[.ca] Arrested Development: Season One

From Amazon.com:
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

Let's teach them a lesson....:
This is the best TV show I have seen in years. The cast is excellent and they work very well together. I was sick and tired of all of the reality shows that have been on recently and had to find something else before I went crazy. This show has me laughing every episode. This show has many subtle jokes so if you just don't "get it", then don't purchase the DVD. I'm sure everyone who watches this DVD will love it. I can't wait until October for season 2.

This show is PERFECT!:
There's not a ton to add that others haven't already written, but this show truly is a gem. It was supposed to have been cancelled after season one but winning the Emmy for best new comedy series probably gave it a bit of a reprive. I believe it was supposed to have been cancelled after season two, but luckily again, Fox renewed it. I'm not sure what they're commitment to the show is, but hopefully they'll keep it around. I believe DVD sales have been good, so maybe they won't screw up and and cancel it only to have to put it back on the air like Family Guy (another outstanding show). The only potential drawback to Arrested Development would be that you have to pay attention. The jokes and set-ups come fairly quickly and if you're not watching, you'll miss them. This is, however, the best original sitcom to come around for a LONG time, and it easily one of the best.

This show is PERFECT!:
There's not a ton to add that others haven't already written, but this show truly is a gem. It was supposed to have been cancelled after season one but winning the Emmy for best new comedy series probably gave it a bit of a reprive. I believe it was supposed to have been cancelled after season two, but luckily again, Fox renewed it. I'm not sure what they're commitment to the show is, but hopefully they'll keep it around. I believe DVD sales have been good, so maybe they won't screw up and and cancel it only to have to put it back on the air like Family Guy (another outstanding show). The only potential drawback to Arrested Development would be that you have to pay attention. The jokes and set-ups come fairly quickly and if you're not watching, you'll miss them. This is, however, the best original sitcom to come around for a LONG time, and it easily one of the best, PERIOD.

In The Minority Here...:
Nothing but 5 star reviews and a friend that said it was hilarious but I thought it was just poor taste. I love Jason Bateman and whatever actress it is that plays the mother. I also liked the idea the directing done on the show. The story idea was great and then they had to ruin it. Obviously it is just me but I don't think that incest is funny. I don't think that that homosexuality and cross-dressing is funny. That was as far as I got (3 episodes maybe 4 into the first season??) After that I just read the plot episodes on the back and found out that many of the episodes revolve around using sex outside of marriage as the comedic springboard. Too bad most comedy writers now (this show included) do not have enough intelligence to write anything witty. I was expecting intellectual humor and instead just got a fairly disturbing sex comedy.

All good things must come to an end:
To say first: I agree with most of what has already said. The show is great, beginning to end. However, that being said, I must say two words: The Office. Not the American version, but the British version. It was blisteringly funny in a sly and subtle way, developing storylines through intertwining episodes, reminding me much of Arrested Development. But The Office only lasted two seasons, and this is the important part: on purpose. Ricky Gervais made a smash, got great recognition, and is now moving on to bigger and better things instead of drawing the show thin, the plot weak, or the story predictable. Fans of Arrested Development: don't despair. Instead, make television listen to you. Show your support and boycott the poor programming - like Family Guy, they'll have to listen sooner or later. On the other hand, all good things must come to an end (perhaps The Simpsons simply haven't admitted this yet). Oh, and make sure to watch The Office. Also, keep an eye out for Mr. Gervais' new show (I heard through the grapevine): Extras.