DVD Review: Arrested Development, Season 1

This was one of the best shows on television up until the morons at FOX decided to cancel it last year. And what did they replace it with? That’s right – stupid shows like “til Death” and “The Wedding Bells.” It’s a God-damned shame. But that’s what FOX TV does – they cancel shows that are absolutely amazing. *cough* Family Guy & Futurama *cough*

Anyway, before this show was cancelled it was one of the most critically-acclaimed sitcoms in the last ten years – matching even Seinfeld’s early hysteria and cult fan base. After watching the first season (again), it’s easy to see why.

This show is absolutely hilarious! From Lucille Bluth (Jessica Walter) and her snide remarks to all of her children to George Michael Bluth (Michael Cera) and his confusion over whether or not to pursue a relationship with his cousin – it all just falls into place perfectly. As I wrote earlier on this blog, there are some people that watch the show and go, “I don’t get it.” My suspicion is that some dingbat at FOX had that reaction after watching the first show and then just said, “Cancel it.” However, after you watch the first two or three episodes, you “get” what is going on and it’s absolutely brilliant to watch.

The camera work for the show is also great as is the show’s use of the same flashback clips throughout the entire season (this carries into the second season, too).

Arrested Development’s basic story is the story of a rich, privileged family who literally has it all, but loses it when the family patriarch is sent to prison during his retirement party. The problem? Well, besides squandering company funds, there is a chance he may have “committed some light treason” by building housing developments in Iraq. The timeliness of this show (at the time it was aired) is unbeatable, but that’s another story. The plot is made all the better by the fact that the entire family is completely clueless and oblivious to everyday life.

What holds them all together? That would be the prodigal son, Michael Bluth.

Michael, who is masterfully played by Jason Bateman of 1980’s/1990’s sitcom “The Hogan Family,” is the glue that holds the family together as they are subjected to a federal probe. On top of that chore, he also is trying to raise his son, George Michael Bluth, better than he was raised by his father. While he is generally a good father, it’s fun to see him stumble over his words every once in a while and to watch him completely ignore some of his son’s most basic wants and needs.

The story works so well because it is written so well. Without the amazing writing, the show could really fall apart. Again, it’s a shame that this award-winning show was taken off of television too early, but that’s the history of FOX and TV shows that the fans and critics both love. Why couldn’t they put this show on FX? Lord knows it would have been the best show on the entire channel! Eh, I digress.

I highly suggest going out and buying the first season of Arrested Development. Yes, buy it and don’t rent it because I guarantee that once you “get” what is going on, you’ll want to watch the series over and over again.