In the vast and wacky universe of Archer, there is a special place reserved for the indomitable character of Malory Archer. She was the head of the central spy agency, a force to be reckoned with, and the mother of our beloved super spy, Sterling Archer. Portrayed by the late Jessica Walter, Malory brought a fiery energy to the show that will forever be ingrained in our hearts.
With Jessica Walter's passing in 2021, the show bid farewell to Malory in a poignant and fitting manner, retiring her alongside the character Ron Cadillac, played by the late Ron Leibman. But fear not, dear Archer fans, for a new torchbearer steps forward in season 14. Aisha Tyler's character, Lana, finally takes on the role of the boss after defying the control of Fabian and the IIA.
Recently, in an interview with Screen Rant, Aisha Tyler shed light on the Lana-Malory homage in Archer season 14. She spoke passionately about her relationship with Jessica Walter and how that connection influenced her character over the years. Tyler expressed the importance of honoring the legacy of the elder Archer and filling the void left by 'an incredible comedic actor.'
The love and admiration for Jessica Walter are palpable in Tyler's words. She describes the impact Walter had on the show from its very first pilot, recognizing the specialness of the Malory Archer character and the way Jessica brought her to life. Tyler refers to the hole left by Walter's absence as a 'glowing hole,' a testament to the luminosity of her talent.
The homage to Jessica Walter and the iconic character she created runs deep in the veins of Archer. It serves as a way to honor her memory, to stay connected with the spirit she brought to the show. Tyler expresses pride, joy, and gratitude in having worked with a true Hollywood legend. Jessica Walter, both as the character and as a person, was an absolute firecracker.
Malory Archer, played by Walter, became an iconic character over the course of 12 seasons with her fiery personality and memorable one-liners. Whether she was infuriatingly racist or hilariously high-class, Walter's portrayal infused Malory with the same energy she brought to another beloved TV matriarch, Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development.
Lana, as the rightful successor to the dynamic spy agency, takes on the leadership role in Archer season 14. With her serious approach to missions and her banter-filled exchanges with Sterling, voiced by H. Jon Benjamin, Lana carries the same motivations for running the organization while striving to make a positive impact in the world.
Archer season 14 doesn't shy away from paying tribute to Jessica Walter's Malory through Lana's character. Moments of self-deprecating humor arise as Lana realizes she's becoming the elder Archer, or in heartfelt speeches referencing Malory in the series finale. It's touching to know that Walter's memory remains at the forefront of both her co-stars and the show's writers.
For fans who have laughed, gasped, and grown attached to the characters over the show's 14-season run, the tribute to Walter's legacy brings a sense of closure and appreciation. Her presence will forever be felt in the quirky and irreverent world of Archer.
So, whether you're a seasoned Archer aficionado or a newcomer to the captivating spy-filled world, all 14 seasons of the animated sitcom are available to stream on Hulu. Dive in and get ready to experience the genius of Jessica Walter and the brilliance of the Archer universe.
