Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
10.30 Arrested Development
Arrested Development. Episode 19. "Best Man for the GOB" Bachelor Party.
Even if the execution wasn't funny, the premise/concept of Arrested Development is ideal for situation comedy. There is basically only one normal/nice character in the whole family and he is charged with taking care of the rest of them. And holding the family together. Conflict (necessary for good situation comedy) is inherent in the set-up. And, cleverly, it's not a case of them always running after Michael (to drive the stories), rather it is usually up to Michael to chase down one, or more, of them on a weekly basis to try and solve some family-related crisis. In either case, it is a classic example of the premise driving the stories, without any added elements.
Even better, there's a sub-concept within the main concept. Michael's son is the only other normal/nice character in the mix and father and son have a great relationship. Which is nice. But, sadly, doesn't lead to much conflict/comedy. So, on many occasions, Michael has opted to go against his instincts and try and force his son into some activity or other. In this episode Michael tries to force the boy into going fishing with him, because he feels (or wants to feel) that it is better for both of them). On other occasions, the writers use mis-understanding and mis-communication to create conflict between father and son where there wouldn't normally be any.
Yet Another TV Review Podcast
Yet Another TV Review Book
Yet Another Film Review Blog
Follow Me on Twitter
A Briefing With Michael: One Year Ago
Arrested Development
