In Sir Balgavy's latest DVR posting, he mentions how much he has been enjoying Arrested Development recently. I admit that I have barely given that show a chance. But something about it rubs me the wrong way. The Ron Howard narration? The odd pacing? The stilted wackiness? I don't know. But I'm willing to admit that I'm wrong- especially now that football is almost over and I can confidently set it up to record on the DVR without having to build in 60 extra minutes in case a game went late.
So I ask the dedicated Listmaker readership, should I give this show another chance? And what about it is good?
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8 comments:
jeremy says:
dan, i avoided the show for a while too and wondered if i was missing something great. but i have now watched half of the past two episodes (plug alert: i only watched half because i have to leave during the show so i can go do my radio show on www.rfb.fm) and here are my thoughts:
i feel like i have walked into a raging party and no one notices i'm there. I am far too late to really be a part of the festivities.
i can't believe something so aggresively odd is on newtork/prime time teevee.
i usually get a bit annoyed by some of the wackiness and such but it has gotten a few well earned belly laughs from me each episode.
jason bateman is very appealing in a certain way i can't put my finger on but david cross outside of mr show is often hard to watch.
the brother is creepy but his voice is extra super creepy.
i will continue watching the first 15 minutes each week because i have nothing better to do.
Dan, Arrested Development is really a case where hype meets expectation. There are certain moments from the first season that are among my all-time favorite TV moments. Not every episode is a homerun, but when it's good, it's ridiculously good. I'm not sure what it might be that rubs you the wrong way. Watch it more and then we can address specific critiques! Yay!
I usually like about half of each episode - mostly the scenes with Jason Bateman, David Cross and the guy who plays GOB. I can do without the mother, the sister and the kids (though I liked the kids last season). And Jeffrey Tambor is usually hit or miss. It reminds me a lot of "Soap."
It is funny.
From Stone Groove
we've given it like 3 episodes and they were all terrible!
I am undecided on that show. It's definitely funny sometimes, but yes David Cross is annoying. It's like he's acting separately from everyone else in a Mr. Show sketch that has gone on for way too long to still be funny. (Then again, I've only seen AD about 4 times so I am not an authority on it.) One problem I have is that there are too many characters. There should only be one wacky brother, not two wacky brothers.
I like that the teenagers are pretty adult-acting and don't have typical kid angst bullshit. But there is way too much narration. The fact that it's Ron Howard doesn't bother me, but it's just too omnipresent. Let some action speak for itself instead of talking about it all the time.
Coming in late on the conversation, but I'm posting my thoughts anyway. D-van and I have been *obsessed* with Arrested Development after watching half of the first season on DVD during winter break. I like the wackiness and absurdity of it but I'd say watch the first season eps-- gives you more of a sense of the characters and their idiosyncracies. I also like how the actors seem to be having a good time.
Ok, I'll admit that I had a major crush on Jason Batemen when I was about 8 (Silver Spoons era) through It's Your Move and even occasionally watched the Hogan Family. But he's not even my favorite on the show!
The best eps from season 1 are definitely any of the GOB/magic ones and the pot buying episode.
-Amy W.
The comparison to "Soap" is apt. It also reminds me of "Mary Hartman" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." I place all four of these shows in the realm of "metatelevision." Not that they are shows about making tv shows, they are just somehow post-television as a form. Before I came up with this idea 30 seconds ago, I thought of them as "those valium shows." The pacing, the humor, something is quaaluded out about them. I would suggest taking a valium or sedating allergy pill before viewing next time. The voiceover is funny because it's so intrusive and stupid. Driving off in an airport staircase, and then continuing to use it as the family vehicle? It's just so absurd. I can see how it would make you feel antagonistic but you have to just let love in. Jim, what's this "one wacky bro per show" rule? I haven't really seen Mr. Show so I don't have the same DC issues. He's funny because he's so clueless about acting "gay" in these really weird ways, not the poncing lisp or pink wearing that has stood for gay on TV so far. Every character is just totally fucked up and over-the-top.
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