This past summer, I didn’t really watch too many new shows, but there is one that I just need to tell you all about. If you’re someone that likes black comedy with a 2000s vibe, put Arrested Development on your watch list ASAP.
The Premise
If you’re unfamiliar with Arrested Development as I was when I first saw the show on Netflix, here’s the premise. The show circles around Michael Bluth and his many attempts to rebuild his family’s real estate development firm after the authorities detain his father, the family patriarch. His family is of no avail as they continue to squander the little money they do have on ridiculous things like props for magic tricks and diamond face cream.
It’s one of those shows where there’s so much miscommunication between characters, but only the audience is aware which makes it even more funny. Many tv shows surrounding a family are typically very heartwarming and wholesome. Arrested Development does an amazing job at circumventing this common narrative. Throughout the entire show, Michael attempts to get his family’s company back on track, but he can never do so. At least one of his family members or himself at times screw it up. This family is slowly self-destructing throughout the series, and I’ll admit it, it’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched.
Watching people self-destruct on TV is funny not because you want them to fail but because the chaos and mishaps are addictingly amusing. We don’t want it in our own lives, but it’s so funny to watch. There are so many miscommunications and secrets only the audience knows that carry on from one episode to the next. As a viewer, you’re watching the characters slowly catch onto the miscommunications after multiple episodes of them being perpetually oblivious.
Film Style
The film style is documentary adjacent. There’s a documentary film crew behind the cameras, but there’s no individual interviews. Thus this encourages viewers to interpret how a character is feeling based on the scene. What helps though, is that each character is extremely distinct from each other. It’s not too difficult to decipher how they would feel in that situation.
For example, the main character Michael Bluth is a responsible and focused individual while his twin sister Lindsay on the other hand is selfish, undriven, and lazy. When these characters are faced with the same situation, you immediately know how either one of them is feeling or will react just from their interactions with other family members. Michael will typically try to come up with a plan while Lindsay will find a way to save herself first.
Juxtaposition of the Setting and the Family
Another aspect of this show that is skillfully done is the juxtaposition of the setting with this family’s chaos. The family lives in Newport Beach, California; a place known for its relaxing beaches, pier, and overall picturesque atmosphere. Imagine the Bluth family rolls in and they just obliterate this entire atmosphere. They’re throwing Spring Break parties on the beach, blowing up their banana stand, and stealing yachts. The mayhem extends beyond their family home.
All in all, Arrested Development is a fun 2000s tv show about a dysfunctional family that gets more dysfunctional as the show progresses. This is the show to watch if you want to feel a little frustrated, but also laugh your socks off. A bonus is seeing a young Michael Cera, the most awkward man to grace our screens.
That’s all for this week’s article, I hope you all watch at least one episode of Arrested Development. I truly do think that you will enjoy this show, if you give it a chance. Thank you all for reading. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new posts. Stay sharp 😉