The world of Archer is full of spies who operate against one another, with even friends and family members turning against each other at the drop of a hat. But could one of the show’s nicest relationships actually be far darker than anyone realizes?
A fan theory about Archer suggests that Pam Poovey, the heart of the spy agency formerly known as ISIS and one of Sterling Archer’s closest friends, might actually be the best spy in the series — and has been operating against Archer for years.
Pam Poovey was introduced in the first episode of Archer as the head of Human Resources at ISIS, the spy agency that Sterling Archer works for. The ridiculous nature of her co-workers meant this was a veritable minefield for Pam, who was often verbally (and sometimes physically) attacked by the likes of Archer and others. Pam also revealed herself to be just as wild of a personality, with a healthy appetite, openness about her sexuality and, perhaps most surprising of all, the skills that make her a strong field-agent. In Season 4, Pam became an agent for ISIS after passing the exams with flying colors. Even when she’s not specifically serving in that position, she often accompanies Archer and the other agents on missions. Along the way, she’s become the closest thing Archer has to a best friend.
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Many of Pam’s skills come from her rural background and developing a brawler’s mentality as she grew older — or so Pam says. The only family member Pam has been shown with — despite often speaking about a large family — is her sister Edie, who appeared in the Season 6 episode “Edie’s Wedding.” But unlike the majority of the cast, her full history hasn’t been explained, just a loose collection of experiences that all come together to make her a supremely dangerous woman. One theory about this hidden history is that it’s not really the truth and even Edie’s wedding was a ruse to endear Pam to Archer. Maybe Pam is so skilled because she actually had a very different kind of background as a spy herself.
There have been double agents within ISIS before — such as Conway Sterns — but is it possible that Pam has been a long-time agent working against Archer? It would explain all of her surprising knowledge and skills, including exceeding in combat, driving and languages. It would also explain why Pam’s distractions and antics often come at the expense of whatever mission they’re on, with a notable time in Season 3’s “Crossing Over,” when Archer and Pam began a sexual relationship. Pam completely distracts Archer from his assignment protecting his possible father Jakov, resulting in Barry being able to locate him and assassinate him. Pam’s actions could be because of her clumsy and enthusiastic nature, but it could also be part of a deep-cover to infiltrate the group and manipulate events to her better.
If this was the case, then Archer’s best friend might be his greatest enemy. Archer is known around the world as a dangerous and skilled agent. It’s possible some force may have decided to impede him by using someone like Pam as a human wild card. Her larger-than-life personality could be a cover to distract the rest of the agents or an example of Pam becoming too accustomed to the freedoms offered in America to party in excess. Even “Edie” could have been just helping seal the illusion of who Pam really is, especially considering they used the opportunity to fight against a rogue Barry.
While the theory might be unlikely, if true, it would cement Pam as the best spy and make her into the show’s greatest villain.
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