be, I don't think anybody watched that thinking the shows writing had turned into a mediocre sitcom, that's exactly what season 5 feels like, a completely mediocre comedy show and thats depressing for a show like AD.
I watched the original run live, had a best friend who loved it too and we'd talk about the episodes in high school and over the phone when we were at different colleges. Rumor for a long time was they were going to do a movie, then eventually the show materialized. We were so hyped, I watched one fricking episode of season 4 and said nope, can't do it, what the frick were they thinking.
From what I remember everyone was separated, and the way the characters played off each other was the best part of the show. Maybe I should give it another go sometime, but as an early fan I couldn't stomach season 4, it was repulsive to me
I have the impression it was Portia De Rossi's fault. Even in season 5 when the cast actually interacts in the same room she isn't there. I place the blame on her.
>From what I remember everyone was separated
They are but, but that's where the ambitious writing comes into play, how their stories overlap and how jokes are written into it, with pay-offs coming several episodes later. It's different, it's not the old show in style but the effort that went into that is impressive.
So yes, its sad that they couldn't just do the exact same setup of the show as the past, but they couldn't and what we got was different but still well written and really funny. Season 5 is more like the old show, and its fricking dogshit.
Yeah I cant do season 4, its essentially 1 episode from each characters perspective, from what I remember. It might be okay but it I missed the seasonal narrative structure, they always did that well.
>but it I missed the seasonal narrative structure, they always did that well.
Season 4 has more continuity than any of the old seasons, its just that you see the story from several perspectives. There are jokes setup in the first episodes that get their punchline 10 episodes later because you get back to that moment and get the full picture.
Nah, season 4 was irredeemably terrible and simply not funny. Original, recut, doesn’t matter. Season 5 being worse doesn’t make season 4 any better or even ‘watchable’.
I just don't agree. I'm not gonna blame people for getting hung up on the production issues, like I said season 4 is held together by duct tape, its flawed but admirable. The writing is not bad in season 4, it is in season 5.
>There are jokes setup in the first episodes that get their punchline 10 episodes later because you get back to that moment and get the full picture.
Yeah, but that didn't work.
Especially because it just wasn't as funny.
I never liked the Rita storyline in Season 3 for example but the rest of that season was great. In season 4 most storylines were Rita.
Oh I should add I didn't watch any of 5, I expected it to be even worse, as things only ever get worse in this negrified hellscape we call America. Some of the responses seemed to imply that because 5 is worse 4 is ok, I'm sure 5 is absolute trash too anons.
Nah, season 4 was irredeemably terrible and simply not funny. Original, recut, doesn’t matter. Season 5 being worse doesn’t make season 4 any better or even ‘watchable’.
I find it interesting how they made every character have their own nightmare scenario. They all seem so miserable and alone, specially considering how they barely interact with each other. I enjoy rewatching s4 (original, the recut actually makes it even more souless), not because it's good but the constant torment every family member has to face is borderline lynchian - as if the writers hated every character and actively looked for ways to make them as miserable as possible.
this board has an odd habit of shitting on season 3 and I STILL don't understand why. No, 4 is not horrible. No, it is not nearly as good as any of the three pre cancellation seasons.
That's what made it so special, it's such a high effort comedy show, it isn't just the writing and performances, it's the visual gags, the editing and sound. Everything is funny in it.
I agree. I hate this if you liked x or disliked y then you must like or dislike z shit going on in here. I've already addressed it. Anyone who has a ranking other than 1=2>3>4>5 is moronic, and I say this as someone who hasn't seen 5. if you want to argue you like season 1 or 2 better and don't rank them as equals that's acceptable too.
I like the 2nd half of season 3, but even that half can't compete with the first 2 seasons.
The Rita storyline would have been hilarious as one off episode or maybe even a two parter but it getting 6 episodes of build up for a single punchline is way too much.
Jason Bateman's straight man shtick is so fricking obnoxious it's unreal he made a career out of it
Everything you do is so dramatic and flamboyant, it just makes me want to set myself on fire
It's good in Arrested Development because Michael is supposed to be the straight man but he fricks up almost more than anyone else.
Feels like much longer
it's one of the first reddit shows
slightly overrated. dragged down by netflix revival
How many times I gotta tell this kid "chicken wings"?!
Pop pop gets a treat?
No, pop pop does not get a treat, I just bought you some fricking pizza!
MOCK TRIAL WITH J REINHOLD
Old bear loved his honey
Check out who's on the hog behind us
This is George Michael's cousin maybe.
For me, its the the cast constantly shitting on Ann
Her?
Who?
Pardon me, ma'am
Mayonegg
Ann?! Oh, thank god I found---
>Mr. Bluth?
Ann?! Oh, thank god I found you!
Way to plant, Ann!
It's as Ann as the nose on plain's face
I've always enjoyed watching Archer and seeing the creator try so hard to recreate the wittiness of this show and fail. It's comedic schadenfreude and it warms the heart.
I watched it for the first time in 2007, the insane cult status the show had before the netflix revival was cool, this is why more sitcoms should end early because they're remembered fondly and not just fading into obscurity after the audience jumps ship because it got bad.
For what its worth, I do like the original cut of season 4, its flawed but incredibly ambitious as far as writing goes, shame that scheduling was not taken more seriously, feels like they just rushed to get the shooting done instead of making sure they had people when they needed them, at spots it feels like its held together with duct tape. But I can't fault the writing and different approach they went with, because as far as material goes it easily at the very least rivals season 3, I'd say its better than 3 is, its just that you have to look past the obvious production issues and shortcuts that had to be taken.
Season 5 however was just sad to watch, for as flawed as season 4 may be, I don't think anybody watched that thinking the shows writing had turned into a mediocre sitcom, that's exactly what season 5 feels like, a completely mediocre comedy show and thats depressing for a show like AD.
I watched the original run live, had a best friend who loved it too and we'd talk about the episodes in high school and over the phone when we were at different colleges. Rumor for a long time was they were going to do a movie, then eventually the show materialized. We were so hyped, I watched one fricking episode of season 4 and said nope, can't do it, what the frick were they thinking.
From what I remember everyone was separated, and the way the characters played off each other was the best part of the show. Maybe I should give it another go sometime, but as an early fan I couldn't stomach season 4, it was repulsive to me
I have the impression it was Portia De Rossi's fault. Even in season 5 when the cast actually interacts in the same room she isn't there. I place the blame on her.
>From what I remember everyone was separated
They are but, but that's where the ambitious writing comes into play, how their stories overlap and how jokes are written into it, with pay-offs coming several episodes later. It's different, it's not the old show in style but the effort that went into that is impressive.
So yes, its sad that they couldn't just do the exact same setup of the show as the past, but they couldn't and what we got was different but still well written and really funny. Season 5 is more like the old show, and its fricking dogshit.
Yeah I cant do season 4, its essentially 1 episode from each characters perspective, from what I remember. It might be okay but it I missed the seasonal narrative structure, they always did that well.
>but it I missed the seasonal narrative structure, they always did that well.
Season 4 has more continuity than any of the old seasons, its just that you see the story from several perspectives. There are jokes setup in the first episodes that get their punchline 10 episodes later because you get back to that moment and get the full picture.
I just don't agree. I'm not gonna blame people for getting hung up on the production issues, like I said season 4 is held together by duct tape, its flawed but admirable. The writing is not bad in season 4, it is in season 5.
>There are jokes setup in the first episodes that get their punchline 10 episodes later because you get back to that moment and get the full picture.
Yeah, but that didn't work.
Especially because it just wasn't as funny.
I never liked the Rita storyline in Season 3 for example but the rest of that season was great. In season 4 most storylines were Rita.
Oh I should add I didn't watch any of 5, I expected it to be even worse, as things only ever get worse in this negrified hellscape we call America. Some of the responses seemed to imply that because 5 is worse 4 is ok, I'm sure 5 is absolute trash too anons.
Nah, season 4 was irredeemably terrible and simply not funny. Original, recut, doesn’t matter. Season 5 being worse doesn’t make season 4 any better or even ‘watchable’.
I find it interesting how they made every character have their own nightmare scenario. They all seem so miserable and alone, specially considering how they barely interact with each other. I enjoy rewatching s4 (original, the recut actually makes it even more souless), not because it's good but the constant torment every family member has to face is borderline lynchian - as if the writers hated every character and actively looked for ways to make them as miserable as possible.
this board has an odd habit of shitting on season 3 and I STILL don't understand why. No, 4 is not horrible. No, it is not nearly as good as any of the three pre cancellation seasons.
The amount of visual gags in the show are insane.
That's what made it so special, it's such a high effort comedy show, it isn't just the writing and performances, it's the visual gags, the editing and sound. Everything is funny in it.
3 is way worse than 1 and 2, and the "please don't cancel us" shit was somewhat funny live but hard to watch now
Even if you think this, it's still leagues better than 4 and no amount of good ol' Cinemaphile contrarianism will change that.
I agree. I hate this if you liked x or disliked y then you must like or dislike z shit going on in here. I've already addressed it. Anyone who has a ranking other than 1=2>3>4>5 is moronic, and I say this as someone who hasn't seen 5. if you want to argue you like season 1 or 2 better and don't rank them as equals that's acceptable too.
I like the 2nd half of season 3, but even that half can't compete with the first 2 seasons.
The Rita storyline would have been hilarious as one off episode or maybe even a two parter but it getting 6 episodes of build up for a single punchline is way too much.
Season 4 was redeemed by the buildup/execution of the "daddy needs to get his rocks off" joke.
No it wasn't and Tobias was always overrated.
It was a different time.
Original 4 is fine, recut sucked though. Season 5 is unwatchable. Season 3 is well below 1-2 but much better than most sitcoms and season 4.
Wild shit, I remember watching this when I was 11 and now I'm about to die of old age. Should've never come back after the initial run though