MT: We always at least try to plot small changes to each character, each season. We treat them as real people who are in a state of constant change. And we have done so much with Archer feeling he is “invincible” or “immortal” that it was just feeling stale. So in later seasons, you see him losing a step, getting a cane, being made fun of for his age, having a younger agent come in and best him physically. But Archer still rages against the dying light, which just feels right to us.
CW: There is a lot of fun to be had with the guy who used to be the best in the world who is now slipping a bit. I also think that Archer learns new ways to deal with situations. I really like early in season 14 when Archer is tied up and tries to insult his captor only to get shot repeatedly in the same spot. In early seasons of the show, Archer’s scheme would have worked. But now, he has to get saved by a younger agent with an actual plan.
Every character in Archer experiences considerable changes since the show’s start, but who do you think has made the most growth since the first season?
PC: Archer, 100%. He survived cancer, went to therapy, and has possibly made it to Pam levels of sexual progressiveness.
MT: I think Pam has grown the most. In the pilot she had two lines and was really focused on her HR duties, talking with a dolphin puppet. What she became was something truly glorious, and my favorite character. She is hedonism, love, protection, rage, understanding and she is one of a kind. You would not recognize her as the same character that she was in season one.
CW: Matt and Pierre had great answers, but I would say there is a good argument for Lana having grown the most and gone through the most changes. She becomes a mother. Got married. Got divorced. Learned to work with Archer in a more productive way and became head of The Agency!
