This is the last episode of Arrested Development, being the last part of the four-part finale also including Fakin' It, Family Ties and Exit Strategy. It's sad that the show was lost, but this series of episodes is also easily the best part of season 3. Development Arrested models itself after the Pilot in portraying the family finally clear of George's legal problems. But the ending isn't a happy one; despite beating the legal system, the family left to its own devices destroys itself. Lindsay finds out she's adopted and considers leaving her marriage, Michael discovers the incestuous relationship between George Michael and Maeby, Lucille sells the company, and George Michael learns he lost his girlfriend Ann to his older uncle GOB. This episode actually made me angry that the family did all this to each other, and I wasn't crazy about the adoption revelations, but those mixed feelings may have been the point. Again, it wasn't a happy ending for a series about picking yourself up after hardship. But it was master storytelling.
Development Arrested brings everything together to a dramatic conclusion, with Michael and George Michael sitting with each other on the boat being the classic final scene. Michael finally brings a moral to the story of incest and maybe of the story generally- family is a bond that lasts forever. From a comedic point of view this episode is also good, with Tobias' innuendos being worked in and tension still lingering between George Michael and Maeby. Altogether, Development Arrested isn't as good as the Extended Pilot on which it's based, but it's right up there with the best episodes. A must-see for any Arrested Development fan.
Development Arrested brings everything together to a dramatic conclusion, with Michael and George Michael sitting with each other on the boat being the classic final scene. Michael finally brings a moral to the story of incest and maybe of the story generally- family is a bond that lasts forever. From a comedic point of view this episode is also good, with Tobias' innuendos being worked in and tension still lingering between George Michael and Maeby. Altogether, Development Arrested isn't as good as the Extended Pilot on which it's based, but it's right up there with the best episodes. A must-see for any Arrested Development fan.