Genres

Visitors Review

NMoore5693 2012-05-24 14:29:21

Really, really want to like it

I couldn't wait for Arrested Development to debut because I absolutelyadore Jeffrey Tambor and try to watch anything he does. I have no doubtall the glowing reviews I've read here are accurate and I wish the showwell. However, I cannot watch it. I know the video camera look offilming is supposed to be one of its charms, but it actually makes meuncomfortable, nervous, and tense to watch this method. I really triedto watch it, and the few minutes I could endure were as delightful asadvertised. I realize that changing to a more standard filming formatwould take away the edginess, and I applaud their courage to bedifferent. I understand the flaw is in me, but I would dearly love tobe able to watch the show. All the rest of you: lobby hard for itssuccess--really good shows are far and few between.

Duane Maddy 2012-05-24 03:30:21

In everybody's top 10 of all time

Where would television be if NBC had given up on Seinfeld after initialpoor ratings? Or if Hill Street Blues had gotten the ax after a slowstart? Arrested Development is proof that Fox Network executives shouldall lose their jobs and be replaced by a team of trained monkeys. Thisshow is an amazing display of what television should be. Funnier thaneven I Love Lucy or Friends. Characters so rich in development, sounlikeable, and yet so lovable. Ron Howard hasn't done this good sincethe Andy Griffith Show! Fox cancels shows based strictly on initialaudience response. They had a certified hit, yet never advertised it.They allowed the next great M*A*S*H or Cosby Show to slip through theirfingers and chose to replace it with The Loop and The War At Home.Anyone watch either of these duds? No...and you'll not remember them ayear from now either. But people will always be talking about AD. Foxwill always regret this decision...and will always have a lot ofexplaining to do to its fans.

emeriboy 2012-05-19 00:27:02

Like a Sitcom From God

Everyone like sitcoms in California. And since Arrested Development isbased in California it's already won half the battle. But it stillsticks out as quite probably one of the best sitcoms any of us aregoing to see, right up in the ranks of Seinfeld.Although unlike Seinfeld, it has a plot. Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman)is naturally, unfairly put in the position of having to take care ofhis rather incapable family, as well as his own son, his father'shousing business and his own problems. Each episode generally existsaround a core conflict between one of the many cast members, either afamily member or a family friend. As expected in any great sitcom,story lines weave in and out of episodes and fresh new material is putin to the show. The writers quite simply; extremely good.Each and every character has their own personality and they feel, lookand act real. Every character is just as spicy and well-developed asthe next. Even the narrator is as heart-felt as the characters. Theconflicts range from your typical comic plots to a few things that justmight take you by surprise.-- One thing that does stand out the fact there is no laughter audio inthe background. Something that seems like a really good move and givesthe show a distinct, more personal feel. It fits perfect in with thetype of humor the series delivers. One more trademark is the re-runvalue. There are a bunch of things in the episodes, from props to linesthat'll take a few viewings to actually notice they were said, makingyou maintain a level of interest on the show whenever you watch itagain.So all in all, Arrested Development is one of those shows that anyonecan enjoy, whether you like this kind of thing or not. . . Not to bemissed by anyone.

Scars_Remain 2012-05-18 18:36:50

A 9.7 for Good Reason

Arrested Development was a show that really understood what comedy isand should be. It has a similar feel to The Office, the same awkwardcomedy that leaves you rolling on the floor laughing. And while I loveThe Office, I honestly think this show is the better of the two. If youhaven't seen this, pick up the DVDs and start watching. It really suckshow the great shows always get canceled and crap like DesperateHousewives is still on the air.The driving force of this show is definitely the awesome characters.The storytelling is top notch as well with some of the most ridiculousand hilarious situations you'll ever see. Everything about this show iswonderful in every way! Fans of awkward comedy will love this show. There is also a full lengthfilm coming out in 2009 so be sure to see the series first!

canadianstud1 2012-05-05 23:15:14

To clever for Fox and America

Talk about having a jewel in the hand of Fox programming,and yet theyseem to always threaten to cancel the show. Fox high brow level ofhumour,usually consists of people belching and making farting sounds,to appease the Jerry Springer fans of the world. The Simpson's isgrowing thin now,and Arrested Development was a saving grace for Fox,and they'll kick themselves down the road if they axe the show. This isone of the most solid cast around, with talent oozing from them. Thisshow will go down in the annals as one of the best shows on TV, upthere with The Honey Mooners, All in the Family and Simpsons. KEEP THESHOW FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR!!!!

amdarren 2012-05-05 05:57:33

The New King Of The Sitcom

Well I am sad to announce that the Simpsons are unable to hold theirtitle of funniest television show anymore. That title left them aroundseason 11 and now has finally found a new home with ArrestedDevelopment.Everything in this show fits so well. The plots circle in and surroundall the characters mixing them up perfectly. The characters themselvesare unique and completely hilarious. Why? Here you go:1) Gob dancing around before his magic act. His stupid scooter thingy.2) Lindsay's ridiculous behaviour toward the opposite sex. 3) Tobias'ridiculous behaviour toward the same sex. 4) Lucille's uncannydisregard for her children. 5) George Seniors unbelievably poorbusiness management (yet its successful). 6) George Michaelsnervousness and difficulty understanding anything related to hisfamily. 7) Maebe's constant outsmarting of her dimwitted or perhapsjust oblivious parents. 8) Buster's... well he is just hilarious. 9)Michael's constantly foiled ideas for keeping his family together whiletrying to retain a relationship with his adolescent son.It all fits so well... watch it!

writerx13 2012-05-04 07:14:23

Brilliant

Against my better judgment I rented a season DVD from Blockbuster. Ishould ignore my better judgment more often. This show is probably oneof the best shows ever made! It takes a while before you understandwhats going on so I recommend renting or buying the DVD and watching itin order. The writing rivals Seinfeld and the likability of thecharacters rivals Cheers. Fox has a way of not knowing what it has. Thenetwork poorly advertised the program and paid even less attention whencritics praised it. Maybe they thought the critics could keep itafloat...cause everyone listens to the advice of a critic. Even withthe series cancellation the shows popularity is growing. I recommend itto anyone who is sick of formulaic sitcoms and wants something with alittle more substance, plot and yes humor. Tell your friends andfamily! who knows Fox might pull another Family Guy.

ZachBonnell 2012-05-03 17:43:42

One of TV's best shows

I love watching this show. I have seen the whole series at least 4times over and I can still watch it whenever I see it on TV. Thecharacters are so great and they all work together so perfectly. Thereare so many jokes inserted to every minute most of which you won'tcatch the first time around. Every now and then you can see an actor oractress with a big smile on his/her face right before the camera cutsto the next scene which shows you how much fun the actors are having onset and how funny everybody is. There are some great cameos and sidecharacters played by some familiar and funny people. Like most people Idon't understand why Fox canceled this show, while at the same timethere seems to be no end in sight to the dying and unfunny newerSimpsons episodes and the over done American Idol which I didn't caretoo much for in the first place. This along with Seinfeld and the olderSimpsons episodes are thing I can watch repeatedly without gettingtired of. Good job to the Writers/Actors/Producers/Directors of thisshow. I wish Ron Howard would narrate my life for a week to the musicof David Shwartz.

Paul Ingraham 2012-04-24 18:42:23

writing as complex as DNA

You know how Pixar movies are sprinkled with growed-up jokes that thekiddies won't get? But there's lots there for kiddies, too?Arrested Development is like that, except that the episodes aresprinkled with jokes that geniuses will get, but there's lots there fornormal people, too. AD is rich with layers that I have missed 3, 4, 5times only to finally "get it" on the 4th, 5th, 6th viewing.For instance, I can't quite get over how the show is riddled with jokesthat depend on stuff that hasn't happened yet. That's absurdlydifficult writing. It's like comedy the way God would write it, full ofdouble and triple meanings, palindromic, executed with an masterfulawareness of the whole project. It's ridiculous. As a writer myself, ADmakes me want to sit in a corner and weep, because I have no hope thatI will ever write anything this good, or even this complex.Sigh.I'm glad someone else did, though! Great stuff!

zer0_49 2012-04-24 13:00:35

Lighthearted Sopranos

After blowing thru the first season DVD's in one setting, it is clearthat the series has a solid story line following the exploits of acorrupt family. Sounds familiar, as a huge Sopranos fan i can say thatthis is in the same realm, only with a Seinfeld/curb your enthusiasmtwist. This shows the depth of the writing and screenplay, as havingmore story elements than anything else on TV today. Honestly, theclosest thing that comes to this story is the movie Snatch or LockStock and Two Smoking Barrel. In trying to defend his fathers company,real world events, Operation Iraqi Freedom, tie into the fathers lighttreason, as most of Saddams palaces were built by this same real estatecompany. But i was lucky in watching the DVD's, otherwise there is noway i could have followed the story, or most of the jokes, when theepisodes are closely knit together thru references and plot points, butappear only once a week. Fox has a problem with good shows, as when itgets them, it usually tries them for 3 seasons, then curtains them (ie.family guy, futurama, titus, many many more). If only they could takethis to HBO, where the cursing wouldn't be bleeped. Until fox cancelsthis, the simpsons will be the only other show i watch (oh and Americandad).

Thor2000 2012-04-17 07:17:34

Future Classic TV Series

I love this show. Very few shows make me break out laughing these daysanymore. Arrested Development is finally what all comedies should be,thick characters, rich plots, excellent talent and intelligent humormixed with momentary nods to other shows by the cast. Henry Winkler aslawyer Barry Zuckerkorn periodically has little "Fonzie" moments. JasonBateman has been waiting for a great show like this. He's starred inshows like "It's Your Move" and "George and Leo" that were great, butthey never bordered on excellent like this show. Portia De Rossi makesme forget she once did "Ally McBeal." She just never reached her fullpotential there. I can say the same thing for David Cross (The DrewCarey Show) and Jeffrey Tambor (The Ropers, Mr. Sunshine,); both ofthem reach to greater comedic heights here. I've never seen JessicaWalter do comedy before, but it's amazing the depth of antagonism shebrings out as the family matriarch. Also part of the cast are WillArnett, Tony Hale, Michael Cera and Alia Shawkat; four unknowns I'venever heard of but who ought to go far with this series in theirresumes. It's just uncanny as to how the plots this repertoire ofactors create constantly overlap; they do the show so effortlessly. RonHoward coming out of his busy schedule to do narration also adds tothis successful formula as he reveals past events and tidbits that mayor may not have repercussions later. It's through his words we reallyenter this world and even thank the heavens we are not members of thiscrazy family, but to tell the truth, I kind of wish I was. I only wishthe series was back on Sundays with "The Simpsons" and after "The Warat Home." FOX sticking the series on Mondays seems to reveal they havecontempt with the show the same way NBC had with "Star Trek" and CBSwith "Gilligan's Island," and look where they are now: two TV legaciesthat never reached their full potential because some freaks with lowintelligence pulled them off the air against the wishes of their fans.

jaxnavenue 2012-04-16 22:30:22

Get Arrested.

Many people that watch Arrested Development will tell you, that ifyou're dumb, you will not like this. This is a smart show for smartpeople. However, while this is indeed a smart show, they make it wellenough for even those born at the shallow end of the gene pool. FOX hasreceived it most clever show, simply put, "now (It's) a story of awealthy family, who lost everything and the one son who had no choice,but to keep them all together." This one son, Michael Bluth, has todeal with the troubles of his family. This may sound a bit tedious, butI assure you it is far from it. His family is dysfunctional, yes I knowwhat you're thinking, "Which Sitcom family isn't?!" but there is anelement to this family that draws you to them. They all have their ownselfish desires, which are never innocent. Michael is not the good sonof the family either. There is no sane member that keeps everythingtogether.What can I say? I don't think I laugh more during any show. This showis unbelievably intelligent, but not to the point where you have tothink hard. T.V. offers us a relaxation, so it's our fundamental rightto not have to work hard.Now I dare ANYONE, I mean ANYONE, to watch the first season fiveepisodes, and not like it. It simply can't be done.

2012-04-16 16:01:25

Cancellation the worst decision FOX made

Furthermore, an even worse decision was show writer Mr. H's refusal tostay on so that the show could be picked up by Showtime. I was willingto buy Showtime just for this show. This show was a breath of fresh airamong cookie-cutter sitcoms, mind numbing reality shows and overdonelaw/medical/forensics shows. Who are these people with the Neilsonboxes and what are they thinking? How many Law & Order and CSIspin-offs/ clones are they going to make? I hated the originals!Reality shows lower your IQ by two points with each episode, and veryfew sitcoms are truly funny or original anymore. This was one of thefew. The writing, direction, production, acting, and every aspect downto the music and camera-work were all top notch. Despite FOX's lack ofadvertising, this show won 6 Emmys on its first season. I didn't evenknow about the show until Season 2 was out on DVD. I bought Season 1based on word of mouth (and immediately went out and purchased Season 2after watching only four episodes of Season 1). I wondered how I hadnot heard about such a brilliant show through 2 whole seasons. It wasas if FOX wanted it to fail. I learned FOX kept cutting the seasonsshort and bounced its scheduling around putting it in the line upagainst other networks power shows- it even put it up against MondayNight Football- then wondered why the ratings were poor? This show wasdestined to be another 'Cheers', a show that had poor ratings duringits first seasons then went on to become one of the longest runninghits of all times. It makes me want to cry that such a truly geniusshow won't continue. I purchased Season 3 on DVD and watched the entiretwo-disk set, all the extras and episodes with commentaries a secondtime in one sitting. This show is that good! The clerk at the storefrom which I purchased the DVD even commented on what a smart purchaseI was making, and then we discussed how saddened we were that it wascanceled. I pray DVD sales will force FOX or Mr. H to reconsider, andif there is a God, he will bring this show back from the dead.

hidreamers 2012-04-16 02:01:55

Best ever

Bets TV Show ever, to smart for some to understand. All the linksbetween characters on and off screen, give the show an underlying humorsome cannot understand. This is a show you have to watch several timesto get all the jokes and references from previous shows. You will findyourself laughing over and over again. To bad it was taken well beforelots time. The Happy Days and Andy Griffith,ties alone are humorous.Henry Winkler is one of the most versatile actor around. Jason Batemanis the perfect straight man. The show ,in season three, where Michealmeets his sister Nelly, can sum up the sophisticated adult humor thatmade the show.

Mongies 2012-04-15 19:13:51

Why aren't people watching?

Arrested Development is by far one of the best comedies to air--ever.Instead of the standard laugh track or live studio audience to cue theviewer when to laugh, the show relies on the sharp, witty andwell-informed writing; as well as, the impeccable performances of atruly talented cast. The characters are excellently defined and moretrue-to-life than some people would like to admit. (Anyone that hasspent time in the wealthier parts of Orange County--or a place likeit--can attest to this.) Jason Bateman leads the group with remarkable precision in hisportrayal of Michael Bluth, the only "normal" adult in the family,trying desperately to maintain a healthy bond with his son GeorgeMichael (the talented Michael Cera). He is given the task of thestraight man, quite possibly the most difficult type of role to take onin the world of comedic acting, and he still manages to be funny.David Cross shines as the brother-in-law of Michael. Along with Lindsey(the outstanding Portia de Rossi), the two have a ridiculous marriageand a wonderfully crazy daughter (Alia Shawkat). The brothers Gob (WillArnet) and Buster (Tony Hale) are great comedic performers, showingvery different elements of the Bluth family. And, of course, there'sthe parents. The perfectly cast Jessica Walter and Jeffrey Tambor areamazing in their roles as the clear reasons why this family is somessed up. The entire cast leave us (the viewers) with lastingimpressions. From the minute we meet each and every one of them we aregiven a clear idea of who they are and how off-centered theirrelationships are to one another in their own unique and hilariousways.So why, after all the awards, nominations and pure brilliance of theshow, is it about to be canceled?

MMcDonaldFan 2012-04-14 21:52:31

shines like a diamond

this is one of the most creative shows i've seen on television sinceSeinfeld. there are so many ironic twists and turns. the music, thecast, the stories, the references and wit, the miscommunication, theabsurdities, the documentary film-style, Ron Howard's delightfulnarration...the show is an absolute delight. so many other sitcomscorner themselves (i.e. "Everybody Loves Raymond"), yet this sitcombreaks boundaries and conventions w/out being pretentious (i.e."Frasier"). it is fresh and gives you a central character you canactually admire: Michael Bluth. he is funny and warm and genuinelycaring and can make mistakes and be a jerk without pushing viewers away(something even the cast of Seinfeld couldn't do).

nicksementsov 2012-04-07 12:26:10

Fantastic show

This show is great and, after watching a few episodes, you love it.However, the problem is that you HAVE to watch at least 2 episodesbefore it starts getting funny, which I think is the problem, since Foxviewers generally don't like something unless it's in your face andobvious, and if they don't laugh within 5 minutes, they change thechannel.Perhaps the show would have faired better on HBO or something, butreally, if you have never seen it before, give it a chance. It's areally great show that deserves to be on TV.WATCH IT NOW

ivko 2012-04-07 01:08:42

Pure, undiluted genius

This is what television comedy could be. No moronic laugh tracks thattell you when to bark like a seal, just the best written, acted, anddirected comedy to hit the airwaves since Seinfeld or The Simpsons. Theshow follows the rising and falling fortunes of the Bluth family, acollection of the most dysfunctional oddballs and misfits you've everseen. The humor includes an expert mix of broad physical humor, drywitty stuff, and good old Simpsons-esc style ironic observations andsatire. But the real beauty of Arrested Development (much like Seinfeldand The Simpsons) is how it reflects back a funnier version of us.These are the dysfunctions of ourselves and our families, ourcommunities, and our times blown up 100X so that we can see and laughat our own absurdity. The writers have insinuated in the show that thetitle refers to our cultures lack of desire to grow up, but I think itreflects more on the human condition. No matter how old we get ormature we act, there is always a piece of ourselves calling out forRosebud. It's absurd, childish, and very very funny. If you missed theprevious seasons, buy them on DVD. And watch the show, you won't regretit.

runamokprods 2012-04-06 10:52:32

I'd argue for this as funniest TV comedy series of all time,

Always amusing, and often brilliantly funny, inventive, surreal seriesabout a rich family gone terribly wrong, and the one sane one trying tohold things together. Sort of what you might have gotten if George Bernard Shaw, Kaufman andHart and Monty Python had teamed up to do a spin on a traditionalsitcom. The acting is terrific, from top to bottom. Even producer Ron Howard'snarration is great. Not every joke works, but as it gets weirder andweirder (and funnier and funnier), all I could think is "how the helldid they ever get this on network TV? And thank god they did!" On re-viewing, I found the first season a little less brilliant, alittle more repetitious, but maybe that was because they had to fill30+ episodes. The second season, with only 18 episodes, goes throughthe roof much more often, with more clever twists and ideas perepisode, and more aggressive weirdness. And the third season is trulyinsane (occasionally over-the-top, but usually successfully, with theaddition of elements like Scott Baio's Bob Lawbla character, andself-referential episodes like 'Save Our Bluths'

Christie Mallon 2012-04-06 02:29:53

Love it, Love it, Love it

I don't understand why people don't watch this show. It is the funniestshow on television. There are many jokes that are not so blunt and youhave to actually think a little bit to get the joke. But there are somany subtle things in the show that after watching re-runs you willalways find something different and funny you didn't see before. Idefinitely recommend this show to all people because of the happilydysfunctional Bluth family. You won't stop laughing, every episode getsfunnier and funnier. Michael is definitely the leader and what keepsthe family together. Lindsey is perfectly selfish most of the time andhysterical. Tobias is ambiguously gay and Lindsey lets him know it. Therest of the family is just so outrageously funny it deserves all thepraise it has gotten for the past two seasons, and hopefully more tocome.