Farewell to one of the greats!!

DVDs were pretty much invented so those few ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT fans could enjoy their favorite show over and over. What a brilliant series!!! Thank God I can watch it again and again. One or two viewings of a given episode isn't enough to catch all the jokes, puns, and sneaky self-referential bits.

Season 3 was stellar. I've read a little griping that the quality slipped a little...okay, maybe from A+++ to A+. Still pretty darn good. The only story line that tired me a little bit was the stuff with Charlize Theron (as a love-interest for Michael who isn't quite all he thinks she is). She's a decent actress, but I found her British accent unconvincing, and I thought the story line went on too long.

Other than that, I've got no complaints. The episode where George Michael ends up in a retro looking flying jetpack, and flies over a miniature model home park while crashing into Tobias dressed in a monster costume was so funny I wept. No joke. I did not think it was possible to find 30 seconds of TV so funny. We watched it over and over. This moment exemplified what the show did so particularly well...the careful build to a big payoff. The seeds of this moment were carefully laid throughout the episode...culminating in a crazy moment that made perfect sense based on those seeds. Not only was the moment a delight, but realizing how carefully they worked to achieve it left me in awe.

The final four episodes, when the story finally wrapped itself up pretty well, include wonderful trips to Iraq, fantastic guest appearances (including a very nice turn from Justine Bateman) and crisp, crisp acting all around.

It's almost futile to describe the show, and hence, you may feel I haven't told you enough ABOUT the show. If you haven't seen it, you MUST watch it, but you must start with Disc 1. My family and I have had ARRESTED marathons...when Season 1 came out, we watched it in one day, and later the same with Seasons 2 & 3. They fly by, and you can see all the many little jokes you missed the first time, mostly because you were too busy laughing at the other jokes. This is NOT an exaggeration...the show is that packed with energy. So while I hesitate to explain the plot...I hope you get some idea that this is a show everyone ought to give a try. I know not everyone will adore it...but believe me, if it strikes YOUR funny bone, you will be an appreciate addict!

The DVDs have extras, as well. Quite a few...deleted or extended scenes which for the most part are funny, but feel a little looser than this super tight show normally let get by. Probably why the bits were cut. The commentaries (I didn't listen to all) are perfectly pleasant, but I still prefer just watching the show.

(Regarding those who continue to blame FOX for the failure of the show to find an audience. Yes, it is a shame to see it go. I'll miss all the incredibly talented cast and characters. But in some ways, it might be a blessing. I can only imagine the creative and logistical effort that went into it...how could that be sustained? And even though Fox kinda gave up on it mid season...they DID promote it a lot before then. And magazines raved about it. And it cleaned up award after award. But people didn't tune in...you can't blame Fox for cutting its losses (although WHY "The War at Home" or "Stacked" lasted more than 2 episodes each I don't know). Remember, Fox stuck by "Malcolm in the Middle" and "King of the Hill" for many years past when their ratings dropped. Overall, I can't be too upset with them.

I'd sure feel different, though, if ARRESTED wasn't out on DVD!! This is a MUST OWN if there ever was such a thing!! SEE IT!!!!