Ep 9. Placebo Effect

In "Placebo Effect," the ninth episode of Archer's second season, secret agent Sterling Archer faces a crisis after discovering his excessive drinking has become a life-threatening problem. He decides to go cold turkey and quit the sauce entirely, but the consequences are disastrous.

As he struggles through withdrawal, his colleagues begin to worry about his mental state. In typical Archer fashion, he lashes out at everyone and makes their lives miserable. This leads to some hilarious interactions between the characters—all of whom are dealing with their own personal problems on top of Archer's.

Despite the chaos, the team must continue their mission: to take down a drug cartel that has been distributing a deadly new designer drug. Archer is in high demand as a field agent, but he's barely able to keep his head straight as he grapples with his addiction. It's a race against time as they try to stop the drug from hitting the streets and causing even more harm.

Amid the action, Placebo Effect also focuses on the complexities of addiction and the difficulty of overcoming it. Archer's internal struggle is both funny and poignant, as he tries to come to terms with his addiction and make amends with his friends. The writers handle this sensitive subject matter with skill, using humor to explore the nuances of addiction and how it affects not just the individual but those around them.

As the episode progresses, the team becomes embroiled in an increasingly dangerous situation as they get closer to the drug cartel. The tension builds, and the stakes are high as they face off against heavily armed foes. Meanwhile, Archer's sobriety is put to the test as he must deal with the temptations that come with working undercover in the drug trade.

Overall, Placebo Effect is a standout episode in the Archer series. It blends humor, action, and social commentary in a way that only this show can. The writing is clever and witty, and the performances are spot-on, especially H. Jon Benjamin's portrayal of Archer. The episode manages to tackle serious issues without sacrificing any of the show's trademark irreverence.

If you're a fan of Archer, this episode is not to be missed. It's a prime example of what makes the show so great—the ability to take on difficult subjects while still delivering an enjoyable and hilarious viewing experience. Placebo Effect is a must-watch for anyone who loves spy comedies or just needs a good laugh.