THE STORY: In this Emmy®-winning comedy’s hilarious third season, Michael Bluth finally realizes that it’s his Uncle Oscar serving time in prison, not his father. Reluctant to spring Oscar due to the effect it may have on the family business, Michael decides that the only fair thing to do is to find his father and place him under house arrest. Yet once found, George Sr. insists he was tricked into working with the Iraqis, leaving Michael no choice but to investigate his father’s outrageous claim. But it isn’t until Michael and Buster go to Iraq on a rescue mission to save Gob that the depth of the devious plot is revealed—and Michael learns which family member is the real brains behind all the madness.
THE REVIEW: Whoa is me. It’s sad to see the brilliantly wonderful Arrested Development come to an end. Seemingly all shows that have been critically acclaimed and adored by fans fall under the axe. This is a show I enjoyed from day one and got lost the third season, not by the show, but by the bizarre schedule Fox had of bouncing the show around. That meant I missed half of the season and couldn’t have been happier to get my hands on the entire season on DVD.
As with the two previous seasons, season three is hilarious and smart. This is the best comedy cast on television—and yes, this sounds like the same thing we’ve said before. Arrested Development’s sharp wit and satire take on everything much like the Simpsons.
EPISODES:
THE CABIN SHOW – When Michael realizes that Oscar, not George Sr., is serving time in prison, he sets off to find his father while also trying to find time to reconnect with George-Michael.
FOR BRITISH EYES ONLY – Michael falls for a British woman while investigating an outrageous claim by George, Sr. in which he says a British construction firm tricked him into doing business with the Iraqis.
FORGET ME NOW – The family’s new attorney works on George Sr.’s defense even as George Sr. plans his escape and Michael tries to destroy all evidence that his family exists.
NOTAPUSSY – Michael volunteers to participate in the father-son triathlon with Gob’s son, while George Sr. mistakenly delivers a “Scared Straight” lecture to a gathering of gay men.
MR. F – Gob tries to trick the company’s Japanese investors when they come to visit, but Tobias ruins everything after he mistakes a CIA agent for a talent agent from CAA.
THE OCEAN WALKER – When Michael decides to marry his new British girlfriend, Rita, his family scoff’s at the idea—until they find out she’s worth millions of dollars.
PRISON BREAK-IN – Michael is worried when he finds out that the prison warden is dating his mother and that the Bluth Foundation dinner is being held in the prison’s new wing.
MAKING A STAND – Tired that his father has once again found a way to pit Gob and him against each other, Michael decides to teach his father a lesson.
S.O.B.s – In order to get enough money to hire a new family lawyer, everyone has to pitch in and get a job in preparation of the upcoming company fundraiser, aptly named “Save Our Bluths.”
FAKIN’ IT – Although George Sr. finally gets a new lawyer, Michael worries when he hears news of a surprise witness and Buster pretends he’s in a coma so he doesn’t have to testify.
FAMILY TIES – Michael hires a woman who turns out to be his long-lost sister, Nellie, and who may be just what the company needs.
EXIT STRATEGY – George-Michael’s surprise birthday party for Maeby gets her in big trouble, and Michael and Buster make a startling discovery when they go to Iraq to rescue Gob.
DEVELOPMENT ARRESTED – Michael is relieved to have all the charges against his father dropped and is also shocked to learn who holds the real power in his dysfunctional family.
THE EXTRAS:
The audio commentary on “Development Arrested” features series creator Mitchell Hurwitz and actors Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, Jessica Walter, David Cross, Tony Hale, Michael Cera and Alia Shawkat. The stories are much more interesting than anything from a production standpoint. You get an understanding of why the chemistry was so good—this was a cast that enjoyed working together.
There are ten Deleted & Extended Scenes, a blooper reel, and a featurette “The Last Day On Location” which is a nice behind the scenes look. The problem is that the featurette doesn’t even last ten minutes. The show is sold too short.
FRANKLY: Arrested Development is hilarious. Season three isn’t as brilliant as neither the first season nor the second—however it’s still funnier than just about any other show on television. It’s a shame this show couldn’t live on at a new home— Showtime or HBO would be a perfect fit because the writers wouldn’t have to rein in the brilliance because of the FCC. Thankfully, Arrested Development will live on thanks to the DVD.
+ Charlie Craine
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