Having become obsessed with Arrested Development during its second season (it is the only television program I make an effort to watch), watching the first was in order after the underwhelming but nonetheless better-than-anything-else-on-television season finale. Its innovation and supreme wit is evident in any given minute of footage, I’m convinced: the hand-held camerawork, the incessant comedy, the nonjudgmental narration—its merits are numerous. Ron Howard’s narration, specifically, encapsulates each episode, but I realize now there is also a discreet consistency that connects every episode: George Michael’s crush on his cousin Maeby, Tobias’ collection of cut-off shorts, or Kitty’s constant flashing of her asymmetrical breasts. The Bluth’s egotisim is the primary exploitation; most of them are spoiled by the family’s dwindling wealth, and others trapped by unattainable ideals (“I am the magician! He is the assistant!”). But there is also an air of sensitivity, concerning a family’s recuperation in the aftermath of their greatest hardship. This dynamic, along with the numerous connections the Bluths find they have with Saddam Hussein, certainly enables this to be the most compelling, subversively political show available on television. (At least, it’s the best show I watch.) Here’s to a third season.
by Rumsey Taylor | Source: Fox DVD
22 Apr 2005 1:30 PM | Submit Comment