When Malory suspects that she might have breast cancer, she undergoes a medical examination — but ends up whining over not being the center of attention when Archer is the one who has breast cancer.
This episode provides examples of:
- Bait-and-Switch:
- At the end, Archer gets a call post-surgery that it was successful and he is now cancer-free, only to get another call to say that's not the case, only to get another call to say it was the case, only to get one more call to confirm once and for all that he still has cancer.
- Bullying a Dragon: Brett decides it's a good idea to mock Archer, a lethally dangerous spy and certified badass, for having cancer. He learns why that's a bad idea when he proceeds to get the shit beat out of him by a rightfully pissed off Archer.
- Cannot Keep a Secret: Very common for Pam throughout the series, but this shows one of the worst examples, as she is still actively texting the ISIS staff about Malory's diagnosis when told to keep it confidential.
- A suspicious Archer immediately goads Pam into spilling the beans with minimal effort, exploiting this trope.
- Dude, Not Funny!: Archer beats up Brett (intentionally with his bare hands for once) after the latter mocked the former for having breast cancer. Nobody even tries to stop him, seemingly from the same reaction.
- Freeze-Frame Bonus: In the hospital waiting room, Malory reads a magazine for restaurant servers called "Waiting", and Lana reads a design magazine called "Rooms".
- It's All About Me: Malory is accused of this when it turns out that Archer has cancer and not her.
- Laser-Guided Karma: Immediately after Brett mocks Archer's cancer, the latter tackles the former and proceeds to beat him up pretty badly. Further, nobody else even pretends to make any sort of effort to stop him, evidently believing Brett earned it.
- Pity Sex: Archer managed to get Lana to do this with him after being diagnosed.
- Punctuated Pounding: Archer, while beating up Brett for making fun of his cancer.Archer: I'm trying! To stay positive! Both mentally! And spiritually! Brett!
- Running Gag: "Did I mention I have cancer?"
- Surrounded by Idiots: Malory says this at the start of the episode.
- Suspiciously Specific Denial: Krieger doesn't have a hybrid pig-boy… anymore.
- Took a Level in Jerkass: Malory is more of a bitch to everyone than usual in the Cold Opening. When Lana confronts her about it, she finally breaks down and talks about the results of her mammary exam.
- Took a Level in Kindness: Archer becomes nicer to everyone (except for Cyril) after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Viva Las Vegas!: Archer manipulates Woodhouse into giving up his Vegas trip with his brother Dicky. Hilarity Ensues, and he returns home in time for his treatment. There's no telling when Woodhouse will see Dicky again... or where, since he's on the lam in Mexico.
- Wham Shot: The x-ray shows Archer having breast cancer.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Even though it was clarified that the wee baby Seamus is not Archer's son, he decides to spend some time with him. Unfortunately, that get-together involved both of them getting tattoos on their backs (he bribed the artist to do so with the child). Naturally, his mom Trinette is greatly pissed.
