It kinda sucks. Whole lotta yappin’ and ain’t hardly any of it funny. Should have killed this show a couple years ago, I think. Not sure if I missed an episode (seen 2 including last night), but the first one just kinda happened. No lead up, no backstory, just BAM! Last night had nothing to do with the last, so I guess no story arc. I think they are flailing trying to find something new, but really are just rehashing all the old schtick. One irritation for me is too much Ray and Krieger last night. What made those characters so funny was limited screen time, then they would show up and drop a funny bomb. Now, they’re just annoying. Or maybe it’s just me and my bad attitude.
Last night was the 5th of the new season (out of 8), so you missed almost half the season. Probably at least the season premiere, as it explains the Agency is being operated quasi-independently of IIA as a ‘boutique’ spy agency under Fabian’s direct control, which is why they’re back at the old offices while still having to report to him.
The through line, to the extent there is one, is Archer is dealing with the loss of his mother and acting even more erratically than normal. Agreed it’s a bit disjointed but it’s still competently done. Last season was a bit of return to form but they haven’t seemed to hit their stride this season. I wouldn’t say it’s bad (like some of those meandering seasons a few years ago) but just kind of consistent without hitting any notably high points.
Haven’t watched this season yet, but if it’s not living up to last season, well… Because last season sucked, IMO. And the season before that. They have neutered Archer, and the new show runner or writers seem to think that the old show was too mean and politically incorrect or something, or they just don’t have the writing chops to do anything but repeat ‘catch phrases’ and make lame jokes. The edge the show once had seems completely gone, along with the sharp writing.