[7.0/10] I really like the premise of this one -- both of them really -- but while the execution of the episode wasn’t bad, it was a little lighter on laughs than I might like.
The “stuck inside a giant space nautilus’ stomach” idea a la Empire Strikes Back is a nice one for Archer. It means they have to do some creative/ridiculous problem solving and gives the design team an opportunity to create distinctive creatures and use the guttural setting. But beyond the design work, there’s just not much humor that ends up being wrung from the “we’re stuck in this thing” situation.
The one nice bit is that, again a la Empire Strikes Back, there’s some character work for Archer and Lana, with Lana noting that Archer is going to die alone because he lacks empathy, which is, in subtext, the reason Lana ultimately doesn't want to be with him. Almost halfway through the season, the show has done some subtle but solid work on the Archer/Lana relationship, and it’s a nice thread to follow here.
But the rest of the episode is kind of eh. As a big Star Trek fan, I love the premise of a decorated captain who goes mad and starts using the facade of noble ideals to go psychologically manipulative/cannibal on everyone. It’s an appropriately out there subversion of the usual form. But the captain here is pretty forgettable, and her routine with Cyril and Ray is pretty rushed.
The comic side dishes are a little weak too. Krieger with his power-sucking head-child is nicely weird, but doesn't have that many chuckles. And while Mallory/Cheryl is a pairing that usually works, the designer/pirate stuff didn’t manage to get many laughs out of me. (Though the Matlock joke was worth a chuckle.)
Overall, this one is never really bad, but just can’t find the laughs between two good premises and bunch of scattered b-stories.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2019-09-12T00:48:53Z
[7.0/10] I really like the premise of this one -- both of them really -- but while the execution of the episode wasn’t bad, it was a little lighter on laughs than I might like.
The “stuck inside a giant space nautilus’ stomach” idea a la Empire Strikes Back is a nice one for Archer. It means they have to do some creative/ridiculous problem solving and gives the design team an opportunity to create distinctive creatures and use the guttural setting. But beyond the design work, there’s just not much humor that ends up being wrung from the “we’re stuck in this thing” situation.
The one nice bit is that, again a la Empire Strikes Back, there’s some character work for Archer and Lana, with Lana noting that Archer is going to die alone because he lacks empathy, which is, in subtext, the reason Lana ultimately doesn't want to be with him. Almost halfway through the season, the show has done some subtle but solid work on the Archer/Lana relationship, and it’s a nice thread to follow here.
But the rest of the episode is kind of eh. As a big Star Trek fan, I love the premise of a decorated captain who goes mad and starts using the facade of noble ideals to go psychologically manipulative/cannibal on everyone. It’s an appropriately out there subversion of the usual form. But the captain here is pretty forgettable, and her routine with Cyril and Ray is pretty rushed.
The comic side dishes are a little weak too. Krieger with his power-sucking head-child is nicely weird, but doesn't have that many chuckles. And while Mallory/Cheryl is a pairing that usually works, the designer/pirate stuff didn’t manage to get many laughs out of me. (Though the Matlock joke was worth a chuckle.)
Overall, this one is never really bad, but just can’t find the laughs between two good premises and bunch of scattered b-stories.