Arrested Develpment is a fraud.

It's a hollow, one-note sitcom that is often so obvious that it becomes insulting. It has the trappings of a fun show - an outline of the plot would seem promising. The the show is made to seem like a blend of indie-spirited quirkiness and wistful direction. All this is really just sleight-of-hand; misdirection to keep our eyes off the insanely bad jokes [addition a half-year or so after this is written: there is funny stuff on Arrested Development. Funny moments - they appear as neon spikes in what is otherwise a feces-toned flatline).

There are good people out there who somehow have been duped. People with otherwise good taste, people I respect. I've been baffled by this since I first watched the show with a sharp girlfriend, and I remain at a total loss. As impossible as it would seem, I've even heard it suggested that this embarrassing piece of television is better than NBC's The Office. The insanity of such an idea should be immediately apparent. But since insults and sarcasm don't do much to convert opinionated human beings, let's examine the pedigree of some of the show's respective writers.

The US version of the Office is written by a team of around 10 writers, although the bulk of the episodes are scripted by a core of about five, many of whom are regular members of the cast. Their understanding of the material and talent for creating humor imparts an extra dimension to their performances, and to the overall impression of the ensemble (as opposed to characters like Portia's -- she plays one of the most irritating and poorly-acted characters I have ever seen on television anywhere. Ever.). The series was originally adapted by the extremely talented Greg Daniels, who is also responsible for creating the underrated King of the Hill, and writing many of the better episodes in both that series and The Simpsons. The other writers on the team are also otherwise associated with programs such as The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Weird Science (!) and in the case of Mindy Kaling, even a Broadway play.

A list like this would constitute an impressive resume on its own. It's exceptional and even groundbreaking television--even the somewhat less interesting shows (Greg the Bunny, The Ben Stiller Show, The Bernie Mac Show) are examples of clever, stand-out programs - if short-lived or inconsistent. But far more important than that is what you will find these writers were not involved with. Scour each one's imdb credentials - there's practically not a single mediocre project on the list for any of them. Moreover, many of them pretty much write for The Office and nothing else. This could help account for the uncannily exceptional nature of the scripting of the show. The freshness and seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of humor and plot ideas simply does not exist anywhere else on TV. The personality and the feeling in the writing is produced by people who aren't mercenaries and whores. They don't peddle weak jokes to the oblivious masses. They care about the show and they care about what happens on it.

Now let's look at the writers for Arrested Development. The first problem you'll notice is how many there are. Arrested Development has a LOT of writers, but there is a sort of main group contributing the bulk of the material. Examine their writing credentials, and you will first notice how extensive they are. Nearly all of these people have written for many, many different programs, and have been writing for television and movies for a long time. Think once and you might get the idea that this is a GOOD thing, some sort of recommendation. They're "experienced" or they're "talented veterans." But think twice, and then look again - because the second thing you'll notice is that the list of programs is mostly really bad. The fact is that I only ever came into this information because I felt like I was going to have an aneurysm if I heard another person I respected (Britt Daniels! ) speak of their affection for this show. I wondered if I'd gone insane; I knew I had to do something more than just point at the screen and yell at my friends "LOOK AT IT. LISTEN TO IT. IT'S NOT FUNNY! IT'S NOT!" Then the idea occurred to me - since AD mostly gets by on repackaging predictable, redundant, sometimes nauseating sitcom punchlines with a hip cast and sunny bright colors, the writers on the show would probably have revealing track records. Let's see:

My Wife and Kids
Friends
Boy Meets World

*ahem*

Ladies Man'
Grounded for Life
Wild Hogs - a movie that earned a Metacritic score of 27, of which Film Threat critic Pete Vonder Haar said "does for comedies what Exxon did for Prince William Sound". It stars John Travolta and Tim Allen.

Uh, yeah.

Mitchell Hurwitz is the creator, and most frequent writer for Arrested Development. Of his past achievements, The Ellen Show (sitcom, not talk show) is pretty much at the zenith. Elsewhere in his resume: A handful of failed, trashy sitcoms! The Golden Girls! I think Zorak said it best:

"I love the one where they all eat contaminated Geritol and die."


Chuck Martin, another regular contributor, has the distinction of writing for The Academy Awards. Yeah, the thing they broadcast once a year. He's also going to be a voice actor in Bee Movie. This isn't exactly a group of fabulous young firebrands and eccentric comedic geniuses, like most fans probably like to think. But all of this, really, is immaterial, it's outside of the important stuff - the show isn't funny. I shouldn't say it's not funny, I guess; it's about as funny as an episode of the Golden Girls or My Wife and Kids. OR FRIENDS. And how could I say something like that? It's written by the same fucking people.

David Cross and Michael Cera are two guys I really like and whose work I enjoy when they're not on this show. But then again, that statement doesn't really make sense - because Arrested Development ISN'T their work - they each contribute exactly zero material. There's no improvisation like on The Office - there's no life, no activity. It's a bunch of people who seem hipper than the cast of a bargain bin sitcom because they're shot differently and aren't accompanied by a laugh track, rigidly following a script that has all the wit and subtlety of a Carlos Mencia routine.

It's almost like the show casts a spell. The breeziness, the jaunty music, the strange and awkward romance between really young people like George Michael and Maeby (also probably the attempts at "edgy" or iconoclastic humor in the truly desperate third season). Somehow all this hypnotizes people into not noticing that they're laughing at some of the most clubfooted and wince-inducing dialog anywhere on television. Honestly, go back to it just once. I know you rewatch it at get-togethers with your friends and you all laugh at Cross's blue face and don't pay much attention. Look again. Listen again. For all our sakes.

Interesting, critiquing a show based on the merits of the other work of the contributors, that's definitely an argument that carries merit.

So I'm gonna have to try and figure out this clubfooted and wince-inducing dialog. I have to say I've really never seen what you've meant by this, Arrested Development tends to be one of the smarter shows I've ever watched. Honestly you're gonna have to provide some examples. I mean I can go to wikiquote and pull out a bunch of examples of witty dialogue and embarrass you, but no one really wants that...

You've got to read the whole post, son. The show has MOMENTS. Some are even significant.

And like I also already SAID, I resorted to this kind of argument because comedy is so hard to prove or disprove. Why is H. Jon Benjamin a genius? Why are the people on the AD team generally terrible, terrible hacks? You can't quantify this kind of thing.

I've seen the show all the way through about eighty times because so many girlfriends and drunk friends in general seem to find it soothing or therapeutic or...something. They couldn't actually find it funny. Could they?

You're not going to embarrass me, LK. I IMPLORE you, go and find these witty quotes. Please. I can tell you right now, I'm already familiar with all of them.

See, the jokes that people rofl at on this show aren't funny. They are staggeringly obvious, REALLY forced "smart" or "edgy" jokes - and that's a brilliant formula, see. Because:

1. Everyone likes to feel smart
2. Stupid people can't catch on to humor that is ACTUALLY smart

So you put in some eighth string "wordplay," some forehead-smacking innuendo, and everyone gets to feel like a clever devil.

Michael Bluth is the character viewers are meant to identify with. Have you ever noticed how arrogant, how condescending, how palpably self-satisfied he is? The little quips he makes every time any member of his family says something are meant to demonstrate how much better he is than them. It's true! And to an extent that's an expressed component of the show -- Michael feeling like his family is holding him back and is so degraded and ridiculous, etc. But it really gets nauseating, and it's frightening to think so many people AREN'T sickened by it.

Then there's Gob. Gob is maybe the most painful screen presence in the history of television. It's hard for me to even look at his face on the screen without feeling sick. His fake delivery, his hokey smile, his boneheaded "antics." This show is comprised almost entirely of the sort of forced, colorful, empty "wackiness" that Tim on the BBC version of The Office is so disgusted by in one of the last episodes. It's fake. It has nothing to do with real people. It doesn't provide any insight or correlate in any way with reality. The OPPOSITE of The Office, which does in so many ways. Roy the douchebag boyfriend (who's really not TOTALLY ALWAYS a douchebag) with the insecure loner girl, Michael the attention-starved failed class-clown, all the subtle misunderstandings and missed connections - obviously life isn't EXACTLY like this, but it reflects real life, and that's why it's so brilliant. That's why it's funny AND poignant. George Michael and Maeby are cute because they're both young and...cute. But Maeby's not really endearing - she's pretty much manipulative, stubborn and obnoxious. From Steve Holdt to charity scams to using George Michael to do her homework (in scenes that kind of also implied she was stupid) - I don't see the appeal.

I could do a breakdown of each character, but who has the time? Each joke hits you square in the mouth with all the sophistication and restraint of projectile beer vomit.

Here's the generalized setup and punchline for 60% of the jokes on the show:

Lucille: I never consume alcohol - now pour me another vodka!

Hilarious? The people who refer to "subtlety" on AD really kill me. "HIDDEN" OR SUBLIMINAL "JOKES" DO NOT EQUATE TO SUBTLETY. I've honestly never witnessed broader, easier, DUMBER, more obvious comedy anywhere. Like, not even on Moesha.


It's similar to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (which admittedly is worse than AD) in that the premise of the show seems to be:

"Everyone in the world, except like two people, is fucking retarded. Go!"

But all this fighting really makes me tired, and I know in the end it's a losing battle. I hope you all enjoy the movie.

It seems to me, BlackGravel, that you are wasting your time. I don't think anyone will read your well-thought rant and change their opinion of the show. Why do you know so much about a show you do not like? If you know so much about clever comedy why aren't you a writer for NBC or something? The title of your post implies you feel as if this will piss people off, but it is your opinion, I could care less.

arrested development is hilarious. a perfect show.

quote:

Originally posted by BlackGravel:
It's similar to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (which admittedly is worse than AD) in that the premise of the show seems to be:

"Everyone in the world, except like two people, is fucking retarded. Go!"

The premise of most comedies is that you have a straight man surrounded by buffoons. Part of the charm of It's Always Sunny is that everyone's an idiot. The viewer isn't supposed to identify with anyone.

But despite the entire cast being stupid and self-absorbed, it manages to actually tackle some interesting issues that most comedies would never touch, like abortion, racism, poverty, death, transexualism, etc. It's a smart show with stupid characters.

I can understand how someone would, after viewing every episode "eight times", become distastefully bored by humor and jokes they picked up on the first time around, but was making such a long winded exegesis about it necessary? Furthermore BlackGravel, it's hard to overlook the exaggeration of your rants when you make statements comparing the nature of the show's humor to that of a Carlos Mencia routine or Moesha, along with saying something like: "I've honestly never witnessed broader, easier, DUMBER, more obvious comedy anywhere". You need to watch more SNL movies my friend. Or Family Guy.

You did hit the nail on the head about the main thing that annoyed me with AD, which is how the plot motif of almost every episode inevitably revolved around Michael Bluth being the 'reluctant' savior of his family. It really made his character smug and the focus on him redundant. Also, there wasn't a whole lot behind the story since the characters, albeit funny, were really too shallow for someone to be concerned with their 'development' or whatever. I think the show has more wit and subtlety than BlackGravel gives it credit, but it definitely pails in comparison as a comedy-drama to the US version of the Office.

Speaking of which, was anyone else disappointed with season 4? Particularly after the writers strike, save for the last episode, when the show was almost awkwardly painful to watch. Michael's character has gone from bone-headed but endearing (ala homer simpson) to simply annoying and stupid. Some of the episodes that focused around his dramas and arrogance were the worst of the series, such as 'The Dinner Party' and 'Chair Model'. Granted Micheal's character was starting to come around again in the series finale so maybe he hasn't been exhausted yet, but I'm not to optimistic about the shows future. The British version only lasted two seasons for a reason.

I did exaggerate, sure. It's only because this kind of thing drives me insane. I obsess about it, it's a problem I have. I felt like I was losing my mind because all these people who I consider smart and insightful were raving about this show - I felt like a guy whose friends all suddenly decide to be neo-nazis. What could I do?

But some of it wasn't really exaggeration really. I can't express what this is like - the badness and ineptitude and unfunniness of the show, to me, are like...what's a good analogy.

It's like someone shows me a video of little girls being raped and beaten to death, and I find that somehow I can't convince anyone that the content of the video is not morally sound. Not even people I know to be of a decent sort. That's what it's like.
(qualification - there are people who feel the same way I do. But they're a minority.)

Some of the worst jokes I've ever seen on television were on that show.

The shit where they're in a cab in "Iraq" or whatever and the driver goes

"We're gonna have to Condeleeza Rice Lane, the Cheney expressway is backed up all the way to Halliburton Road" (approximate quote as I remember it)

If you don't feel like wretching at such boneheaded, look-at-us politicized bullshit comedy, you're probably not a person I could ever hang out with. How are people who really oppose bad politicians like George supposed to remain the sharp and clever side when we're laughing at jokes that fucking retarded?

That's just one example. The "I'm afraid I blue myself" stuff also is truly vomitous. I'm afraid I blue myself? No one would ever say that, it doesn't make sense, it doesn't work as a slip or anything else, even for someone who's incredibly stupid, and Tobias is supposed to be a doctor.

AARGH!

Hee hee hee you're so angry at something that doesn't really matter!

I understand what you're saying, BlackGravel. I've only seen 3 or 4 episodes and my reaction to them was about the same as yours. But due to my limited experience I'm not ready to damn the show yet. At the same time nothing piqued my curiosity enough to bother watching more, especially when there's so much stuff out there I haven't seen that I know I would like. Like the majority of The Office UK. And I really hate David Cross.

Still, I'd say Family Guy is a show far more worthy of hatred.

quote:

Originally posted by La La Love Pixies:
Speaking of which, was anyone else disappointed with season 4? Particularly after the writers strike, save for the last episode, when the show was almost awkwardly painful to watch. Michael's character has gone from bone-headed but endearing (ala homer simpson) to simply annoying and stupid. Some of the episodes that focused around his dramas and arrogance were the worst of the series, such as 'The Dinner Party' and 'Chair Model'. Granted Micheal's character was starting to come around again in the series finale so maybe he hasn't been exhausted yet, but I'm not to optimistic about the shows future. The British version only lasted two seasons for a reason.

I felt the same way, but only after the writer's strike. I actually thought the pre-strike episodes were mostly fantastic and an improvement over the 3rd season, which dragged a bit. But after the strike the dynamic between Michael, Jim, and Dwight was almost completely ignored, and to my mind that's what the show at its best has always revolved around. The Office should not be about giving each character his own side story - it's an ensemble show.

What worries me more is this supposed forthcoming spinoff. These things almost always end up destroying the original show and spawning an even worse show.

It is too bad that the US version of the Office has effectively missed its chance to end as beautifully as the BBC version did - I'm not going to spoil it for you odyssey, but it's the best ending to anything I've ever seen (if we don't count Rushmore). But I don't know, the writers on the US Office are miraculously talented. They...almost...could turn it all on its head and end it even better than the BBC. I believe in miracles.

What's with all the Family Guy flaming in this thread?

quote:

What's with all the Family Guy flaming in this thread?

There doesn't seem to be enough, if you ask me... Family Guy's horrible.

I've only watched a couple of episodes of AD, didn't really laugh that much, but I was slightly amused at certain parts. In no way did I find it the "smartest comedy on television" as so many critics labeled it. In fact, it almost felt like it was trying too hard to make you laugh (which is odd for a comedy without canned laughter). At any rate, my girlfriend has recently got into this show, so I'll probably give it a shot and watch a couple seasons. I doubt it'll sweep me off my feet though.

Oh and I agree with BG: H. Jon Benjamin rules! Home Movies forever!!!

I'm the kinda guy that if it manages to make me laugh, I like it, and 'Arrested Development' cracked me up! I don't see it as an "intelligent comedy", it's just plain goofy to me. I LOVE how each episode is apart of one big story and it was great whenever they revisited events & lines. Then again, I get a kick outta things like that. I mean, that's what I loved about 'The Simpsons'.

And Bob Loblaw had the best friggin' commercial EVER! ("Have you been arrested for a crime that someone else noticed?" )

I can tell you right now where this discussion is always going to end. It's a matter of taste, some people like it and some don't. You obviously have a problem with the show but I don't know what you are trying to achieve (maybe get a rise out of someone whose only crime is enjoying Arrested Development(in which case Bob Loblaw should be contacted)).
Personally I have always enjoyed the show and will continue to do so. So in short I really don't see the point of this thread.

Furthermore I even have a solution. Don't watch the show. Wow, see how much trouble and frustration I spared you of BlackGravel(you're welcome). We all have things we don't like and since we can't wish those things away simply avoid them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Midnight,

I've always had a problem with those who spend more time speaking about the things they don't like than the things they do.

If you ever wonder where (or why) all of the good members have gone, look no further than this thread.

quote:

Originally posted by Il Mago:
I've always had a problem with those who spend more time speaking about the things they don't like than the things they do.

If you ever wonder where (or why) all of the good members have gone, look no further than this thread.

Because one troll makes a silly thread, you're willing to indict our entire community?

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Angelo:

quote:

Originally posted by Il Mago:
I've always had a problem with those who spend more time speaking about the things they don't like than the things they do.

If you ever wonder where (or why) all of the good members have gone, look no further than this thread.

Because one troll makes a silly thread, you're willing to indict our entire community?

No, there are still some good people here. It's just not the same place it was even two years ago. It used to be civil.

"It used to be civil"

? Are you seriously that white? You're like a thirty-five-year-old male librarian who has actual bitter rivalries with the middle-schoolers who keep abusing their computer privileges.

It's a discussion forum, are we really this invested in limiting the expression of any volatile personalities? Really if you want your lame opinions and fragile self-esteem protected, the place to go is totally a discussion forum. Christ are you people depressing.

Why did I make the thread? Because I don't just hate the show, I feel like a lot of people have been tricked into liking it. It's LCD comedy disguised as hip and edgy. I feel like people should pay more attention to the actual content and writing instead of being blinded by the sunshine and the colors and deafened by the jaunty theme music. It isn't funny. It's not insightful either. It's actually something more like a scam than a series.

For everyone entering the thread mostly to say something like "I couldn't care less! You haven't offended me! I still love the show!" yeah, ok sure. You've convinced me. Sarcasm aside, maybe you should actually read what was said. Don't act so threatened. I already mentioned that many people I deeply respect (Hutch and Kathy of the Thermals) like the show.

Also, I "rant" much MORE about things I do like. Even in this very thread I had to go off about H. Jon Benjamin and both versions of The Office. A remark like that in response to posts like mine might lead some to believe that you don't think very well.

M.A. - you might be the biggest loser in the entire universe. This one follows me around like a familiar spirit. Some Golden Compass shit.

Black Gravel - you type too much for your own good. I didn't make it through the first post on here, because honestly I would rather just be watching AD for the 4th or 5th time through (and laughing my ass off)instead of wasting time reading your imperative drooling drivel.