‘Archie’ Recap: ‘Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Jason Isaacs as Archibald ‘Archie’ Leach/Cary Grant in Episode 101 of ‘Archie’. (Photo Courtesy of BritBox.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Archie’.
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Truly, one of the most difficult types of stories to assemble on television or film… has to be… the biographical feature. Simply because… how does one quantify and explore, and examine a life over the course of two hours or a handful of episodes? Because there are so many critical moments that go into forming a life, and the person we recognize and adore through and through, and that is likely why we have a love/hate affair with this type of story. Because we want to know about their lives and celebrate them accordingly, but so many shows and movies in this vein take unique liberties to bring that story to life, that don’t always resonate, unfortunately.  

Which isn’t anyone’s fault, it just goes back to how hard it is to truly showcase the sprawling adventure that is a human life. But there are some biographical stories that do get it right and know how to reflect upon a life that captivates us and one show in that vein is airing now on BritBox. For Archie is a mini-series that explores the life and times of one of Hollywood’s most recognized names… Cary Grant. Who lived quite the life and had quite the career and has captivated us for ages on end and well, to properly explore his life in an organic manner, that packs in what we crave for a good biographical feature, this series uses a key moment in time in its series premiere to make all of that happen. 

Specifically, this re-telling of a life, starts in the year 1986. Wherein Cary was on tour to host ‘A Conversation with Cary Grant’. Where he infamously opened up to his audience to talk about his life and career. But of course, he died in 1986, making these tours some of his final, reflective moments. So, what better place to ponder upon a life and its experiences than through that? Which brought forth… some fascinating facts about Cary Grant, who was in fact, born as Archibald ‘Archie’ Leach in England and that fact and his troublesome early years of youth are showcased heavily here. To show us the tough up bringing he endured and how that put him in a place where he felt he had no worth, no identity.

But of course… he found it in the arts, and the wonder of having a crowd adore him, respect him, and see him in that moment, helped to give rise to the man we still obviously discuss and admire to this day. Which is… a great way to begin the exploration of a life, one that peppered in some fascinating moments regarding Cary’s later years as well. Where he found himself eager to court Dyan Cannon. A love that would change so much for him, and it was equally as fascinating to see their early days of courtship and the kindred spirit they clearly shared. But what mattered more, is that this was the right way to kick off a biographical story about a man that so many regard as one of the finest, if not THE finest actor, to ever grace the silver screen. 

Because the end of the line is a time to reflect, and often, our reflections then (and in general) are much like they are here. Focused on key moments that stick out to us, and that we carry and use often to remember why we fight the good fight to have our dreams in hand. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that those moments are sold by fine acting through and through. With Jason Isaacs leading the charge as Cary Grant in his adult years. In fact, Isaacs is utterly riveting in the role and at times, you simply don’t know if you’re watching him play Cary Grant or if he IS Cary Grant. All of which brings forth, a powerful opening chapter to what is clearly going to be an epic celebration of a life that still touches so many today, and it will be fascinating to see what other powerful and formative moments await us from Archie’s life as this series continues along. Until next time.

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