"Arrested Development" Season Three Talkback (Spoilers)

[Fone Bone]

This is the talkback for the third season of Arrested Development. If other folks want to make individual talkbacks for some weeks that's fine but this will be the thread we'll use until then.

Remember, There is ALWAYS money in the banana stand!

Edit: Could a mod fix the thread heading? I really don't want to look at my sucky spelling for a whole season.

[Delthayre]

Damn it all! I forgot again. Stupid War at Home, stole that dependable timeslot. I just don't watch TV on Mondays for some reason.

[MrBananagrabber]

I have to say, this is the first episode that I really wasn't digging. There were parts that were funny, don't get me wrong, but it's starting to go a bit overboard with the whole repeat-a-joke-from-last-season thing, like Family Guy. It just seemed like there wasn't really as much going on that I found terribly interesting. And I miss Barry.

[Fone Bone]

I still liked it. My favorite parts were the picture of Rumsfeld with Saddam (that was just so wrong and so right at the same time) and the narrator assuring us that NOBODY on the show was making fun of Andy Griffith. Score: ****.

[moreysurf8]

I'd also have to say that I thought something seemed...off...about this episode. I'm not exactly sure what it was, the pacing seemed a bit erratic and that they were trying to fit a bit too much into one episode. It was still quite funny though and I have to say my favorite part when was George Sr., Lindsay, and Lucille were doing the chicken dance and then Gob came in and said something like "oh you guys are doing the chicken dance" and then excitedly ran into the other room to put on the chicken costume. I nearly fell out of my chair from laughing at that. Besides at the end of the day, a slightly sub par episode of Arrested Development is better than just about any sitcom that's been on in the past 5 or 6 years.

[Carolina Red]

Wow, Gob really amazed the people with his magic. Then again I bet this whole season he'll be trying to run away from the fact that Steve Holt is his son.

I miss Barry too, but I miss Lucille Austero even more. You think she and Buster will try and get back together?

[VCXZX]

I'm quite surprised no one has mentioned the Brad Garrett line. One of the most creative in-jokes in a long, long time.

You gotta love a show like that.

[Mr Cat Dog]

This episode could have been better. Like people before me said, there was something about it that I just didn't like. maybe it was the pacing, maybe the fact it tried ot put a lot into the episode... I dunno.

The best part of the episode was easily the chicken dance with Lindsay, George Sr and Lucille. It was obvious that Gob was going to come in late a make a big deal out of it, but it was still funny when he did. Tobias was great, as always (especially when talking of Gob's magic trick: the prostate-tacular), and I wouldn't have minded seeing Goerge Michael or Maeby a bit more.

Was it just me, or did this ep not have a "Next time..." part?

***1/2

[Stewie]

I'd also have to say that I thought something seemed...off...about this episode. I'm not exactly sure what it was, the pacing seemed a bit erratic and that they were trying to fit a bit too much into one episode. It was still quite funny though and I have to say my favorite part when was George Sr., Lindsay, and Lucille were doing the chicken dance and then Gob came in and said something like "oh you guys are doing the chicken dance" and then excitedly ran into the other room to put on the chicken costume. I nearly fell out of my chair from laughing at that. Besides at the end of the day, a slightly sub par episode of Arrested Development is better than just about any sitcom that's been on in the past 5 or 6 years.I was gonna say something very similar to all this. Something did seem...off. Ron Howard seemed off rhythm. Things just weren't clicking.
Still, pretty funny. And I always like a reference to Ron Howard's past.
"No one is making fun of Andy Griffith."

[MacGyver]

Not as good as the season premier, but still great. Ron Howard's line about never making fun of Andy Griffith was classic. Getting Andy to appear in court was a great idea for George. I also couldn't stop laughing when Tobias said he was "buy-curious." Oh Tobias, you blowhard. My opinon: ****

I missed one line though as my dad was rustling the paper as he read it. Lindsay made a crack about Michael not talking to his wife by the end, and Michael then said something to her. What was it?

[Stewie]

I missed one line though as my dad was rustling the paper as he read it. Lindsay made a crack about Michael not talking to his wife by the end, and Michael then said something to her. What was it?"Well, there was the coma."
Or something like that.

[MacGyver]

"Well, there was the coma."
Or something like that.Thanks.

Coma eh? That hadn't been revealed before had it?

[tigerrunner]

I agree with most people here, this episode seemed really off. And yet, even an off episode can be extremely funny. GOB was great, and I like the storyline they have going with him trying to avoid Steve Holtz. Tobias really stole the show. Shopping for wigs and the hair plugs were the funniest parts of the episode.

I'm not sure why they all but eliminated the George Michael/Maeby storyline, but I'm guessing they're going to continue that one after the "British" story arc. I'm guessing it'll after Charlize Theron's guest spot is done. She was great, by the way.

I hope that whatever set this episode off is fixed in the next episode, or that they at least have plenty of Tobias and GOB.

3.75/5

[90'sCartoonMan]

I agree, it wasn't as funny as last week's, but come on, it's Arrested Development. The chicken dance was awesome. And for someone who's not good at talking to women, Michael sure has dated some hot ones over the past couple seasons. I feel bad for Steve Holt, though. Finding out you're a Bluth can't be easy.

[Sandoz]

"Do you like magic?"
"No...I LOVE it."

Yeah, this episode didn't have the normal number of laugh-out-loud jokes, but I was still amused. Charlize Theron's character really dragged the episode down.

Barry will be missed, but I have a feeling that Bob Loblaw (hee!) will be hilarious. Charlize Theron and Scott Baio? That's far too much star power for one television to contain.

[Stewie]

Coma eh? That hadn't been revealed before had it?Not that I know of.


Charlize Theron's character really dragged the episode down.Is that storyline not working for anyone else? We're supposed to think she's in with the threatening British people, but she's actually mentally challenged? And the clip from the preview wasn't in the episode, where she's stuffing her mouth with food.
I do like the guy that plays her dad though. He's been in stuff that I don't remember. Some sort of comedy old-hat type thing.

[Fone Bone]

I do like the guy that plays her dad though. He's been in stuff that I don't remember. Some sort of comedy old-hat type thing.SCTV's Dave Thomas. He also starred in Grace Under Fire.

[Stewie]

SCTV's Dave Thomas. He also starred in Grace Under Fire.Okay, now where did I leave my watch?

[RD!]

For British Eyes Only!

[The Drizzle]

I'll make you blue.

[EightOh]

Tim Goodman (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/09/30/DDGP7EVFHB1.DTL) made me blue:



-- "Arrested Development." The funniest show on television is all but dead. There's no official announcement yet, but all the signs are there, and if this short-lived thing of beauty even manages to deliver half of a season, consider that a sanctioned-by-Rome miracle.

The ratings are abysmal. Fewer than 4 million viewers, which puts it in cable territory. Despite what may have been one of its funniest episodes ever in the first week, nobody watched. This past Monday, even fewer people watched. So much for Emmy power. So much for Charlize Theron as a cameo draw.

Blame? Easy. Fox moved the series from Sunday to Monday, which was: (a) stupid, (b) a planned assassination or (c) all of the above. The network barely promoted the night switch -- a killer for viewers, especially those trying to sample 30 new series -- and sure enough, "Arrested Development" drew fewer viewers than last season. Worse, once on Monday, the series got almost no push. Now, there's one more episode before Major League Baseball pre-empts the show -- and Fox will air "Prison Break" repeats in that slot for a bit after that and before, ahem, bringing back "Arrested Development."

Yeah, that'll happen. Enjoy next Monday's episode. Chances are, everything after that will be dubbed "the lost episodes" on the next DVD. Here's how things get worse for Fox: "Kitchen Confidential" is also dying on Mondays. That means Fox hasn't been able to launch a decent sitcom in some time, and, no, "The War at Home" on Sundays doesn't count. If you watch that, you deserve it.

But it's true that the audience always decides. Always. And if it doesn't want "Arrested Development" but gloms onto the asinine "War at Home," three things are in play here: (a) Nielsen families have lame taste, (b) we get the television we really deserve and (c) most damning, the theory of sophisticated urban viewers is out the window. San Francisco was the 27th-ranked market for "Arrested Development." New York, Los Angeles and Chicago all tied for 21st. And Boston was 45th. So much for savvy. Let's move to Portland, Ore., -- it was the No. 1-ranked market for "Arrested Development."

-- FX. And what does that get them? Failure. See, audacity is a burden. Chances are good that the supremely great and powerful "Over There" is out of here. Why? Apparently not many people want to watch fiction about a real war currently raging on. But worse: No women are watching. Also unlikely to return is "Starved," the comedy about eating disorders. It was always a tough sell, but even loyal watchers found it preachy and unfunny in the end. There is still hope, however, that FX will bring back the hilariously unflinching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Ah, but what to pair it with? That's the "Lucky" conundrum. And don't say "Arrested Development." FX can't afford this show. Word is one episode of "AD" is more costly than "Over There."How... utterly dour. :(

[Sandoz]

Gah, this is heartbreaking. I had really hoped that the Friday night marathons and Charlize Theron could have made a difference, but...argh.

[MacGyver]

I'm not giving up hope yet. Maybe the exec.'s will surprise us. They do actually like the show. Plus, as I've said before, if they go to a fourth season, they'll be able to make money by putting it into syndication.

[King_of_doom]

Tim Goodman (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/09/30/DDGP7EVFHB1.DTL) made me blue:


[/size]How... utterly dour. :(

Looks like they didnt learn fox with Family Guy when they change him to another day and got cancelled, and i thought Kitchen Confidencial was doing fine(i didnt see the show but i heard).

[Fone Bone]

Looks like they didnt learn fox with Family Guy when they change him to another day and got cancelled, and i thought Kitchen Confidencial was doing fine(i didnt see the show but i heard).Of course, they didn't learn. This is Fox.

I can't believe The War at Home is a hit. I agree with that argument. If more people watch that piece of crap than Arrested Development America deserves it. NEVER get too attached to a show on Fox, kids.

And why the hell did Everybody Loves Raymond win the Emmy after last year's crappy season when AD could have really used it? I wish the show had at least made it to a full season considering that's how long Fox renewed it for.

Somewhere Joss Whedon, Matt Groening, and Seth MacFarlane are sharing drinks with Ron Howard.

And who changed the name of my thread?

[Mr Cat Dog]

It's not just in America that it's loved by critics but unloved by viewers. Here in the UK, when Series 2 premiered, nearly every single newspaper and critic picked Arrested Development as their top choice of the week. But do you know what time it was aired? 11:15pm on a Sunday night - REAL GREAT TIMESLOT! </sarcasm>. No one watched it... and it didn't even get into the Top 30 for its own channel of BBC2 listings!

None of my friends watch it (although I'm not sure if their opinions count, since they're all rotting their brains with The O.C and One Tree Hill), and the DVD sales are low for Season 1. Despite it being recommended by critics left, right and centre, poor maketing and a timeslot that would make Cartoon Network's scheduling an oasis of paradise have meant its slump in the ratings.

To be honest, I wouldn't be the happiest person in the world if it did get cancelled, but to be honest, it's the best comedy that the US has done in a very very long time, and if it at least gets released on to DVD I'll be glad.

EDIT: It turns out it got 9th in its premiere on the digital channel BBC4, but it dropped out straight afterwards.

[RD!]

Somewhere Joss Whedon, Matt Groening, and Seth MacFarlane are sharing drinks with Ron Howard.I imagine somewhere in this bar twice burned Bryan Fuller and Todd Holland are drinking themselves straight into the hopsital. =[

[EightOh]

i thought Kitchen Confidencial was doing fine(i didnt see the show but i heard).Nope. Shame, too, because I found the second episode to be pretty charming, even without John Cho. Not great TV, but pretty good TV.

Seems that they (AD and KC) are sort of stuck together by circumstance, actually. Either they'll both hang on and survive, or they'll both... :crying:

[MacGyver]

A bit off topic, but the cover art and extras for the season 2 set are online.

http://tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=4223

Just in case some of you don't go to the DVD Discussion board.

[ClockStomper]

What I like about this show is how far in advance they plot things out. Like with Steve Holt, the third episode where Steve gets paired opposite both George Michael and Maeby in the school play is all the more hilarious now. There have also been numerous hand refrences throughout the series predicting Buster's future encounter with the seal (the hand chair, the plush seal he won in the vending machine, etc.)

I've been on the look out for potential future plot twists. I think "Meet the Veals" hints at the true answer about Maeby's paternity. Notice how Anne is a blonde, like Lindsay? And notice how Anne's mother is a curly haired brunnette who looks nothing like Anne?

The answer must be that there was a mix up at the fertility clinic, and Lindsay and Anne's mother had their eggs switched. The irony is then that George Michael had been dating his real cousin in Season 2. thank god they didn't go beyond that one awkward kiss.

[Lord Dalek]

Yay! We're number one! Oh hell...

[atf487]

I've just started getting into the show, after watching a few season one eps this summer, and I freaking love it.

In the latest ep, I thought the "Wee Britain" thing was hilarious.

[EightOh]

This post from TWoP gets both the frustration and the shock and the feeling of abject impotence across pretty well, I think:


An example of what I find strange about the Nielsen ratings: I work in a large retail store. There are literally dozens upon dozens of employees working various shifts. ALMOST EVERY SINGLE PERSON that I know in the store watches AD. It started after Season One came out on DVD-- I had already converted a few, but seeing a full season convinced many of them to start watching it "live" and now all of them are eagerly awaiting the S2 dvd set. When it was time to "Save the show" last spring, I know that several people sent postcards to FOX.

Now, I don't work in some special store for geniuses where the people are naturally skewed to watch TV's Best Comedy. It's just an ordinary chain bookstore, like any other. And over the course of two seasons, the show's viewership among my co-workers has balooned from a couple of people to literally dozens (Dozens of us! Dozens!) Dozens might not seem like a lot, but in an ordinary workplace environment, it is a pretty remarkable thing to know that the whole place pretty much watches the show and most of them consider it their favorite. I find it hard to reconcile that somehow the show is losing viewers on such a massive scale while in my own (purely anecdotal) experience is that everyone in my work has come to be a dedicated viewer.

I realize that my workplace is obviously not representative of the entire public at large, but still: none of these people, to the best of my knowledge, has a Nielsen box. The fact that they have all started watching doesn't matter, except in some hypothetical pie-in-the-sky hope that somewhere out there in Nielsen's statistical sampling, there is a person who somehow "represents" all of us as a regular viewer of AD.

Given how rife with fraud and troubling inaccuracies our elections system is-- and at least that purports to try and "count every vote"-- how are we to trust these stupid Nielsens? I would give anything to be able to have my "vote" count in this lousy situation. I would love it if my watching quality shows like AD actually made a difference as to the survival of those shows. The only way for us to actually take any kind of realistic head count of who loves this show is the DVD sales, where a person buys a DVD set and then it gets counted in that set's Amazon ranking or overall sales. Those are real people, buying actual DVDs, not some theoretical statistical sampling which tries to extrapolate who's watching what and who isn't based on a small number of Nielsen families.

The Nielsens were a system that probably worked much better when it was measuring the Big Three networks. I find it hard to believe that they have adapted seamlessly to a world of hundreds of channels, DVD, on-demand viewing and the Internet.

Desperate Housewives is a big hit, no doubt-- currently ranked #9 out of all of Amazon's DVDs (not just TV shows, but all DVDs.) And look what's in the #10 slot: That's right, AD. How can this show be a top ten seller and yet supposedly no one's watching it when it airs on TV? I'm starting to feel like a madman, shouting into the wind with crazy conspiracy theories, but I'd rather keep ranting than to believe for one second that this show is as unpopular as people keep announcing in print, over and over. I am convinced that AD is more popular than people think it is, or than the Nielsens are showing it to be.

[moreysurf8]

I'm not sure who agrees with me. But I thought this episode was a bona-fide classic. More Later...

[Lord Dalek]

Analrapist. Brilliant.

[EightOh]

I'm not sure who agrees with me. But I thought this episode was a bona-fide classic. More Later...That it most definitely was.

"I was hoping he'd be gifted sexually."

"What a fun, sexy time for you!"

<3 poor George Michael.

"Where are you going? Where is the surrogate going? Stay there. I want to see what he's going to say. Don't leave."
"See you, Pop."

"It’s probably because a seal bit off his hand. The army has taken to giving medals for being food."

"Steve Holt's not my son."
"Steve Holt? The moron jock?"
"That's my son, you pothead!"
"Hey, hey! That's my son!"

Analrapist... I'm convulsing in laughter just thinking about it. Tobias, you blowhard.

"I don't have a family... I can't believe I've never told anyone that before."
"That's so sad."
"Yes, super-sad. Shall we eat?"

[moreysurf8]

Take This And Love Us Again! Just Take It!

[EightOh]

And Bob Loblaw...

"This is not the first time I've been brought in to replace Barry Zuckerkorn. I think I can do for you everything he did; plus, skew younger... with juries and so forth."

"Why should you go to jail for a crime someone else... noticed? You don't need double-talk, you need Bob Loblaw!"

[moreysurf8]

also, the "michael's previous dates montage" was incredible. Buster with his shirt stuffed...my god...I love this show.

[EightOh]

Ooh, a repeat of the David Cross/Alia Shawkat/Michael Cera episode of "Last Call with Carson Daly" was just on. Carson doesn't appear to be in on the joke, which makes it all the more hilarious.


also, the "michael's previous dates montage" was incredible.And a third Marta. "Let’s start behind the fridge." :D

Also, an amazing revelation, from TWoP:


GOB drugging everyone made this line from last week make sense: " Tom? Come on over here. I’ve got a vitamin for you." that he said after the guy in the office saw the trick to Free Bird.

[Peter Paltridge]

Yay! We're number one! Oh hell...

(c) most damning, the theory of sophisticated urban viewers is out the window. San Francisco was the 27th-ranked market for "Arrested Development." New York, Los Angeles and Chicago all tied for 21st. And Boston was 45th. So much for savvy. Let's move to Portland, Ore., -- it was the No. 1-ranked market for "Arrested Development."
Why didn't you take offense, Dalek?? They just said we WEREN'T sophisticated.

[Lord Dalek]

Why didn't you take offense, Dalek?? They just said we WEREN'T sophisticated.I stand corrected.

[EightOh]

http://www.fox.com/arresteddev/


New episodes return Monday, Oct. 31 after baseballHAPPY HALLOWEEN, INDEED!

And speculation (http://medialifemagazine.com/artman/publish/article_464.asp) on a possible move for AD and KC to Fridays to go along with Bernie Mac and MitM. That would be wonderful, I think... Fridays: the night where "bad" ratings are good!

[Mr Cat Dog]

So, it's about 4 weeks until the next one? Oh well...

"Analrapist" That's overtaken: "Tobias, you blowhard!" as my favourite quote.

Remember kids, it's a-nall-rap-ist!

[moreysurf8]

Regarding Gob's "I've got a vitamin for you" line from last week. Genius. What other show would wait an entire episode to pay off a joke.

Funny, I have a huge english paper due tomorrow but I just keep watching this episode over and over and over again.

[Fone Bone]

http://www.fox.com/arresteddev/

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, INDEED!

And speculation (http://medialifemagazine.com/artman/publish/article_464.asp) on a possible move for AD and KC to Fridays to go along with Bernie Mac and MitM. That would be wonderful, I think... Fridays: the night where "bad" ratings are good!I'll say. Millennium lasted three years on Fridays and the last two seasons did crappy in the ratings. Plus, Bernie Mac managed to survive another year. That is the greatest news ever.

I have to say that this more than any other season has made me anxious to see more episodes than the first two. For some reason we are really starting to get huge payoffs for the first two seasons. I'm still waiting for it to be revealed that Ann and George Micheal are cousins. I also have to say Maeby was brilliant in this episode. I've always loved her because she is so fun and cute and she really matches up well with George Micheal who is the heart and soul of this show. I really hope they aren't cousins.

The surrogate thing was hilarious as was George Sr. getting beaten by the cops when he escaped. And YAY, White Franklin. Gob's "shrooming" people made sense and was another payoff. I also thought the analrapist card was masterful.

Bob Loblaw was frelling hilarious. I miss Barry but BOY did they find a funny replacement. I think going with a COMPETANT attorney but a really smarmy seeming one was a good idea. And is it just me or are all of the "double-entendrees" Lindsay misses rank her up in cluelessness with Tobias?

So, yes this WAS a classic episode. This show losing it? No. Score: ****1/2.

[90'sCartoonMan]

Aw, what a great episode! And who would've thought "Bob Loblaw" sounds stranger than "Chachi Arcola"?

Yes, "analrapist" was hilarious (and it must be hard to write for Tobias), but my favorite line was "Hey, that's the name of the show." It was so simple, but I was thinking that as soon as Michael said it, and to just call it out like that was great. Arrested Development does an awesome job of being self aware. I liked the fake act break, too.

I'm a little confused, though. Steve Holt didn't know that he and George Michael were cousins? He knew George Michael and Maeby were cousins, and I figured that with all his following around GOB, he'd notice that GOB is George Michael's uncle.

[Chad Bonin]

Just trying to figure out if I missed an episode. I know I saw the first one, and then I saw the "Free Chicken"/"WeeBritain"/"Andy Griffith" one. That was the second episode, right?

[Carolina Red]

I guess we'll have to wait a little while to see Michael return in 'Notapusy.'

Gob and Steve Holt look as though they've turn a new leaf in terms of their relationship to each other. I thought much of the season would be spent on Gob trying to run away from the fact that he is Steve's father.

Great jab on the Lifetime Moment of Truth series. Actually I bet you could say that about just about everything those Lifetime people churn out.

Note the "You're killing me Buster" banner at the party. Apparently they've recycled the thing.

Analrapist...you've got to love that!

[MacGyver]

Just trying to figure out if I missed an episode. I know I saw the first one, and then I saw the "Free Chicken"/"WeeBritain"/"Andy Griffith" one. That was the second episode, right?Correct, the one last night was episode three.

And what an episode it was. I was afraid Scott Baio would be a mediocre replacement for Henry Winkler. But he's brilliant as Bob Loblaw. I loved the commercial, and how every time the camera angle changed he would slam the book shut. The line about being in trouble for a crime someone else noticed was also brilliant. It's nice to see that I was proven wrong about Scott Baio. Lindsay's stuff with him was funny as always.

GOB was great. The stuff with the pills was just great. GOB always makes me laugh. And it looks like this stuff with Steve and GOB will only make things funnier. And of course it was great to see Franklin again.

The George Sr./surrogate father was great. Like GOB (and actually, nearly every other character) I always laugh at him. It was great to see him try to escape with the weather baloons.

George-Michael and Maeby were funny, not the highlight for me, but still good. The quick bit with Maeby at the movie studio made me laugh.

Michael was good. I loved when Ron Howard spoke over him and said "Hey, that's the name of the show." Loved the stuff with his past girlfriends. I'm wondering if one of them was his deceased wife.

Buster was great. Knocking out Charlize Theron's character was great. And the fact that he blew George Sr. out of the sky was great.

And of course...Tobias. He was, as always, the high point of the episode for me. Analrapist, and the fact that he was analraping Buster was great. Seeing him dressed as a woman is always funny no matter how often he does it.

This episode was just a great way to make up for last week's episode. I can't wait for it's Oct. 31st return, and possible move to Fridays. My opinion: *****

[moreysurf8]

Take A Look At Banner Michael!

[EightOh]

Take A Look At Banner Michael!That will never be anything other than laugh-out-loud hilarious.

[EightOh]

Ratings news that isn't bad? :eek:


Fox's 8 o'clock laffers "Arrested Development" (2.2/6 in 18-49, 4.5 million viewers) and "Kitchen Confidential" (1.9/5 in 18-49, 4 million viewers) both gained week-to-week, with "AD" hitting season highs. And this, while unconfirmed, is extremely exciting, nonetheless. I hope it's true:


AD scored a 9 share in the Adults 18-34 demo this week. It came first in that demo.

And yes, that's the demo (disposable incomes!) networks are heavily courting these days.
"Don't buy!" Did you see that? You make a show that's good, and people will want to--*crash*

[VCXZX]

I have to say the analrapists and the act break lines were the funniest of this episode, which was better than the past 2 episodes.

God, I hope they don't cancel this show.

[Chad Bonin]

I'm slightly tempted to put "Analrapist" as my title here.

[Mr Cat Dog]

Those are the types of ratings AD will never get over here -_-

But it's still very good!

[moreysurf8]

Just wanted to post this...The Chicago Tribune has posted an interview with AD creator Mitchell Hurwitz. http://tempo.typepad.com/entertainment_tv/2005/10/an_interview_wi_1.html

Unfortunately this part makes me sad


On whether the show will produce 22 episodes, as originally ordered, during its third season: "It won’t be 22. It might be a good number [so that they can do a boxed set for DVDs]. That’s part of it, if they know they can sell those DVDs, they might keep it on the air long enough to have enough to sell it [that way]."
oh well, I don't really care if they don't do 22 if it can keep the show on the air. Read the rest, it's a bit disheartening to read some of this stuff from the creator himself but it's an interesting read.

[EightOh]

Reading stuff like that... grr, they're just so flamboyant.

It makes me want to set myself on fire.

[moreysurf8]

Wait...what's this? A Piece of good news on Arrested Development (and it's actually by the same person who wrote the above interview.
http://tempo.typepad.com/entertainment_tv/2005/10/theres_always_m.html



The conventional wisdom says Fox’s Emmy-winning comedy “Arrested Development” is a cult success but a commercial failure.

The conventional wisdom may well be wrong.

The critically acclaimed show, which returns from Fox’s baseball break with two episodes featuring guest star Charlize Theron on Nov. 7, is indeed ratings challenged, but it’s surprisingly dominant in another arena.

Fox won’t release sales totals, but executives at the company’s home-video division say “Arrested,” which chronicles the misadventures of the dysfunctional, formerly rich Bluth family, has sold very well on DVD.

“We’re pleased with the [DVD] performance of the show,” says Steven Feldstein, senior vice president of Fox Home Entertainment, which released Season 2 of “Arrested” Oct. 11.

“There’s a lot of awareness of the series” thanks to extensive media coverage of the show, says Feldstein. “There are a lot of people who maybe haven’t sampled it yet and have the opportunity to do so on DVD; that’s in addition ... to the show’s die-hard fans.”

Season 2 of the show has spent much of the past week at the top of Amazon.com’s boxed-set best-sellers chart (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers/-/dvd/501230/ref=pd_ts_c_th_more/104-5238667-4638308), where the Season 1 boxed set can usually be found among the chart’s top 40 releases. And that commercial success, along with critical praise, a shelf-full of industry awards and a ferociously supportive Internet fan base, has helped keep the show alive, at least for a while.

“Arrested” creator Mitchell Hurwitz says he doesn’t think the show will end up producing the entire run of 22 third-season episodes (Fox cut the show’s second season order from 22 episodes to 18), but he says he thinks Fox will keep the comedy in production long enough to make a Season 3 DVD boxed set worthwhile.

“It won’t be 22,” Hurwitz said. “It might be a good number” so that Fox can release the third season on DVD. “If they know they can sell those DVDs, they might keep it on the air long enough to have enough to sell it [that way].”

Strong DVD sales alone would not keep the show alive, though it’s one of many factors in “Arrested’s” favor, according to Craig Erwich, executive vice president of programming at Fox.

“At the end of the day, networks have to sustain themselves with revenue that comes from ratings,” Erwich said. “That’s not to say other revenue streams don’t factor in.” (http://saveourbluths.com/)



SaveOurBluths.com ("][/url]DVD sales, though a boon for the company as a whole, mainly function for broadcast executives as an indicator of “the kind of vitality the show has,” Erwich said. “Strong DVD sales tell us what we know - that ‘Arrested Development’ is a great show and people love it. The other benefit is that sometimes DVDs are a good way to bring in new viewers.”

Fox has enjoyed record-setting success with its DVD releases of “The Simpsons,” “The X-Files” and “Family Guy” -- in fact, “Family Guy’s” DVD releases were so successful that the canceled animated program was put back into production. And the potential for other revenue has been expanded again, now that Apple’s iTunes is offering TV shows for sale.

“In the TV market, there might be a little bit of change,” Hurwitz said. “Maybe you used to need an 11 [ratings] share to stay on the air, but maybe now you can have a smaller number, but make up for it with people who purchase the show.”

“Ours has always been a country of niche audiences,” says Jimmy Schaeffler, senior research analyst for the media consulting firm The Carmel Group. “What developments like these point out is that large media companies are not only starting to realize that fact, but they are making it a part of their business plans. … In the new telecom business, there are lots of ways to make money.”

“What this also suggests is that somewhere down the road, programs may be produced without a commitment from a broadcaster,” Schaeffler adds. “If a company like Fox can refine the marketing and the distribution and have confidence that they can reach their financial goals, they’ll go out and bankroll something ahead of time, and focus on the ancillary sales rather than use the traditional method, which is to focus first on broadcast.”


Passionate fans -- the kind who go out and buy boxed sets and make themselves heard by media companies -- are an important part of that new equation, and no TV fans are more loyal than “Arrested’s” viewers. They flooded Fox and media outlets with fake bananas (“Arrested’s” Bluth family owns a banana stand) and letters asking the network to bring the show back for a third year, and they’re poised to spring into action again, if they need to.

“If the show is put on hiatus, we would obviously flood Fox with letters again … pleading with them to bring the show back, pointing out the potential for future DVD sales, syndication rights, etc.,” says Katherine McKee of [url="http://saveourbluths.com/). “We might also include a campaign to other networks such as NBC and HBO, trying to get them to pick up the show.”

The question now for “Arrested” fans is how many episodes they’ll get to see on the air this season. Some media insiders have floated the idea that Fox could move its struggling Monday sitcoms, “Arrested Development” and “Kitchen Confidential,” to Fridays, but Erwich said that given that Monday is already a new night for “Arrested,” another move is unlikely.

What will happen to “Arrested Development” once “American Idol” churns up Fox’s schedule in January is anybody’s guess. Fox has several successful new shows, including “Prison Break” and “Bones,” to fit into its “Idol”-packed schedule, and it also has to find room for “24,” which returns in January.

Still, though Hurwitz said he greatly appreciates the critical and fan support for “Arrested Development,” he says it’s not time for a save-our-show campaign -- yet.

[Carolina Red]

You know, I had almost forgotten about Super Dave Osborne before he came on the show as the surrogate. He is pretty good on the show.

The Church/State Fair bit was great, notice that World's Largest Priest sign in the back. I saw lots of signs like that at the state fair I went to a few weeks ago, and I highly question the authenticity of those exhibits. Like there's the smallest horse or whatever.

The second half was great, I couldn't find a site for FindMole, but I did find jetpants.com. And the jetpack vs. mole fight was good too. Anyone notice they censored the "**** are wet" line even though you knew what he was talking about?

[Hatter]

Oh man, what great eps. Loved the bleeped word discussion, George Sr. going into the wrong tent, escaping in the Pope-mobile, and George-Michael & Tobias' reaction to having something thrown at them...
Second ep was pretty good, too... Tobias in a mole costume was a bit much, until it turned into a kaiju battle. That was genius.
I look forward to seeing George Sr.'s adventures in the crawl-space.

[Sr.Infierno]

Astro Boy reference!

George Sr. running from the rat was priceless!

The Kaiju battle was awesome!

[Fone Bone]

The first episode was great but the second one easily had the funniest ending this show has ever done. I laughed HARD at the handprint note Rita left and finding out that what she wanted was really a chocolate bar. I don't care how politically incorrect it is, having Charlize Theron playing a mentally challenged character was a stroke of genius. I also have to say it will probably be fun rewatching her earlier eps to pick up clues.

I was SO glad George Micheal didn't have to join the army. And good news about Ann ditching him. I still am a George Micheal Maeby shipper and I was disappointed nothing was happening on that front in either of these episodes.

I LOVE Bob Loblaw. He is almost as funny as Barry Zuckercorn but in a VERY understated way.

I loved Tobias' early mix-up with the guy at the gym. If there were still any doubts about him that erased them.

I loved both episodes but the second was one of my favorites ever. First ep: ****. Second ep: *****

[Lord Dalek]

OMGAnyong.

[Animelee]

The first episode was great but the second one easily had the funniest ending this show has ever done. I laughed HARD at the handprint note Rita left and finding out that what she wanted was really a chocolate bar. I don't care how politically incorrect it is, having Charlize Theron playing a mentally challenged character was a stroke of genius.
Isn't that a tad contradictory? Saying you couldn't care less about being PC, and then using a PC term? :p


I found the MR F thing offensive, actually. I didn't think Arrested would stoop as low as Family Guy does. I mean, you expect that kind of stuff from Family Guy, but Arrested is known for its sophisticated humor, and not picking on people who unfortunately drew genetically-mutated shortstraws.

It's funny how FOX censors things that won't hurt anyone (fart jokes and gay marriage issues), but when it comes to things like picking on people with mental retardation, Down's syndrome, psychological disorders, blindness, etc. -- no one could give two *****.

[Fone Bone]

Isn't that a tad contradictory? Saying you couldn't care less about being PC, and then using a PC term? :p A witty TV show doing a mentally challenged joke in an unexpected way=okay. A not particularly funny Toon Zone poster such as myself commenting on it in a mean-spirited way=Not okay.

I found the MR F thing offensive, actually. I didn't think Arrested would stoop as low as Family Guy does. I mean, you expect that kind of stuff from Family Guy, but Arrested is known for its sophisticated humor, and not picking on people who unfortunately drew genetically-mutated shortstraws. I understand this viewpoint, I really do. As a person with schizo-effective I know that a lot of shows can be offensive to people with disabilities. But to say this is not something that AD usually does is just not true. Half of AD's cast is mentally unbalanced and it has done a pretty thorough job of making fun of alchoholics, gay people, blind people and people in wheelchairs during it's run. I think AD is a very sophisticated show too but it has NEVER shyed away from cheap laughs at other people's expense. It's just that when it does it, it does it in unexpected and clever ways. I really LIKED the revelation about Rita because I didn't see it coming and it explained a LOT about the character's odd behavior in previous episodes. It worked on a different level than simply OMG what a retard! That is usually how AD does "cheap" laughs and is the reason a lot of people often forget how much they use them.

It's funny how FOX censors things that won't hurt anyone (fart jokes and gay marriage issues), but when it comes to things like picking on people with mental retardation, Down's syndrome, psychological disorders, blindness, etc. -- no one could give two *****.Fox's censoring policy is so puzzling that I won't even TRY to get into a serious conversation about it. That new Trading Spouses ad is so horrible in depicting an obviously unbalanced woman as a monster and seems to be a slam against Christians in general by some of the insane religious stuff she spouts. That seems to be perfectly okay but animated butts? A threat to the decency of America.:shrug:

[RD!]

I really LIKED the revelation about Rita because I didn't see it coming and it explained a LOT about the character's odd behavior in previous episodes.
http://superloo.us/robots/snapshot20051004083220.jpg

[90'sCartoonMan]

OMGAnyong.
Heh, I said the same thing...now THERE was a cameo I didn't see coming!

Two great episodes. There's just way too many funny things to name (although the bleeping and Tobias telling George Michael to have sex with Ann was a highlight). I actually feel sorry for George Michael, I mean, to have Ann say that she's outgrown him? Geez, the poor guy can't catch a break.

I still can't believe the truth about Rita. Wee Brain...nice pic, Strawberry, but there has to be so much more. I'm having trouble coming up with examples from past episodes about Rita being an MRF. It's not like she's completely out of it, she and Michael have had normal conversations. Can anyone think of any huge "Duh!" moment when you go back and re-watch it?

[Hero Supreme]

Heh, I said the same thing...now THERE was a cameo I didn't see coming!

Two great episodes. There's just way too many funny things to name (although the bleeping and Tobias telling George Michael to have sex with Ann was a highlight). I actually feel sorry for George Michael, I mean, to have Ann say that she's outgrown him? Geez, the poor guy can't catch a break.

I still can't believe the truth about Rita. Wee Brain...nice pic, Strawberry, but there has to be so much more. I'm having trouble coming up with examples from past episodes about Rita being an MRF. It's not like she's completely out of it, she and Michael have had normal conversations. Can anyone think of any huge "Duh!" moment when you go back and re-watch it?
well, not are overtly obvious, but if you rewatch you will definitely see the clues. she is fingerpainting with the kids and implies that she is well behaved in class, she loves riding the mechanical space shuttle, she won a silver medal in the "olympics," her dad refered to her as a "stupid person" in his family. and look at her outfits.

[Eddie G.]

I watched this season pretty much knowing about Rita from the start and was a little shocked that not a lot of other people had figured it out.

Also, don't take this as a completly absurd idea. I did know a mentally retarded man who was able to flirt with women and actually get himself some dates before the women figured it out. There really wasn't any specific scene where she didn't come off as atleast mildy retarded.

[Mr Cat Dog]

OMGAnyong.That and the fight at the end was what made the second episode so much better than the first! And we got to see Maeby in her executive position again!

I kinda had an idea she was a bit weird (what with the toy plane at the American restaurant, the Oympics, her general behaviour in certain situations, her eating of food - and paper), so I kinda figured that something would be brought in to explain it all.

What I'm most looking forward to, however, is Michael and Rita's "wedding".

[Peter Paltridge]

This show is much easier to understand now that I have a DVD-R and can rewind to replay any joke that didn't make sense the first time. I find myself rewinding every other gag--you miss one and everything falls apart.

There have been many feats of writing, but concealing Rita's retardedness for over five episodes while still having it show has to rank among the biggest. Out of all the nerdy, overanalyzing internet fans, nobody ever guessed. How'dtheyDOthat??

[Stewie]

Out of all the nerdy, overanalyzing internet fans, nobody ever guessed. How'dtheyDOthat?? From Page One of this thread.


We're supposed to think she's in with the threatening British people, but she's actually mentally challenged?
And someone else said that they knew it. Eddie G.

[Fone Bone]

I loved tonight's episode. I think my favorite thing was that even though they did a lot of silly gags with Rita she was still portrayed as so nice and sweet. Micheal's last scene with her was great and was about as touching a scene as this show has ever done. George Micheal's scene with Micheal was touching too even though it was funnier. I think everybody's worries about the show taking a cheap shot at the disabled turned out to be unwarranted. Yes, there were a couple of tasteless gags. But Rita is such a neat character and I really liked her and her relationship to Micheal.

I also liked her uncle's "cricket" magazines and that a year ago she looked like the lady from Monster. *****.

[VCXZX]

While not the best AD, the best part were the various continuty. It saved the show this week, since Charlize Theron dominated the past few weeks and wasn't the best character.

[Carolina Red]

Charlize Theron really accentuated the fact that Rita is a mentally retarded female, considering that we know now that Rita is one. She was actually better this time around. The cricket magazine stuff was pretty good.

Buster in the car was great, but I actually noticed a good allusion there - Tony Hale was in a famous Volkswagen commercial a few years ago. I don't remember if he was the driver or the passenger in the car with Styx on the stereo.

The Water Walker - hmm, wasn't Love Indubitably bad enough? Gob's illusion he made was pretty cool.

I guess George Michael isn't getting away from that old Star Wars routine that easy.

[Stewie]

Buster in the car was great, but I actually noticed a good allusion there - Tony Hale was in a famous Volkswagen commercial a few years ago. I don't remember if he was the driver or the passenger in the car with Styx on the stereo.He was in the Styx one? Cool.

That was a bad commercial. It was fun and entertaining and all, but it made
people think that Styx was good to listen to.

[90'sCartoonMan]

That Monster thing was great, and I totally didn't see it coming. I liked how Ron Howard said this creeps him out and how George Michael knows all the laws about marrying your cousin in California. Plus one of the funniest "Next time on Arrested Development" gags ever.

I really did feel sorry for Rita, but at least now I know the reason I didn't pick up on her retardation was the fact that she spoke with an English accent.

[ClockStomper]

Damn you FOX! I didn't know new episodes were airing again...

Has FOX ever aired commercials for this show? Never seen one.

[EightOh]

http://www.eurotuned.com/media/vwcommercials_nolinking/Golf-mister-roboto.mov

Tony Hale's Mr. Roboto commercial.

What can I say? I'm crazy about the little dullard!

Hilarious. It was kind of slow early on (not without its moments, of course, but "slow" by AD standards), but by the midway point, it was ROLLING.

I loved the aforementioned VW commercial, and it was yet another great callback (my favorite was easily Uncle Trevor's response to Rita wanting to make Pop-Pop, though); in the end, however, it was, err, the end that stole the show. Best "On the Next" segment EVER.

"Not going to be easy, she's an Olympic silver--just figured that one out."

Jason Bateman's delivery of that line was beyond perfect.

[Carolina Red]

The two-legged race...I like that. So that's where Rita won that Olympic medal in!

Another nod to Happy Days and George Michael's Star Wars stunt. I can't believe that after all that time people still think TBA may actually be something.

James Lipton is a great guest star on the show, but I have heard something:
I have read that Justine Bateman is going to make a guest appearance in the near future. I don't know when though.

[VCXZX]

THis was the 2nd best episode this season, and a step up from previous weeks.

The whole Gob ending was great.

[EightOh]

Rita competed in the two-legged race... hee. So wrong.

Not as wrong as, "Look at Superman's wife," or, "Ovarian cancer; guess we know who submitted that one," (followed by an apparent glance from Michael towards Tracy) or Tobias' health's hilarious downward spiral, but wrong nonetheless. :D

The Prison Break references were also great; GOB's drawing and Tobias calling himself T-Bag in particular.


The whole Gob ending was great.I didn't notice the prisoner flying off with a jetpack in the background at first, but wow, that was superb.

[Lord Dalek]

We need more James Lipton. I love that wierd Actor's Studio vibe he gives off.

[90'sCartoonMan]

"Actually he loved galas. All kids do."


Another nod to Happy Days and George Michael's Star Wars stunt.
"It's Most". Man, that killed me.

I swear this show is brilliant, I loved having those kids acting out the warden's play. Especially the part about giving Lucille clamydia.

George Michael is so pathetic, but the parts about his happiest moment and saddest moment were great.

Poor Oscar.

[atf487]

"Actually he loved galas. All kids do."


"It's Most". Man, that killed me.

I swear this show is brilliant, I loved having those kids acting out the warden's play. Especially the part about giving Lucille clamydia.

George Michael is so pathetic, but the parts about his happiest moment and saddest moment were great.

Poor Oscar.I loved New Warden :D

The kid with the sharpie'd beard was so funny.

[Master Moron]

Just read this on tvguide.com:


INTO THE BLUTHS: Both ABC and Showtime are in talks with 20th Century Fox to rescue Arrested Development from the cold, clammy, hooked hand of the grim reaper. According to Variety, formal negotiations have not yet taken place, but sources still label the networks' interest as "serious," with Showtime being the more fervently interested of the two.

[Stewie]

I will seriously get cable with Showtime in order to watch Arrested Development. I wouldn't even feel wasteful.

[ZeroFate]

"I can't cry... I can't spare the moisture." XD

That's great news about Showtime, hopefully they'll get it over ABC. AD has a much better chance of lasting a little bit longer there than at ABC. I doubt they would pull in bigger ratings there...

[Stewie]

That's great news about Showtime, hopefully they'll get it over ABC. AD has a much better chance of lasting a little bit longer there than at ABC. I doubt they would pull in bigger ratings there...I got an idea. Play Arrested Development in place of commercials during Lost. The ratings would be great. And I could watch AD without having to, you know, watch ABC. Beside Lost.

[Carolina Red]

There was a great new episode on tonight. The one-armed man made his big return tonight!

I like the Yellow Submarine ripoff they had in the second act, a good way to tie in the earlier scene with the two banana stands.Great innuendo by Gob too.

Watching those painters get all excited about the Boyfights videos (and Baby/Crybaby Buster shorts) was great.

I'm surprised it took that long to get Lindsay and Tobias' divorce off the ground. No one is really at fault though, they're both equally lazy.

And that's why you don't miss episodes of Arrested Development!

[VCXZX]

The third act helped this be another great Arrested Development episode.

The dove bit was pretty funny.

I do wonder why GM was hardly on.

[Lonestarr]

- 'Baby Buster - a fifth-grader wets his bed'
- So many double-crosses...
- Bob Loblaw's law blog
- (Almost) nothing is more pathetic than three grown men scared of their father.
- "And that's why you don't use a one-armed man to scare people."

Here's hoping that AD survives on a better network, and that each of the Fox executives get a lump of coal...hurled at them from a fast-moving vehicle.

[Mr Cat Dog]

The Gangy 2 comment, all the lessons as well as Bob Loblaw's Law Blog were the highlights of this episode. Seriously funny and I liked the reference to Curb Your Enthusiasm by the painters) I hope that another network picks it up.

[90'sCartoonMan]

It's great how everyone was teaching each other lessons. Even Buster gets some respect.

Lucille looked truly frightening.

"Let's just call him Mr. Blahblahblah". Clever.

[Peter Paltridge]

I noticed on the "classic episode" Buster says he was attacked by a "loose seal." This sounds like "Lucille," and it was probably intentional. Was there any gag they got out of that?

[VCXZX]

Yes it was intentional and was a gag.

Just like the Seal Attack news tease in the 2nd season premiere, Buster's hand chair (and his subsquent line), and the seal he got in "Afternoon Delight."

[VCXZX]

I wonder how many people caught the Andy Richter/Quintuplets In-joke.

Another great episode, riddled with in-jokes about the fate of the show.

[Peter Paltridge]

Someone's called this episode "the most self-referential episode of anything ever." I'd have to agree.

Now let's try to figure out if the "live" scene at the end was actually live. I live on the West Coast, and someone said the words "west coast" in the ending, so was it the same for the East or was this actually a live scene?

[VCXZX]

More great meta-humor: The constant mention of Nicole Kidman. Kidman=Charlize Theron.

[Jaguar]

"Now that's a clear-cut situation with the promise of comedy...Tell your friends."

That was so awesome.

[Stewie]

Say, this wasn't on last week, was it? The 26th?
Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss it.

[Sandoz]

Say, this wasn't on last week, was it? The 26th?
Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss it. No. FOX repeated the previous two Christmas episodes.

[Mr Cat Dog]

Someone's called this episode "the most self-referential episode of anything ever." I'd have to agree.

Now let's try to figure out if the "live" scene at the end was actually live. I live on the West Coast, and someone said the words "west coast" in the ending, so was it the same for the East or was this actually a live scene?Apparently it was just parodying characteristics of other shows. The 3-D parts of Medium, the character dying in Lost and the live episodes from Will and Grace. I didn't get that one at first, until I remember the live ep.

[Master Moron]

Its looking like that was the last episode we'll see. They've pulled Arrested Development off the schdule. There's still 4 more episodes that have yet to air.

[ClockStomper]

Too bad...the next episode was supposed to have the adults go on a "Judge Judy" type show and George-Michael and Maybe would have a mock wedding as part of a school assignment.

But I guess we masy never see it until Showtime or ABC airs it.

[Peter Paltridge]

Its looking like that was the last episode we'll see. They've pulled Arrested Development off the schdule. There's still 4 more episodes that have yet to air.
I thought there was only ONE more.
There are two House repeats on tonight instead. Fox used to be pretty committed to this show....maybe there are some new guys in.

Sounds like "withhold the last episode ordered on purpose so you can use it as a DVD bonus," which should have stopped at Tru Calling. Nobody bought that set anyway!

[Master Moron]

Hey, look what the parent's television council's worst show of the week is:

http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/bw/2006/0105worst.asp

[Lord Dalek]

Hey, look what the parent's television council's worst show of the week is:

http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/bw/2006/0105worst.aspI don't get it. It appears to be a positive review.

[Mr Cat Dog]

I don't get it. It appears to be a positive review.That's what I gathered from it too... At least it's better than when the PTC review South Park.

[Quagmire]

http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2006/01/arrested-development-lives-sort-of.html (contains episode synopsis/spoilers)

The final 4 episodes are airing Friday February 10th at 8 PM. Of course Fox decides to do it the same night as the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.

[Stewie]

I've got a theory.
Tobias is not gay. For real.

Gob is.

[Samhaine]

http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2006/01/arrested-development-lives-sort-of.html (contains episode synopsis/spoilers)

The final 4 episodes are airing Friday February 10th at 8 PM. Of course Fox decides to do it the same night as the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.
What really caught my attention there was that it said season finale and not series finale. And when ABC and Showtime started showing interest, Fox made it a point to say they never cancelled the show.

Could it be coming back?

[Mr Cat Dog]

From the looks of this, no:

http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,271|99594|1|,00.html
FOX Entertainment president Peter Ligouri verbalized Tuesday what most observers had concluded some time ago: "Arrested Development" is all but finished on the network.Speaking to reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, Ligouri conceded that it's "highly unlikely" the Emmy-winning but low-rated series will see another season on FOX. The final four episodes of this season will air in a two-hour block Friday, Feb. 10.
Ligouri says a final decision on the show won't be made until after the network has a better idea of its development slate for next season, but there's not a great deal of wiggle room in that "highly unlikely" statement. He does say, though, that he regrets the series, which won the best comedy Emmy in 2004, never found "the audience it deserves."
The show has averaged only about 4.2 million viewers this season, but that hasn't stopped other networks from expressing interest in "Arrested" should FOX officially cancel it. ABC and Showtime have reportedly put offers on the table for the series, which is produced by FOX sibling 20th Century Fox TV.Ligouri says he's not involved with those discussions, but "it is in fact a studio property. If there's interest at other networks, it's the studio's right and [creator Mitch Hurwitz's] right to move that on and put that up to bid."
Ligouri also expects "Arrested Development" to take a few jabs at FOX in the final episodes. The show has subtly (and not so subtly) bit the hand that feeds it in the past.
"It would be really duplicitous of us as a network to put a dampening effect on the great art of the spoof. We have a good relationship with the showrunners. I think it is great humor to turn it back on FOX a bit. And I think we've made fun of ourselves consistently."

[Master Moron]

I don't get it. It appears to be a positive review.

Its a very poorly written bad review. Look at the last sentence:


And true to form, as the show reaches the end of its run, pundits and critics who purport to recognize the commonalities between the "normal" families and the Bluth family will continue to lament the failure of the average viewer to recognize the graphic violence and dysfunction of Arrested Development as being genius.

I had to read this a few times before I understood what they were trying to say, but they're basically saying critics may love the show, but the average viewer realized the graphic violence and dysfunction of Arrested Development isn't genius. Basically, they're kind of anti critic.

[Nightfeather]

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Showtime unveiled four new series at the Television Critics Assn.'s winter press tour Thursday -- but "Arrested Development" wasn't one of them.
Showtime president of entertainment Robert Greenblatt confirmed recent reports that Showtime was in negotiations with producer 20th Century Fox Television to pick up the low-rated Fox comedy but warned that no deal has been reached.
"I always thought it was a better fit for a cable network than a broadcast network," Greenblatt said of "Arrested." "It really does fit in with a lot of things that we're doing."
While Greenblatt declined to get into the specifics of the negotiations, he noted that one crucial deal point hinged on the involvement of Mitch Hurwitz, creator and executive producer of "Arrested." Hurwitz has not decided whether he wants to continue working on the show given, as Greenblatt put it, the "emotional roller coaster" the series has been during its three-year run.

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=televisionNews&storyID=2006-01-20T055832Z_01_N20238762_RTRIDST_0_TELEVISION-ARRESTED-DC.XML (http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=televisionNews&storyID=2006-01-20T055832Z_01_N20238762_RTRIDST_0_TELEVISION-ARRESTED-DC.XML)

[Aquadementia]

Two hour, end it with a shebang, special tomorrow(Friday) on FOX!!!!

Oh, am I super happy now?
I don't know.
Tomorrow I'm sure I'll be thinking that's not enough.

Looks like they are burning off four episodes.

Fakin' It
Family Ties
Exit Strategy
Development Arrested

[Lord Dalek]

I'm prepared to accept the inevitable truth that the end is in sight.

[William C. Maune]

I'm prepared to accept the inevitable truth that the end is in sight.

There's still the hope that Showtime will pick it up.

[Discloner]

There's still the hope that Showtime will pick it up.And according to Entertainment Weekly a few weeks back...ABC also made an offer to air a fourth season.

[Lord Dalek]

And according to Entertainment Weekly a few weeks back...ABC also made an offer to air a fourth season.I realize that, I'm just trying to keep expectations low. It's what Mitchell Hurwitz would want us to do.

[Carolina Red]

For those of you who aren't paying attention, the two-hour season (?) finale is on right now.

They should make a pilot with that Judge Reinhold show. It would be much better then that Loop show they were promoting, even if it does have a short shelf life.

[VCXZX]

Very brilliant casting with Munch. And the same guy who played Munch on Homicide the TV show, and one of the Law and Orders.

[Ultra Mike]

I have to say that the ending was even more brilliant with Annyong returning, Lucille getting in trouble ala George Sr in the pilot (lot of pilot refrences actually), Gob being with Ann all this time (which is probably why GM hasn't been with her since "Notapussy"), Lindsday not being a Bluth and actually being a Sitwell, and the ending with GM and Michael running off while Maebe sells the rights of the show to Ron Howard. I'm hoping that if we don't get another season, we at least get a movie. That'd defintley be fun.

[VCXZX]

Yes, Annoyng returning was genius.

But the Gob/Ann bit was rumored for weeks on various boards. So that wasn't much of a shock.

I think the petitons were an obvious refernece to the cancellation, since petitions pop up when shows get the ax. I also liked the dig at Skating with Celebrities. WEll-desrrved.

So a great set of episodes, and I pray that Showtime picks it up, though it's a 20% percent chance at best.

[Carolina Red]

Never expected to see Ron Howard himself on the show either. He'll handle the series well. After all, Firefly did get handled pretty well outside of Fox's hands.

I recall earlier this season that Annyong/Hello was hiding in the walls of the house. I was wondering what was going on with that, since Lucille pretty much adopted him solely for the purpose of spiteing the others.

I never thought of where Gob lived until they asked that question. He did have a boat earlier in the series, but no other hints besides that. (anyone see Franklin's shirt too?)

There wasn't anything that suggested that Lindsay and Tobias are officially divorced, but I am certain that would happen eventually. They were not fit for one another anyway even though they're both united in being total slackers.

[Lord Dalek]

Very brilliant casting with Munch. And the same guy who played Munch on Homicide the TV show, and one of the Law and Orders.So that means AD is now part of The Tommy Westphall Universe.

EDIT - "Now it's a bar mitzvah." =)

[Lord Dalek]

Lol William Hung and his Hung Jury.

Plus the third network name drop.

[MacGyver]

Well, if this is truly the end, then I'm satasified with it. I could go into all the things I liked about each episode, but I don't have that kind of time. So I'll make this short and sweet.

It was great to see that George was truly innocent, and that it was actually Lucielle pulling all the strings. Not a stretch at all. It was also great to see that Annyong (or should I say "Hello") was back, and seeking vengeance for a crime of the past. Something I didn't see coming at all. I was also quite satisfied with the resolution involving George-Michael and Maeby. And best of all Michael decided to wash his hands of the whole thing (perhaps temporarily at least). And let's not forget Ron Howard making an appearance, sheer brilliance. Thanks for all the laughs Arrested Development. If it truly is the end, it was a great ride.

My opionon on all episodes tonight: 10 out of 5 stars. It's just that funny.

[Peter Paltridge]

Wow....I have seen many finales......but I'll be darned if that wasn't one of the single greatest ones of all time. It took a really long time for me to understand this show, but I'm glad I had the patience.

Every character's schtick was capped off with a perfect topper gag, and the long-running subplots were resolved with brilliantly wicked twists. I made a DVD-R of this, ads and all....I think it'll be worth money someday.

During the commercials I periodically checked in with the Opening Ceremonies to see what I was missing. I caught glimpses of (and I'm not making this up) seven gigantic hornblowers from the Alps making fart noises, about fifteen men in frilly French outfits with plastic ice cream cones glued to their hats...and I think some people were on fire, which may or may not have been part of the show.

[Brainiac]

I think one of the funniest jokes of the night was "Bud Cort is now in session"--mostly because I was NOT expecting it at ALL. The fact that he's in the last seasons of JLU and AD made me a happy camper.

Overall, though, the first 3 episodes seemed kind of lackluster--they were funny, but not spectacular (although they had their moments). The last episode was fantastic, though. Made me really sad that AD is more than likely not coming back (although I'm crossing my fingers).

-Brainiac

[Sr.Infierno]

Every single bit of that was hilarious, especially the "Buster and Michael in Iraq" scenes

And the end with Ron Howard was perfect
"Im not sure it would work as a series. Maybe a movie!"

[Eddie G.]

So that means AD is now part of The Tommy Westphall Universe.

EDIT - "Now it's a bar mitzvah." =)So, Homicide, Law & Order, X-Files, and Arrested Development all take place in the same reality?

I watched this with my roommates and we seriously clapped at our TV, I've never clapped at a TV before. I felt like crying at the end of the third episode when they actually wrapped up the main plot, and then the final episode just made me want to cry and laugh and make love to my TV. Everything was so perfect, especially how well it worked as a reflection of the first episode.


Im not sure it would work as a series. Maybe a movie!"

No, you missed the beauty of that line. The movie was going to be about Maebe's story, so it could also work as, "I'm not sure it would work as a series. Maebe, a movie!"

[moreysurf8]

Showtime and ABC have put genuine offers on the table. It's really just up to Mitch Hurwitz if he wants to continue or not, not the networks (he's got until June to decide). And for all that I want the show to continue, I can understand his reasons for being hesitant. These episodes were awesome, so ridiculously awesome. I have to say that overall I was a little dissapointed with season 3 overall but these episodes were just fantastic. If this really is the end, it was a damn fine ending. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go cry and watch my DVDs and eat frozen bananas all day.

[Sr.Infierno]

So, Homicide, Law & Order, X-Files, and Arrested Development all take place in the same reality?

I watched this with my roommates and we seriously clapped at our TV, I've never clapped at a TV before. I felt like crying at the end of the third episode when they actually wrapped up the main plot, and then the final episode just made me want to cry and laugh and make love to my TV. Everything was so perfect, especially how well it worked as a reflection of the first episode.



No, you missed the beauty of that line. The movie was going to be about Maebe's story, so it could also work as, "I'm not sure it would work as a series. Maebe, a movie!"

Oh yeah, I didnt even think about that

[Mr Cat Dog]

Pure genius!

Words don't begin to describe the brilliance of that... but here's some anyway:

The final episode was the best finale in the history of finales. You knew that Angyong would be related to that Korean guy earlier on in the episode, but the rest just became so unexpected! So many stories resolved... GOB and Ann! Lindsay and Tobias! George Michael and Meaby! RON HOWARD! It was everything I wished for (well... except the GOB and Ann part, which was creepy, although that was hysterical when I first saw it) and much much more! George Sr was really innocent! Oscar!

The only thing I would have liked to have seen is Lucille 2 one last time... but that's only a small price to pay for everything else that final episode offered! If ABC or Showtime don't pick it up, I'll still be happy it got the resolution it got! Farewell, AD... Farewell!

[atf487]

Best finale in the history of television.

I just can't believe its over :(.

[GOB]

Gob's Program Y/N? Idiot.
K-y Pro

Franklin should have a spinoff