YMMV / Archer S 11 E 8 Cold Fusion

• Alternative Character Interpretation:
  • Is it possible that the Agency is so bored and tired of a normal life, bound by rules? Enough for them to indulge in long-repressed, dark vices that were never given a healthy outlet? The episode leans heavily towards this interpretation- especially when Archer calls them out for blaming him and his presence for actions that are 100% on them.
  • When Lana blows up at Archer at the end of the episode, was it simply a symptom of her increasingly abrasive attitude or was it out of Anger Born of Worry due to the father of her child (who had just gotten out of a three year coma) once again acting recklessly with is own life after she had recently reintroduced him into said child’s life.
• Awesome Moments: Archer gets to give one of the most magnificent comeuppances to the Agency in series history: They’re using him as their excuse for their darker actions and vices. All of which are 100% self-inflicted.
  Archer: Hey everyone! Why are you bitching?
  Lana: Hey! You’re the one who made all our lives worse by not being in a coma!
  Archer: *visibly hurt* Hmm, true. Cyril’s a wuss, Pam’s gone full horn-monster, Gilette’s probably binging again, and Lana, you’ve been a bitch to Sandra for, like, no reason. But let me just call up 7.5 billion of my closest friends to get their opinions. Oh, hey, guess what! They’re totally fine with it because they’re alive! And how many times did you guys save the world while I was in a coma?
  Everyone: *dead silence*
  Archer: I’LL TAKE YOUR SILENCE TO MEAN ZERO TIMES!
  Lana: Honestly, at this point, I’d wipe out the entire Earth if you went with it.
  Archer: Did you people ever consider that you need me around because you want the excuse to be your worst selves?
  Lana: Oh, shit!
• Moral Event Horizon: Lana is willing to destroy the entire Earth, daughter included, if it means Archer dies too. Granted, she may have been lashing out in typical Lana fashion (as she obviously loves her daughter very much, judging by her manhunt for Peregrine), but the implications are still there.
• Tough Act to Follow: Despite the technically increased stakes, many fans thought this episode didn't match the emotional intensity of "Caught Napping" and wish that had served as the season finale instead.