Arrested Development - Series 1 (Wide Screen)

Advantages: The funniest show since Scrubs
Disadvantages: The episodes only last 20 minutes!

...that you've never heard of Arrested Development, as it follows a long line of quality American comedy that never gets shown at a decent time in the United Kingdom. Buried by a 'certain channel' (beginning with B and ending in 2) in a graveyard slot, it focuses around the life of Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman - the commentator in Dodgeball? Remember?) Michael's life revolves around working for his father (Jeffrey Tambor). Sadly for Michael, his dad ...
...But that's just exposition. Arrested Development is very different to other sitcoms in that it's a mockumentary. Not like Christopher Guest (although it does fly into mad realms of fantasy at times - see the episode 'pier pressure' as an example, which ends in an armed gunfight), but whenever a character swears they're bleeped out, and nudity is censored. Everything the family does is caught on camera, and narrated to us by Ron Howard, of all people. ... Read review

Advantages: Hilarious, GOB
Disadvantages: Only 3 Seasons

Arrested Development - Season One 22 Episodes on 3 Discs Cast: Jeffrey Tambor - George Bluth Sr. / Oscar Bluth Portia de Rossi - Lindsay Bluth Fünke David Cross - Tobias Fünke Ron Howard - Narrator Jason Bateman - Michael Bluth Jessica Walter - Lucille Bluth Will Arnett - George "Gob" Bluth II Michael Cera - George Michael Bluth Alia Shawkat - Mae "Maeby" Fünke Tony Hale - Byron "Buster" Bluth Plot: Michael Bluth is the only "normal" person ...
...this decision, his father is arrested for treason and sent to prison and he has to run the family buisness and keep the family and their money in check, which isnt helped by the rest of his family who are freeloading off of the companys money. Positives: Although its often strange, it is still continually hilarious, it is all very well written and performed but the main plus point for the series is Michael Cera's Character George Michael Bluth ... Read review

Advantages: Hilarious, great selection of actors (David Cross, Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi), well written
Disadvantages: Quite difficult following the plot

Arrested Development is the funniest sitcom I have seen in years and, dare I say it, is more hilarious than "Friends" (Give it a chance - it really is). Living in the UK, Arrested Development graced our screens extremely early in the morning, but after watching a couple of episodes I knew it was something I had to keep on watching so I bought all the box sets...and am so glad I did. This show is hilarious. I can't pick out a favourite character, ...
...is the funniest character I've ever seen on TV and his scenes make me laugh every time. Portia De Rossi shines as Lindsay Bluth-Funke - the stunning wife of Tobias (who is an undeniably closet homosexual), Tony Hale is amazingly funny as the immature son terrified of seals and birds, and Will Arnett is hilarious as Gob - the magician and a literal joke in himself. The story follows a dysfunctional family with just one "normal" guy - Michael - (Jason ... Read review

Advantages: Great characters
Disadvantages: More DVD extras would be nice

...been lucky enough to catch Arrested Development on BBC2 last year. If you weren't fortunate enough to do so, I’d highly recommend this 3 disc set. The Plot The Bleuth family fun a real estate business headed by George Bleuth Sr played by Jeffery Tambor. Disaster strikes the Bleuth family when following a number of financial irregularities Jeffery Tambor is arrested and incarcerated. Michael Bleuth ( Jason Bateman ) a widower and the only ...
...take the reigns in the business. Michaels efforts to keep the business afloat are hampered by the other members of the Bleuth family. None of the other siblings have a job or any intention of getting one. . . His struggle is great viewing. The Family Michael Bleuth: Jason Bateman Michael is a single parent following the death of his wife. All the time Michael is trying to raise his son, George Michael in this strange family without damaging him ... Read review

Advantages: G.O.B, Teaches family values (Sort Of)
Disadvantages: The comedy falls flat on its face in places

...George Bluth Snr, and is arrested by the goverment. I say former as from then on until the end of the series, his son Michael takes over. The stories of each episode are all loosley based on how Michael and his immediate family are to get their father out of the slammer. As a american sitcom, it's a strange one. It only uses a single camera and there is a complete lack of an audience or a laughter track. This can be a double edged sword. While it's ...
...go right over your head without you being aware of them. Same with a few of the characters. Michael's son, George Michael for example, who rather than coming accross as funny, is instead is figity and unlikable. Don't let this put you off, "Arrested Development" has a charm much like Family Guy or Scrubs. When the show comes close to these types of shows, it shines as both a comedy and a well told story. Unfortunately there are some bad points. ... Read review