Every single time we go to Malory's apartment for a dinner party we have to watch the ISIS gang get rid of a dead body. Granted, we've only been there twice.

However, this season's dinner party was even better than season one's "Killing Utne." Sure, there were fewer spies posing as prostitutes, but Lana's French maid outfit more than made up for it.

This installment was just so much more elegant.  Come on, was anyone else dying every time Cheryl and Archer brought some of the worst accents possible to the table? The most elegant people in all of New York.

As much as murder mysteries centered around dinner parties have been done to death, "Lo Scandalo" brought a fresh level of disturbance to the genre.

From the moment we were introduced to the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Savio Mascaloni (wait, don't they use a King?) in his Zentai with marital aid in rear, you knew you were in for a disturbing episode.

But to truly fathom the creepiness, the always amazing Krieger needed to be called in for his gift. I'm not even sure what the creepiest thing the guy did during the episode. Chopping up a body, designing the drop-offs to be in a smilie face or asking to keep the butt plug?

But the real cleverness of the episode wasn't Kriger's disposal, but the Usual Suspect-esque reveal as we learned how Malory played everyone for a fool in abetting her murder.

And as impressive as Lana's Rainman counting of the bullets was, my biggest moment of the reveal? Yet another potential father thrown into Malory's cess pool of potential donors. With the timing and description working out so well, whose money is on Gladio?

Eh, who am I kidding, we'll never find out. I'll leave you with some of my favorite moments and observations from the episode:

• Who knew that a Zentai covered the whole body and a cat suit stopped just below the head? And where was that knowledge during American Horror Story?!?
• Where could you get coveralls that time of the night?
• The classic Irish man's dilmena: do i eat the potato or do I let it ferment so I can drink it later?  Seriously, what is it with Malory and the Irish?
• Anyone else craving Italian? Can someone pick me up a number-10 can of tomatoes?  
• I still can't believe Malory did it. I really did think it was that wicked king.
• How did Krieger clean up that bathroom in time?
• 35 years? That is a lot of hate sex. Even for Malory.

Wow. Who would have thought for these last six epiosdes months, Ray has been faking it?!? I mean, don't get me wrong, it sucks standing around waiting for a cab and all, but... what!?

This week's opening of "Bloody Ferlin," with Archer and Lana investigating the break-in of the ISIS armory, definitely caught be by surprise. A good surprise. 

I might be the only person happier than Archer and Lana to have our man back in the field. As great as the handicap-able jokes have been this season, I can't help but feel like there was nowhere to go but down after the undercover shopping cart. And yet this week proved there's still plenty of room for great material with Ray in the field.

Unfortunately, that will probably mean a demotion for our poor man Cyril, back to hanging out with the ISIS goons at base. Well, buddy, at least you'll always have "El Contador."

As much as season two seemed to be the season of character backstories, it was nice to see a return of that in season three, as we literally went back in time to the shittier parts of Chernobyl to see where Ray came from.

The episode still managed to continue the season's trend of impressive guest stars, too, grabbing Jack Bryer to play Ray's brother. 

Now this is going to sound strange - as I watch him as a naive guy from the backward south every week on 30 Rock - but there was just something that didn't work for me with Bryer's voice as a homophobic, wife-swapping, drug-dealing-farming hick from West Virginia. He was far from terrible, but it was just distracting for me.

Unlike Ray's non-paralysis, I unfortunately saw our little twist ending coming. I don't care how menacing E.Z. looked, Randy's wife-swapping ways made me question his honesty since the get go. Okay, well maybe I didn't forecast E.Z.'s love of the capezios.

Luckily, the gang left Lana behind because I'm pretty sure sole competent agent would have seen the trick coming. 

Speaking of back at home, our side plot of the goons attempting to investigate the "break-in" was a little on the weak side. I mean, I'd lay down some serious cash to watch Pam battle in the shocking bum fights, but we've seen stronger ISIS subplots.

All in all, it was a pretty solid episode that reminded me of the stronger season last year brought us. Plus, heck, it got us Ray back. Now to leave you with some random thoughts, mostly my rehashing of Archer lines:

• White Lightning! Glad to see Archer didn't run out of Burt Reynolds references after "The Man from Jupiter"
• "I'm coming out." It's been awhile since we've had a good phrasing joke.
• RIP Dan Lather. Seriously, anyone else want to go in on a chicken shaving cream patent with me?
• Damn you Mr. Gilette, I could have gone for some pages out of the diary with Ms. Piggy on it.
• Who knew Pam was such a talented graffiti artist!?  If bum shock fights and HR don't work out, she's got a great backup career.

Alright, who wants some chicken and waffles? I had some serious fears that "Crossing Over" was going to be yet another episode paying homage to The Hangover when Archer woke up with his first hangover, in, well, ever.

Seriously, what could lead a professional functioning alcoholic to a hangover and perhaps the worst decision making ever? I mean, besides chugging directly from the jagger machine. I assume it must have been Pam's infamous Green Russians at the ISIS wake after party. Yeah, wake after party. That's not nearly as tactless as hitting on the widow, right?

Anyway. Luckily, the show avoided too long of a foray into the next day recollection as Woodhouse (where you been the last few episode, buddy?) quickly pointed Archer to the bathroom and his memory of just how big of a mistake he made. So how big was it? Well, about 150 gallons of company ink Sterling chose to dip his pen in.  Hey, at least Woodhouse didn't have to give up any heroin.

Only poor Archer had to give up any dignity and chance with a normal sex life after learning what a farm girl could do. Yeah, I'm also hoping that fact isn't relevant. Was anyone else impressed with just how far Pam pushed the envelope with her sexual imagery this week? Hands down best line was pushing rope for me. Might have to come into my regular vocabulary. But uh, you know, not for me.I mean when talking about other people.

Yet, of course for Archer to be a spy show, Sterling and Pam's adventures in the sack couldn't be the A story. For that, it was the return of the head KGB, or should I say former head, Nikolai Jackov, and new head and the return of the much needed Barry.

After building up Barry to be a super villain at the end of season two, the former ODIN agent has been notably absent this season. Every Awesome X needs his Killface, right?   Luckily it looks like he's back for a pretty serious master plan. Now, not what he saw tonight. Apparently this week was just a goof.

Luckily, a pretty entertaining goof. No, this wasn't the most amazing episode in the series' history, but it's definitely set things in place for what will hopefully be the next few episodes.  

There were plenty of pretty substantial developments aside from Barry's return. And that's in the form of the death of one of Archer's many potential fathers. And unfortunately one less answer as we'll never get do a daddy test after Barry's ridiculous plan.

Seriously, where did the dude possibly get a fork in a block of ice in that short of a time. Don't get me wrong, it's clever in execution. But between picking up and strangling Cheryl, where did he find time to stick one in that freezer? We know he didn't bring one in that track suit. No pockets. The one disadvantage.

Okay, before I get too nitpicky, I'm just going with some fun observations from the half hour:

• Glad to know Burt Reynolds is still around and has hilariously relegate Malory to booty call. Miss that 'stache since the premiere.
• That image of Pam eating waffles trying to squeeze one out? Forever ingrained in my brain. Not in the good way.
• Oh Marmaduke.  Who couldn't love that big dog?
• Is it just me or does Barry really rock the track suit? How could Cheryl resist?
• Is anyone else tempted to set up their own elaborate voice mail prank?
• Who do ou call to get ocelot piss out of your carpets? Coit?
• Obacure reference of the week? Richie Havens.

And I hate to blend Church and TV Fanatic, but with the loss of the great Nikolai Jackov, one of Archer's many possible fathers, I'd like to leave everyone with a prayer:

Bloody mary,  blessed are you among cocktails.  Pray for me now in the hour of my death, which i hope is soon.  Amen.

Fresh off the return of Barry and his master plan last Thursday, "Skin Game" introduced Archer's second cyborg during a lovely vacation to Krieger's transitional neighborhood this week.

After our trip to the neighborhood that scared off crack dealers, I'm not convinced I could love Krieger any more. The dude not only wears flesh-colored suit (unless you're black) while scuba diving, he straight up became Dr. Franenkrieger this week.

Much like Sterling, I never saw the return of Katya coming. I may not have liked her the first time around, but 2.0 brought a much wittier addition, complete with all her witty computer references. Her special place. Her C-Drive. I think I get it.

Ironically, Katya was also more human here. We finally got to know more than the slutty dressed pair of boobs that Archer fell in love with.

She might have been less irritating the first time if she had bonding moments with Lana over roadmaps to vaginas and more references to my favorite line of, how do you say, to push a rope?

But really, the thing that made her human, was her fall from the perfection when she did the dance with Barry.  

And poor Archer. Guy had his heart broken twice. Between this and the electrolux incident, he'll never trust a robot again. Not even Malory could give that much of a smug "I told you so" to the devastated guy.

Not to sound too insensitive, but I won't be shedding any saline lubricant solution if our two cyborgs don't live happily ever after. I need me some Barry every few episodes.

Luckily, based on The Graduate ending, I'm sure we'll be seeing them again. Until then, some of my stray observations:

• No one hates surprise fellatio. Except for maybe the Midnight Cowboy kind. Only because I've never seen the flick.
• Wait, why did you emphasize  serial? Oh that's right. This is the same host of shock bum fights.
• Happiness. Who knew something other than homeless people could give Krieger an erection?
• Neil Peart may stand alone, but that's still one impressive drum set.
• Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford? Was Cyril's grandfather some member of the rat pack? Man that apple fell from the tree.
• Speaking of apples, obscure reference goes to Ira Flatow. From Newton's Apple. So obscure, Archer had to tell us.
• Man that Woodhouse is impressive. Poaching eggs and cleaning vaginas.  What can't he do?
• Hah, Krieger was the father of the bride. Get it?
• Wow that hobo has some nice skin! Also, it vibrates.

Oh Clyde. Fear not. Your mother, Betsey Donovan, did not die in vain. Her passing taught us all a valuable lesson: What that shelf behind toilet seats is really for.  

No, not for housing any plumbing equipment. It's somewhere to place your comic books while you straddle your toilet seat "Reverse Cowgirl" style. Oh, and what a glory hole is really for. Hint: not your penis.

Clearly Matt Stone and Trey Parker have been dealing with a combination of some nagging girlfriends and your standard air travel violations. Strapping yourself in to your toilet after having your anus inspected? Only slightly less painful than air travel or "The Entity."

I thought the shots at TSA, although not as timely as some other South Park efforts, were pretty hilarious.

Obviously things were a satire to some of the more recent changes at airports, from the inappropriate pat downs to the full body x-rays. Who does get to see those full body x-rays for which we have to stick our hands in the air so long?

Probably that room of a creepy guy masturbating isn't that far off.  Did anyone else notice Mr. Slave on a screen in the background? Any other fun Easter Eggs I missed in that scene?

Meanwhile, in the B story, the boys tried to help Clyde and the blood on his penis. You know, the figurative kind. Lawyer jokes never get old and the idea of suing the dead and the sue-ance was pretty clever.

But my favorite part? When the two story lines came together in epic South Park fashion as the town attempted to sue the deceased John Harrington.  Yeah, he really does exist and he really did invent the flushing toilet.

In the end, I'm glad it all came down to Butters being right, a knock at the fact terrorist can still sneak things onto planes and the last bastion of American freedom being saved.

Now all of us hard working loggers can feel free to pee our feces in half. And, more importantly, men will never have to put the toilet seat down again. Unless we have to take a Sir Harrington.

Betsey's life and the boys' $500? A small price to pay. You know where to head for our favorite South Park quotes.  

And yes, for those keeping track at home, that was officially two season premieres in a row that began with some serious poo.

Finally! This week we took a much anticipated return to the Danger Zone. Even if Archer couldn't get Commander Drake (Bryan Cranston) to say it.

Unfortunately, that return to the Zone of Danger also means coming to an end of our third season. Yes, this week's "Space Race" is part one of the two-part season finale.

And it definitely served as a part one because it basically was an intro to get our ISIS agents fit as lowly-trained astronauts during a three-day crash course. You know, once Archer was able to finish his six enema special thanks to Krieger and joining them a half day late.

Once the gang finally set off for its adventure to Horizon things became a standard Archer vacation. Even in space, Pam and Cheryl managed to sneak on as space stowaways while Malory somehow negotiated her way on board.  

After the ISIS gang managed to finally board Horizon - despite incompetence and space sickness - the hilarious fight against the space pirates began. It may have only been the last two minutes, but once Archer banged his way out of the brig, thinks got good. He said, not being facetious.

Learning the mutintineers were actually led by Drake and it was all a plot to repopulate Mars? Slightly unpredictable... unless you paid close attention to the beginning. Either way, I can't wait for next week's season finale.

Some of the highlights for me this week?

• Seeing Lana actually having a weakness! Even if it does take the obscure trip on the Vomit Comit and artificial gravity to reveal it.
• Space. The underfinanced boondocks boondoggle.
• 15 years of boarding school eh Archer? That's how he got so good at Lacrosse.
• Man phase two sure makes airplane takeoff seem easy. I'll never complain again.
• Wait, seriously, no cantinas on Horizon? I'd be chugging those bags of rubbing alcohol with Malory.
• Cheryl totally could have rocked that dress at the Boarding party.
• Obscure reference goes to Cheryl's sixteenth century Grace O'Malley.
• R2 Double D2? Nice! Why didn't I think of that last week.
• Zero gravity space sex. Luckily Pam's MOAB made a quickie possible. Do I want to know what it stands for?
• Welcome to the Danger Zone.

I can't imagine this week's knock against "Cash For Gold" scam shops hit home with any South Park fans quite the way a TSA pat down would. Nor could I imagine too many fans have been victims of home shopping networks, either.

Well, maybe some of us have some relatives that have fallen victim to the latter. Yeah, myself included. So at least those digs were a little better for me.

But, really, the key to any South Park is how it ridiculously ties everything two seemingly unrelated plots. This week we followed Stan, Kyle and Kenny (yes, he's alive and well) as they followed every Hindu fart proverb all the way to India as they tried to get to the bottom of who's to blame for ripping off Billie's grandfather and thus Randy's inheritance.

So who was it? Was it the Cash 4 Gold stores, the home shopping networks, the Indians who make the jewelry, or Cartman's far-fetched theory of the Asian ladies he likes to f**k. Apparently, it's some combination of the first three. Or as Stan put it best: "Whoever smelt it, denied it and rhymed it."

No, it wasn't exactly a biting satire of the stores or network. But our adventure to India has some great laughs, especially when Stan would call into Jewel Bonanza asking Dean to kill himself. 

Even if the A story wasn't the strongest, you can always count on Cartman for the laughs. Using a bit similar to when he accused his mother of trying to f**k him, Cartman stepped up the game here when old women and Asian ladies were involved.

Overall, the episode wasn't as brilliant as Cartman's formula or even last week's satire. But that didn't mean there weren't a few good South Park quotes along the way. Some of my random observations:

• Are you a fan of panzo-panzanite?  
• Bolo ties are really in right now.
• You should be saving it for when you die. That's our money
• Love the fact that Taco Bell bought gold. Seven-layer burrito but that's as high as I'm going.
• I gotta get the taste of old lady dick out of my mouth.
• We have got to hire Butters as the official TV Fanatic sign twirler.
• How much do you think Sean Penn got for his Milk Oscar? $8? $9 tops?
• I'm calling about those peridot earrings. I think they'd look good on your dead body.

NOTE: How would you like to review South Park going forward? Submit a writing sample to Matt@TVFanatic.com if you'd be interested in becoming our new South Park critic!

Archer ended its third season tonight with the conclusion to its two part episode, "Space Race. And, man, from the second Archer announced he left his light saber in his other space pants, you knew you were in for a solid ending.

Breaking Wu's Arms While Shouting Woo and the Ravages of Times
We meet up with the gang being shanghaied after attempting to stop Drake and company and Malory and the girls still on Intrepid. So, how will the crew possibly escape?

Not to sound like a prude, but I have to feel like Lana stripping down to her space pasties was a little unnecessary. Haven't we seen enough of her half naked at this point to satisfy the biggest of Hentai fans? Yeah, I'm looking at you Krieger-Son.

Either way, I recognize they had to do something to get Lana and the gang out of the space brig. Just felt like they could have done better than the oldest prison trick in the book.

Anyways, the action and hilarity quickly picked up as they made a Star Wars escape down the hall. Only on Archer could you witness the gang arguing about Animal Farm and Lana's insecurity while under a constant barrage of fire.

Lana, we all get it. Trish, included. You're the prettiest girl to ever be nominated for Marsian Queen. Well, unless you count Cheryl...

Whorediot: The Marsian Queen
Meanwhile, back on the Intrepid, Malory uttered some of the best lines her character has ever given and put yet another phrase in my vocabulary. I'll be able to use it... name a place. Okay, I'll do better next time. Come back to me.

Granted, it was a somewhat anti-climatic ending, but really I'm glad it was Pam that got to take down Commander Drake. You know, while Cyril manages to kill the one remaining man that could drive them back. Their unicorn.

But glad things didn't just end there when Pam just had to ask the worst possible question. How could it get any worse?  Cue Barry in his Star Wars entrance...

A Place Called "To Kill Barry"
Seriously, who built that door? Space dwarves? What could possibly cyborg Barry short of adamantium?  

Barry and Other Barry were some of my favorite side characters at the show's start. He's been a little hit or miss since granted his super powers. But this week? He was on.  

I loved listening to his bickering with Katya over the phone as they argued killing Archer and furniture shopping. But Barry's highlight was once he arrived and challenged Archer to a Space-bot vs. Cyborg challenge.  

As much as it would have been epic to watch the battle, I'm glad Archer had his moment of self-awareness in space. The guys continues to show just a hint of development each season.

But then quickly rest assures us that it's only temporary as wrecked Cyril's one attempt to be competent in the field.

Other random observations and favorite Archer jokes:

• My tongue says sangria by my heart says michelada. Anyone ever actually had a michelada before? Yeah, it involves beer and clamato. 'Nuff said.
• Poor Krieger. Even hologram mother-in-laws are always judging.
• It's like a vagina with a zipper.
• No man can judge me. Well, you say that now...
• With your looks, maybe bitchy isn't the way to go. Loving the catty side of Lana.
• Hello, is this air boats? Yeah, hi, it's me space bot. What about air boats' ego?
• This week was loaded with subtle references to Star Wars and even X-Men, but I'll have to give it to the Animal Farm debate.
• Will we ever see Barry again? Will Ray recover from his second crippling injury?

Psych stars Maggie Lawson, Timothy Omundson and James Roday joined TV Fanatic for an interview during our visit to the Vancouver set, where the USA hit is filming its 100th episode, this week.

The trio revealed that Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development, Archer) will be playing Juliet's step father, Lloyd, in an upcoming Season 7 episode parodying The In-Laws movie.

Much like Juliet's father (played by William Shatner), Lloyd has a bit of a criminal past.

What's with Juliet's mother's taste? And when will we meet her?

There's plenty more scoop where this came from, fans. Check back in the coming days for tons more Psych spoilers from Season 7 and my detailed diary of our set visit!

A couple weeks ago, USA Network was kind enough to welcome TV Fanatic to Vancouver and the set of Psych in honor of a major milestone for that series: its 100th episode!

While our set visit was loaded with plenty of Psych spoilers, I've been sworn to secrecy until we inch a bit closer to the Season 7 premiere. Trust me, there's plenty of good stuff (like the Psych musical details!!) in there.

Until then, allow me to tease you with a little diary from my trip...

First, Psych is entirely filmed in Vancouver. All those beautiful shots of sunny Santa Barbara? They're actually filmed in North Shore Studios, with its overcast days, the magic of sets and "shooting down" managing to make it quite believable.

It's also worth noting the show JUST started airing in Vancouver. That's permitted the cast to live relatively normal lives in the city and even allowed them to grow closer as friends than probably any other show on television. The chemistry you see on screen is definitely real.

Our trip began where a tour of the production offices. Yes, apparently those 190 or so people you never see but make our favorite show happen every week have offices on the studio lot.

There, they educated us about the two-week production cycle of the show: one week of preparing, one week of shooting. It's insane when you realize some of the adventures for Shawn and Gus these poor guys have had to come up.

For example, the 100th episode was the much hyped Clue-themed installment. I know, very fitting for such a milestone since Steve Franks has often been quoted as it being his dream episode.

So... the hard-working production staff had ONE week to construct the Clue mansion. It's crazy. You'll understand when you see the episode and hopefully appreciate the detail put into that thing. Let's just say it made me feel lazy for still not finishing painting my house.

After being taken through hallways loaded with upcoming location scouting photos (with so many spoilers!!), we met pretty much everyone responsible for helping make an episode happen.

That's when we were taken to the actual set. Since filming on our day was taking place entirely in the mansion that day, the Santa Barbara police station housed our little team of Pysch-Os. Here's a look from its inside:

From what we witnessed, it looks like all of Psych is filmed within two lots/warehouses. The police station occupies pretty much an entire one, while the other is reserved for the Psych offices and whatever else they need for the day.

It is worth mentioning (although, again, they may stick Ewan O'Hara on me), they usually kept Shawn's dad's house as a mainstay there too. Now? Gone. So did Henry die during the season 6 finale or what?!?

Honestly, after being on set, I can tell you we still don't know. Since other Psych-Os present have already spoiled this: yes, Corbin Bernsen on set that day. But keep in mind, he might have just been in for the 100th episode celebration (a bunch of people flew in for it!) or there for a flashback. Let's just say there were just as many clues (see what I did there?) pointing both ways.

Back at the SBPD station: we were busy running around being idiots taking pictures at various peoples' desks. Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson), I apologize for finishing your crossword puzzle, and Lassie (Timothy Omundson), you may want to wash out your mug before you use it next.

One of the most shocking parts about the station was seeing the detail the production team put in. The wanted posters, sticky-notes, business cards and so many objects you probably never see in an episode were all filled in with actual information! I mean, they even had one for LeRoy Jenkins (pictured)!

Other fun things we noticed? All the trailers were in the characters' names and not the actors. Of course Shawn and Gus had the largest. Hilariously? Vick and Henry shared one. If the latter is still alive, could that mean something?!?Kidding, of course, the chief is happily married with child...

USA brought in every cast member to sit down with us for some interrogation in the station, along with the show's creator and producers. But more on those when we get closer to the fall.

Meanwhile, I felt compelled to also take advantage of one of the talent perks provided to us: the legendary Kraft services tent. Yes, it was everything a man could dream of. Snacks, sandwiches and drinks all day long. If I had one of those in my house I'd be a very fat man. But I'd also probably not be picking up a sandwich next to Christopher Lloyd or asking Bernsen where I could find a soda.

Before we got to go in to the actual scene they were filming, we got to see the mayor of North Shore present Steve Franks and the other producers with a an official proclamation. Whatever that means.

In the afternoon, we finally entered the Clue mansion to watch the filming. Well, actually, we hysterically got to get out in the Psych office, which was closed while the boys were off investigating.

It was yet another room with unbelievable detail, such as the clippings on the wall of cases. But the reason I was ready to move the TV Fanatic headquarters there? The foosball table and dart board.

On set were several Clue movie alumni, including legends Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren and Christopher Lloyd. Though Lloyd may have been the most exciting me me to meet as a Back to the Future nut, it was Mull that had our group laughing the hardest.

We watched them basically film one scene from the episode and they did it all in two takes with three (usually they use two) cameras going. When an actor messed up? He simply started back over with his line (sometimes even shouting out for the line!) as if nothing happened.  

I guess when you're filming with this many guest stars and people all in one scene, it's the only way to go. They leave a LOT in the hands of those masters of editing. Really, it's surreal to think about how what we watch becomes such a polishe shows.

After being in their way for long enough, we got to each a delicious "lunch" at 4 p.m. with the cast and crew from the same delicious food truck they use. Yum to that lobster ravioli.

After getting to interview every cast member and watch a scene filmed, you'd think our day was as complete as any Psych-O could ask for. But nope. We had one last treat. We were invited to the 100th episode cake and champagne toast, complete with mingling afterward.

Then it was back to our lovely hotel and my dreaded 14-hour flight home. I cannot wait to watch the finished product of this episode after seeing just how much goes into one hour of television entertainment.

Oh, and I can't wait to share our amazing cast interviews with you. Stay tuned!

Following the Psych panel discussion at Comic-Con - during which the funniest cast on television spoke on both seasons 7 and 8 - TV Fanatic lined up for exclusive video interviews with James Roday, Dule Hill and the rest of the Santa Barbara crew.

From their favorite costumes at the entertainment event to the returns of Yang and Despereaux to the much-anticipated musical episode, the stars gave us the scoop on a number of topics. Try to keep a straight face as you gather it all in below...

-------------------------------------------

First up, Roday and Hill dished on the possibility of another Yang appearance, along with what would ever happen if the Blueberry was taken away from Gus:

 

Dule Hill and James Roday at Comic-Con

Timothy Omundson and Maggie Lawson, meanwhile, previewed the guest-starring turn of Jeffrey Tambor as Juliet's stepfather and also confirmed Marlowe will be getting out of jail - and into Lassister's arms?

 

Timothy Omundson and Maggie Lawson at Comic-Con

For Kirsten Nelson and Corbin Bernsen, meanwhile, it was mostly about the fate of Henry. Spoiler alert: he gets shot. Second spoiler alert: Chief Vick may be married to Adam West?!?

 

Kirsten Nelson and Corbin Bernsen at Comic-Con

Finally, creator Steve Franks said the two-hour musical extravaganza will be the "most spectacular thing the USA Network has ever seen." He also talked Despereaux and Season 8.

 

Steve Franks at Comic-Con

Prior to taking the Comic-Con stage for their panel discussion this morning, the cast of Community sat down with TV Fanatic and other outlets to dish on what they could regarding Season 4.

None of the actors interviewed had actually seen any scripts, but that didn't stop Joel McHale from offering up casting suggestions for Jeff's father (Ryan Reynolds? Charles Barkley?) or Yvette Nicole Brown from pleading for just one scene with (the absent) Donald Glover.

Aside from jokingly casting his character's dad, McHale also touched on singing duets with the dean, moving to Friday nights and setting Community on the deck of the Starship Enterprise:

 

Joel McHale at Comic-Con

Gillian Jacobs, meanwhile, told us she loves Revenge and yearned for Britta to make out with Leonard; while Danny Pudi got REALLY excited for The Dark Knight Rises:

 

Gillian Jacobs and Danny Pudi at Comic-Con

Finally, Yvette Nicole Brown and Alison Brie solved the latter's lipstick crisis before moving on to their thoughts on Comic-Con and Brie's hope that Annie finally gets a love interest:

 

Yvette Nicole Brown and Alison Brie at Comic-Con

After literally asking for more Ron Cadillac last week, Archer brought him back in his own adventure with Sterling for "Midnight Ron!" When the most boringest man on this entire planet of Earth gets his backstory told, what can you expect?

Well, outside of his minor Sherman tank-stealing flashback, you get a pretty decent buddy adventure. The unlikely pairing of Ron and Sterling did more than just piss off Malory. It somehow involved tranny bikers in distrubingly sexy high heels.

Who the heck could have seen that one coming from a Ron Cadillac episode? Okay, fine, Cheryl's old gypsy woman. Even if she got the making it rain part wrong, I have got to get that woman's info.

While the adventure from Montreal to make it back to the city in time for the premiere of Carmen at the Met was pretty light, it's not the action we come to Archer for. We obviously come for education. Bi-annual and semi-annual versus biennial? Parachute landing falls, briefly learning to speak hobo and Master P references so obscure they confused Ron.  

The lightness I did miss? The chlamydiots back at ISIS. At least we learned Archer's order of begging over there. Obviously, Malory and Woodhouse would come first. He basically owns the later and the former clearly owns him. For the rest? Carol, Pam, Krieger, Gillette, Cyril... and then Lana.

So which were your favorites from the many Archer quotes? Before some giant alligators come rampaging up into my toilet, my favorite obscure references:

• C.H.U.D.'s live in New York City
• The Ballad of the Flim-Flam Man by Guy Owen.
• Master P and his Sherman Tank and releasing diss tracks.
• Kicking it old school Bedrock style doesn't count as obscure does it?
• "Pac-Man" Jones "making it rain."
• It also may not count as obscure, but Archer and Ron humming the same part of Carmen was a great ending.

With Pam and Cheryl going on warehouse fire dates, Krieger having a Mushi night, Malory married and Cyril and Lana together again, Sterling was in danger of facing what every single person fears on Valentine's Day.  

A solo happy hour.

It also led to one seriously vulnerable Sterling, one so desperate he nearly begged for Lana. But the second that phone call rang I knew it wasn't Woodhouse stuck in the sideways dumb waiter again. It was time for mechanical vaginas and Russian accents.

Katya is generally one of my least favorite characters on the show. So watching her spend a half hour tricking our depressed man into bringing back Cyborg Barry from space definitely led to my least favorite episode of Archer Season 4.

Even tentacle porn, mystery fires and Krieger's erection over a robot fight couldn't save this episode for me. Maybe only in Cheryl's Opposite World.  

At least we got Barry back (I knew it was the "Vicious Coupling!") and can expect a nice epic one and half robot fight with cop car crashes and shit. Sorry, Gilette, but my money is on Barry.

Did anyone else notice references to both Malory getting drinks at the Tuntmore and hitting up Cheryl Carol for money? Will her fortune be making another appearance soon?

Even a mediocre episode of Archer is still loaded with some great moments and Archer quotes:

• Buddy, you just sold a timeshare!
• Trapped in space like General freaking Zod.
• Cyril Figus strikes again!
• Thank you Neil deGrasse Tyson.

This week, we went back in the field all the way to Turkmenistan to watch The Rat Patrol attempt to blow up an oil pipeline and knock a few items off Archer's bucket list in "Once Bitten."

With Lana unable to go to Turkmenistan for either racist or sexist reasons (pick one), we were treated the ultimate incompetent trio of ISIS field agents with half-cyborg Ray back and field operative Cyril joining Sterling.

While out in the dessert, Cyril got to shine with his surprising amount of snake knowledge. Identifying the Caspian cobra was impressive enough. Duh, it's all about their ventral bands. But the man's knowledge in venom and vasodilators? Possibly saved my life. I'll never suck out venom out of anyone's taint again.

Ray, meanwhile, managed to prove how badly he'll lose in his impending epic robot battle against Barry when he couldn't even live the a measly jeep with his new legs. He also revealed his very creepy bear heart-eating traumatizing Legends of the Fall upbringing.

But the real backstory revealed? No, I'm not talking about Archer's lacrosse careering ending shot from Ruth Anne Litzenberger (will she return?) as narrated by a poor man's James Mason. I mean the origin his alligator fears! Now if only we can get to the bottom of those crocodiles and brain aneurisms.

Back at ISIS headquarters, meanwhile, Lana was busy klomping around in her most idealistic self since "Pipeline Fever" trying to stop the boys from blowing up the pipeline and proving she could love something outside of work. Of course, she was unable to prevent the guys on the former. Only their incompetence and corruption was to blame for that.

That and a venomous snake bite. Luckily, Archer pulled through when the guys were properly able to identify the right gurp gork and get Archer's antidote. But not before we missed out on Archer's father's reveal.

Overall, it was a pretty solid episode and better than last week's Katya and Barry outing. Now for some of my favorite Archer quotes and references from the episode:

I may have never been an Anthony Bourdain fan before, but after this week's "Live and Let Dine," I am now! And, like Archer, I might have to check out that world traveling show!

Bourdain, who most recently has been on ABC's The Taste, brought his signature attitude as Lance Casteau. Even if Malory never got her wine pairing, Reed's writing and Bourdain made a great duo.

Honestly, I could ramble for this entire review how Bourdain has easily been my favorite bit guest voice on Archer.

Aas, I must briefly discuss our adventures to stop the Albanian assassination at the uber exclusive Seize. Unfortunately, because I know no Kennedys and am unwilling to give out any gun librarians handys, I'll have to get my opinions like the other 2.8 million fans. From our found footage/reality TV show episode.

The story was eerily like one my personal favorite Archer episodes, "Skytantic." Sure, there was no Trudy Beekman to upstage, but there was an excellent meal for Malory to have.

Speaking of Malory, between her showdown with Jermain the fish and the flashback to her and Ron being throw out of Midnight Ron's Carmen, my favorite newlyweds had me in stitches this week.

Archer, and his latest guy crush, Lance, were, of course, the focal point of the episode. Sterling was great as he bossed around Cyril and demand he be called "chef" by everyone. The mini Bourdain may be no better than Lance's morning poos, but I still think the poor guy missed his true calling.

Oh, and poor Lana and her competent self trying to stay on target during their fake, yet, again, real mission. All the French in the world couldn't get her out of phone duty.

Overall, even if it was a slightly recycled plot bit, it was another strong effort and continuing on a great season. You know where to find our favorite Archer quotes from the episode.  

But enough from me, I have to head off to Red Hook to go dumpster diving. There's a bumper! Leave me your thoughts in the comments.

This week, Archer headed to the sun-blasted shithole that is Texas to stop some a "Coyote Lovely," which is espanol for people smuggler  Also, coyote. 

But in the end, really after klumping around Turkmenistan just two weeks ago, Archer spent yet another adventure in the dessert nearly dying.

Replace some Turks with some Border Patrol Texans, Lana out for Ray and some dictator satire for some illegal immigration and you basically have an eerily similar episode. Just without all the hallucination of a snake bite.

Once Lana and Cyril were sent back with some Archer-inflicted injuries, we were treated to some all-too-brief scenes at ISIS. Just some brief moments of Pam and Cheryl with only a hallucination of Krieger? Boo!

Luckily, Archer and Mercedes kept things pretty entertaining on the lamb. From drunken veterinarians to Archer's endearing racism and interaction with Lupe, our lead character managed to cover for the lack of usual supporting goons.

Unfortunately, even with a pretty clever ending, the episode felt too eerily similar to Sterling's last near death experience for me. What did you all think?

I'll leave you with my favorite Archer quotes and moments:

• Liberal hippie Lana is anti illegal immigration?  Never saw that coming..
• Maybe Archer is autistic?
• So glad Chewy fixed that 8-Track.
• So THAT's how Malory killed the Hobbit.  Damn you network rescheduling. Figured I missed something.
• Who would you trust more? An alcoholic, unlicensed veterinarian... or Krieger?
• Any idiot can got shot cyril. Ask Brett.
• Geesh, Lupe, in America we just imply our racial profiling.

Wow.  I never would have though my favorite Season 4 Archer episode would revolve around an undcover honeymoon surveillance mission...ary.

But luckily these "Honeymooners" didn't take long (unlike Chi!) to go from passive surveillance to actively kicking some Kim Jong ass.

I'm already a sucker for Lana-Sterling bickering. Slap on a couple fake rings and have Malory only direct deposit one bonus, and you got yourself some comedic gold.

Add in the classic trio peanut gallery of Cyril and his hags spying on our newly married spies? Yeah, easily the funniest episode of the season.

Normally, the stiff animation behind Archer leads to some underwhelming action sequences. But somehow the animators even managed to bring some intense action this week with the Ghost Protocol climb (and free fall).

Really, the only minor criticism I could possibly have against an episode that brought back Trudy Beakman? Making Krieger and Pigly 3 the bad guys. Unless somehow his master plan really was to stop the nation state equivalent of the short bus.

Now if you excuse me, I have to power blackout with a couple bottles of Glengoole Blue. Until next week, I'll leave you with my favorite Archer jokes I somehow didn't squeeze into this review:

• Lure him to condo in Miami, drug his Steak au Poivre, drive him out to the everglades, slather him with rancid chicken fat and then toss him to the gators.  Forgot the peppercorns and you might literally have Sterling's worst nightmare.
• North Korea.  The nation state equivalent of the short bus.  So good I had to mention it twice.
• Obviously the penultimate aprodisiac to doing it on top of a tranquied out tiger.
• You say that like there are cons [to a clear coat].
• Obscure reference of the week? Apologizing for Dunkirk.
• A little from column a.  A little from column b.  Don't care if The Simpsons did it.

This week's mission took Archer and Lana to Morocco to extract quite the unusual agent in "Un Chien Tangerine." 

Unlike the show's recent stand of human guest voice actors, the star here was of the canine persuasion.

Unfortunately, that also meant this episode heavily relied on your ability to love a particular Kofta-loving St. Bernard as much as Archer. Sure, he may not have a prehensile tail, but come on, he thinks he's people! Also, sometimes a vampire.

That had to have kept your entertained for half an hour, right? Luckily, for those human lovers, there were also some solid Lana-Archer bickering and even a nice revealing moment between the two when Lana ran off without her gun, sat phone, GPS and life-saving water.

Overall, the mission through Morroco - including Lana's wildly inaccurate lack of sleep while Archer slept with Dutch coeds - was a bit underwhelming. And that's from a man who'd gladly go for a ride through Central Park with Kazak.

Meanwhile, things were short, fun and distracting back at ISIS. Pam managed to squeeze her Daniels Midland body into a pantsuit, ace some IFABs (can you believe it!?) and beat up a Nazi, nerd and queen of the robots on her road to becoming a field agent.

And why the heck not sent her down that road? If they can put Cyril in the field, why not anyone at this point? I'm down to see Pam kick some butt. You know, as long as it's under sterile conditions.

Now if you excuse me, I have to go get catch a hovercraft to make my appoint to Cheryl's impressively accurate gypsy woman. Oh, and hopefully by now you know where to find my favorite Archer quotes that didn't find there way into this review.

This week, Archer, Lana and Pam brushed up on their Romansh, packed some heroine and boarded a plane to head to Italy to stop an assassination during "The Papal Chase."

Adam Reed couldn't have planned a better time to send Archer to the Vatican than coincidentally sending him a mere couple weeks after the new Pope was elected.

The timely episode centered around a failed attempt to plant Woodhouse in the Pope's place, only to do what they were meant to do: botch the job.  

Apparently, the world has learned what any Archer audience member already knows: ISIS has a reputation for being a bit incompetent. But, really, what do you expect from an organization that promotes its accountant and human resources manager (welcome officially aboard Pam!) to field agents?  

After nearly accidentally killing the Pope and screwing up the switch, things got interesting as Cardinal Carnelli vied for the (high-paying) position and the Camorra attempted to gun down the Pope.

Overall, I definitely thought the trip to the city of Smart Cars and Vespas was more entertaining than last week's trip to Morroco. Even if the Camorra cheated and didn't use halberds, it was a pretty entertaining episode.

Now if you excuse me, I may have grabbed the tail of the dragon and have to took off. I'll leave you with my favorite obscure references and Archer jokes from the half hour:

• Loved Ron's suggestion of new carpet in the office. Now that's how you stop ants.
• Can I please get some robot jazz hands installed, Krieger? 
• Don't you hate it when your side arm ruins the lines of your cassock?
• Hah, the underrated Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil, which H. Jon Benjamin voiced the devil.
• More obscure reference I don't get? Oliver Cromwell or William Safire?