(S01E07) In this kind of, sort of action-packed episode of 'Archer,' the screwed-up relationships between characters really picked up speed. Drama is always heightened when you're stuck with your ex and your unfaithful current beau in a ticking time bomb of a blimp -- er, rigid airship.

It will be interesting to see how much longer they can go on without addressing Cyril's affair with Cheryl/Carol/what's-her-face. The show is only set to run for ten episodes, so it's not unimaginable that they could leave the big reveal for the final episode. And we can assume it will be big because we all saw what Lana did even when Archer and Cyril were just training together.

The Excelsior promo was fantastic in all its mid-century cheesy glory. It did further confuse me as to the 'Archer' time period though. Obviously this ad was meant to be new but it looked super-60s, but the pop culture references through the series are occasionally from the naughts (I must refer to "the Dane Cook of martial arts"). Of course, the entire world surrounding this animated series is ridiculous enough that the continuity regarding the time period isn't a huge issue and actually becomes a bit of a joke itself. I can dig it.

Everything about that cruise ship in the sky was great as well, including the evil-looking Lt. Kraus, who turned out to be a pretty cool guy who got his scary scar after saving a Jewish girl from a gang of skinheads ("So Kraus gets a curb party!"). Archer's perpetual inability to grasp the safety of helium was a testament to the show's oddly specific choice of recurring jokes. Elements! Hilarious.

Other notes from the episode:

Had the previous scenes between Cyril and Cheryl not been permanently burned into my brain, Cyril and Lana's brief moment of togetherness could have been sweet. I did, however, appreciate them deciding to talk about their relationship "right after we shove this huge bomb off the blimp." Thumbs up. "Hooray for metaphors!"

If I may apply some logic to an animated show, why would the Commander decide to execute his bomb plot during the one trip that has a phony bomb threat and a crew of ISIS agents on board?

An already classic conversation between Lana and Archer:
Lana: Cyril is already freaked out enough about us sharing this shoebox without you air-drying your unkempt bush.
Archer: Unkempt bush!? You're one to talk.
Lana: My vulva is a smoother than a veal cutlet!

The absolute best scene in the entire episode, though, featured the return of the flamboyant Agent Gillette, guiding Lana and Archer through the process of diffusing a bomb. Really solid, rapid-fire dialogue. Both the instructions regarding the blue-and-white wires and the "B as in 'Butthole' and M as in 'Mancy'" reveal were hysterical; I can't tell which one I enjoyed more.

And, of course... "Danger Zone" count: 1.

[Watch episodes of 'Archer' and other shows at SlashControl.]