‘Archer’ Review: “Legs”

‘Archer’ season 4 constructs its third episode of the year “Legs,” as Ray accepts Krieger's help in surgically restoring the use of his legs, while Archer desperately tries to stop them, fearing a machine uprising.

Last week’s ‘Archer’ episode “The Wind Cries Mary” saw Archer setting out to clear the name of former ISIS agent and best friend Lucas Troy (‘Justified‘s Timothy Olyphant), while Cyril and Lana pursue and Pam forces the staff to undergo peer reviews, so how does “Legs” stand up?  Is ‘Archer’ season 4 building its most classic season yet?

Read on for your in-depth recap of everything you need to know about ‘Archer’ season 4 episode 3, “Legs!”

Ray begins to find life in a wheelchair increasingly difficult, from getting out of bed to readying himself for the day, and particularly at work. Not only does Archer park in the handicapped spaces, and the elevator occasionally go out, but missions Ray planned are given over to agents who can provide the literal legwork. While the others offer little sympathy, Krieger offers Ray the chance to walk again.

Krieger supposes to provide Ray with cybernetic implants and leg bones, not entirely unlike with Katya, but Krieger’s reputation and Ray’s moral obligations initially dissuade him.  Krieger finally convinces Ray by offering him the ability to get an erection, to which Ray relents. Good thing Krieger already drugged the coffee!

Meanwhile, Archer and Lana haggle with armory supervisor Rodney over a rocket launcher for the mission, when Cheryl comes in with list of requirements for Ray’s surgery. Archer realizes that Ray too will become a cyborg, and given his natural hatred of machines, Archer rushes off to stop the surgery. He fires several shots at Krieger’s security door to get in, one of which apparently ricochets into Brett. Figures.

Upstairs, Malory downplays the gunshots as Ron attempts to convince her to go on a cruise, while Archer gleefully investigates the ricochet pattern that apparently struck Brett from impossible angles. The agent suddenly remembers his original intent, and rushes off as Krieger continues the surgery, aided by a drunk and unsanitary Pam.

Archer pleads with Malory for the rocket launcher, until she finally relents looking to spite Ron and his know-it-all attitude about management. Meanwhile, Lana warns Krieger of Archer’s attempt to get in, as Archer himself picks up the rocket launcher from the armory. Lana then calls Rodney, who promptly locks down the facility to keep Archer inside. Archer demands Rodney open the door, before deciding to turn the rocket launcher on the entrance. Everyone feels an explosion from within the building, but Malory continues to ignore things, brushing past a pool of Brett’s blood in the process.

A tattered Archer, Cheryl and Rodney recover from the explosion, after which Archer decides to get out by crawling through the ISIS vents. The others attempt to slow his progress by blasting the heat, which Archer misinterprets as the progressing rise of the machines. Meanwhile, Ray has already come through the surgery, and lies well on the way to recovery.

After the weekend, Malory is none-too-impressed to see Ray walking again, before all is interrupted by a naked Archer crashing from the vents. Coming to, he plays a ‘Terminator’ joke on Cyril, before promptly passing out. Roll credits.

Much as we're certain Ray will end up in a wheelchair again by season's end, we appreciate a good bottle episode like "Legs" to clear up most of the lingering issues from the previous season.  Some of the gags feel a bit stilted this time around, but mediocre 'Archer' is still better than most these days.

What say you? Did you get your fill of spy-spoofing ‘Archer’ action?  What was your favorite gag from “Legs?” Join us next week for another all-new ‘Archer’ episode recap of “Midnight Ron” on FX!