Archer
Archer is an interesting example of modern animation, in that it specifically parodies the classic spy genre in comedic form. To this end, many of the base attitudes and actions of the characters are heavily influenced by classic 60's spy chiche, although certain aspects of the 70's, 80's and 90's make appearances in various episodes. While the cast of main characters is surprisingly high percentage of females, with one notable exception every character on the show, male and female alike, are horrible people with massive character flaws. The one exception to this is Lana Kane, the second highest rank spy in ISIS and the only one that is uniformly skilled and somewhat reasonable.
Unfortunately for Lana because of the nepotism the keeps Archer in the top spot and covers up his gross incompetence and stupidity, her own abilities are rarely appreciated properly. This serves to undercut her strengths because she constantly has to deal with such horrible people as the rest of the ISIS staff.
While it is played up for comedy, there are very few positive feminist messages in this show. In many other shows the problems and issues that the female characters have serve to give them a certain depth and realism. On Archer, however, most of the characters a flatly one-dimensional, which means that the lack of morals, addictions, and flaws presented in the cast are the sum total of their character, and thusly work more as poor stereotypes than enriching details. So the females simply become walking stereotypes such as the sex-obsessed ditz, the controlling mother, and career-focused bitch.
While Archer is kind of entertaining in a goofy way, there is practically nothing in the way positive role-models or even strong feminist messaging that comes with the jokes.
Unfortunately for Lana because of the nepotism the keeps Archer in the top spot and covers up his gross incompetence and stupidity, her own abilities are rarely appreciated properly. This serves to undercut her strengths because she constantly has to deal with such horrible people as the rest of the ISIS staff.
While it is played up for comedy, there are very few positive feminist messages in this show. In many other shows the problems and issues that the female characters have serve to give them a certain depth and realism. On Archer, however, most of the characters a flatly one-dimensional, which means that the lack of morals, addictions, and flaws presented in the cast are the sum total of their character, and thusly work more as poor stereotypes than enriching details. So the females simply become walking stereotypes such as the sex-obsessed ditz, the controlling mother, and career-focused bitch.
While Archer is kind of entertaining in a goofy way, there is practically nothing in the way positive role-models or even strong feminist messaging that comes with the jokes.