Arthur Henry Woodhouse
Analytic Perspectives From The World Of Archer
There is a time in every analyst’s career when they can related to Woodhouse. He is Archer’s butler, surrogate parent, and really, really damn old.
Which is to say that he plays a supporting role, often critical, always underappreciated. Again, it is something to which every analyst can relate.
While it is unclear if Woodhouse ever really received a job description, he is often called to go far beyond. Working for Archer, his life is filled with events and firedrills, some of most critical nature. And yet, he is expected to carry on with his job as if none of this was going on. “Typical”
It would be enough to drive some to an early grave… or at least retirement. But not Woodhouse. Woodhouse is an old man. How old is debatable. At least one episode showed his birth year as 1894, but given the way the series plays with time lines… let’s just say he is well beyond normal retirement years.
Like any good analyst, Woodhouse plays a supporting role, he plays the mentor, and as noted — the problem solver. He is reliable, hard working, and loyal. He also has a substance abuse issue and a checkered history that includes at least one experience with cannibalism. This is Archer after all…
“When I served in the King’s African Rifles, the local Zambezi tribesman called human flesh “long pig.” Never much cared for it.”
When the original voice actor, George Coe passed away. The show created a montage of great moments to remember him. They provide a great look into the cunning genius and amazing loyalty of Woodhouse, despite plenty of hardship. The character also passed just a few seasons later.
Woodhouse is a great role model in many ways. And like every Archer character, a horrible one in at least a few others. Analysts can draw on his supporting roles, his problem solving genius, his bravery, and his loyalty as aspects worth copying.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more profiles from this cult classic. Next up — Ray Gillette. Triple Dukes!
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