"The Papal Chase" Season 4, Episode
Our Rating
Readers' Rating

Who’d have thought the only way to get me to give a shit about the papacy would be an animated series? Well, my Sunday School teacher for one.. but Archer still managed to achieve what many would consider a minor miracle with “The Papal Chase.” It made religion funny again. Well, considering who you’re talking to, Catholicism has always been a bit of a laugh riot for me, but Archer somehow made it seem fresh again. When you think about the fact that it’s a pretty old religion, that’s pretty damn impressive.

Source: FX

I think the biggest advantage that this episode had is that this was a no-frills episode. It had purpose and direction which, unfortunately, Archer has been lacking this season. A little help from a B-plot would’ve been nice, especially since we only got that one great joke from Cheryl (“Jesus! *Gasps* Shit!”” had me laughing longer than it had any right to) not nothing really from Mallory or even Ray or Krieger. Still, the introduction of Pam into the ragtag band of misfits carried one of the most unforgettable supporting cast members into the main storyline, which was a welcome change of pace. “The Papal Chase” had a lot of fun with its minor characters becoming major players this episode. I am, of course, referring to the unlikely addition of Wodehouse to the team. Wodehouse has been one of those characters that has been given so few chances to shine, but when he gets his moment, he kills it. Hopefully we can expect more from this high-functioning junkie in later episodes or seasons.

Of course, per usual, some of the greatest moments of the episode belonged to Archer himself. The whole “Haa!” joke that carried through the episode was just a small taste of the simple yet hilarious humor at the heart of this show. Still, I’m glad the gay jokes got mad. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I know I’m supposed to be offended and on some level, I always am, but seriously? That mustache? I’ve seen it on retired 70s gay porn stars, it’s that ridiculous. Plus, we’ve all thought it before and, on more than one occasion, kinda wished it… what? Archer’s pretty good looking for a cartoon character, okay?!? Moving on, “The Papal Chase” doesn’t just belong to Archer. As previously mentioned, pulling from the B-squad of characters was a great choice that led to some fantastic banter. Personally, as a comic book nerd, I was a fan of the X-Men reference because… I mean, come on, really? How often do we get a Cypher reference? Although it’s gonna take me awhile to forgive the slander of Remy LeBeau’s good name.

Still, it was the solid blend of the more action-oriented elements of Archer and the comedy that made “The Papal Chase” such a fun time. Even when Archer is at its worst, it’s still better than most things out there, but it’s nice to see a fine return to form, which was exactly what we got last night with “The Papal Chase.”