Arrested Development - Season One (2003)

Winner of the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy its first year out, Arrested Development is the kind of sitcom that gives you hope for television. A mockumentary-style exploration of the beleaguered Bluth family, it's one of those idiosyncratic shows that doesn't rely on a laugh track or a studio audience; it's shot more like a TV drama, albeit with an omniscient narrator (executive producer Ron Howard) overseeing the proceedings. Holding the Bluths together just barely is son Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman), the only normal guy in a family that's chock full of nuts. Hardworking and sensible, Michael's certain he's going to be given control of his family's Enron-style corporation upon the retirement of his father (Jeffrey Tambor). The fact that he's passed over instead for his mother (Jessica Walter) is only a blip when compared to his father's immediate arrest for dubious accounting practices, and the resulting freeze on the family's previously limitless wealth.

Bereft of money, and even less family love, the Bluths have to band together in their moment of need--not easy when everyone's looking out for number 1. In addition to his scabrous parents, Michael has to contend with his lothario older brother (Will Arnett), his basically useless younger brother (Tony Hale), his greedy twin sister (Portia DeRossi), and her sexually ambiguous husband (David Cross). Michael's only comrade in sanity is his son George Michael (Michael Cera), but then again, the teenage boy harbors a secret crush on his cousin (Alia Shawkat). A peerless ensemble led by the brilliant Bateman (who ever knew he could be this good?), all the actors are pitch-perfect in their roles, delivering the dryly funny, sometimes absurdist dialogue with the speed and flair of classic farce. The unusual tone of Arrested Development takes a bit of getting used to--it's far different from anything you'll see on TV, even HBO--but once you buy in to the Bluths' innumerable dysfunctions, you'll be laughing your head off for hours.--Mark Englehart Amazon.com

Amazingly Brilliant...

One of the funniest series I've ever watched. They linked everything together beautifully, you'll be watching the 2nd season and laugh at a one liner that they tied in from the first season. A Must buy. September 22, 2008

Unbelievably Good

I won't go into detail about why this show is so good because 400+ people have already told you. I just wanted to contribute one more 5 star review to make the voting even more lopsided than almost any other item. The only show I can think of that reaches the same level is seasons 3-6 (give or take a season) of The Simpsons. I'm sure there are more shows that compare that I just haven't seen, but hopefully that indicates how good it is.

Buy it and lay sleepless at night wondering how a show like this doesn't last. July 22, 2008

Best Deal Ever

Let me put it this way, I have bought soooo much sh-- off Amazon and I have never thought twice about writing a review. But this was the most lovely purchase I ever made. I had heard a lot about this show, so I endulged and bought the whole set and it was endless hours of entertainment and happiness. Only now do I realize the impetus to keep this show going. It's brilliant! July 9, 2008

Putting the "Fun" in Dysfunction

Pity Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman). His father is in the slammer, his mother is a manipulative witch, his twin sister is perpetually espousing fashionable social causes, and his brothers either have mother issues or womanizing ones. "Arrested Development" is unique as a sitcom. It's done in mockumentary form,like a Christopher Guest film (even Guest regular Jane Lynch makes an appearance) Ron Howard provides the tongue-in-cheek narration. There are faux TV clips,a fake '70s stoner hit "Big Yellow Joint" along with fake yearbook photos. It's a staggering work of genius.

"Arrested Development" has great lines like "We're brothers. We kinda like each other", and the magician Gob's (Will Arnett) insistence on championing the Banana Grabber character,as well as Michael's son George Michael (Michael Cera) being called "Opie." It's chock full of irony. In the pilot episode, flamboyant gays campaigning for marriage disrupt the Bluths' yacht party. Lindsay Funke (Portia DiRossi) views the proceedings in arrogant disgust. Considering the recent ruling on gay marriage and Portia's engagement to talk show diva Ellen DeGeneres,it's ironic indeed. There are plenty of guest stars like Henry Winkler as a slimy lawyer,Liza Minnelli as Buster's older girlfriend, and Carl Weathers of Action Jackson fame as himself.

As for Jason Bateman,yes,I'm the child of the '80s. I watched "Family Ties" and "Silver Spoons"... but I don't remember him (Michael J. Fox was the It Boy of the '80s)It's nice to see him come into his own as an actor,and hot,to boot!

"Arrested Development" puts the fun in family dysfunction! May 24, 2008

challenged family

Put some light into a dismal day by watching this dysfunctional family relate to one another. One of the funniest shows I have ever seen! April 27, 2008

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