Ep 1. Mole Hunt

Archer season 1 episode 1, titled "Mole Hunt," introduces the audience to the main characters and sets the stage for the intense spy adventures that are to come. The show follows the exploits of Sterling Archer, a suave and lethal spy working for the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS). In this first episode, we see the agency plunged into chaos when they discover there may be a mole within their ranks.

Archer is the perfect spy: he's confident, cunning, and skilled in hand-to-hand combat. However, he's also arrogant, self-centered, and typically more concerned with his own personal gain than with completing his missions. As the episode opens, we see him lounging in his office, fighting with his boss and ex-girlfriend, Lana Kane, and generally being more of a nuisance than anything else.

Despite Archer's questionable work ethic, ISIS is called into action when they find out there may be a traitor in their midst. Archer and Lana are tasked with protecting a scientist who has created a new weapon that could change the balance of power in the world. However, when the scientist is kidnapped, Archer and the other ISIS agents are forced to work together to find the mole.

The episode is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of humor to lighten the mood. The animation is stylish and distinctive, with a 1960s spy movie aesthetic that gives the show a unique flair. The voice acting is excellent, with H. Jon Benjamin perfectly capturing Archer's blend of smarm and swagger.

One of the highlights of the episode is the way the various characters are introduced and established. We get a sense of their personalities and quirks right from the start, from the gruff and no-nonsense Mallory Archer (Sterling's mother and boss) to the dorky and socially awkward scientist who is the target of the mole's kidnapping.

Another standout aspect of "Mole Hunt" is the way it sets up ongoing plotlines and character arcs. We see hints of the tangled personal relationships between the characters, especially in the tension between Sterling and Lana. There's also a mystery surrounding the identity of the mole that is sure to keep audiences guessing for some time to come.

Overall, Archer season 1 episode 1 is a strong start to an exciting and irreverent spy series. It's a great showcase for the unique style and humor of the show, and sets the stage for the many adventures (and misadventures) that are to come.