‘Arrested Development’ soars to infinity and beyond with new season

Bestowed upon this undeserving world in October of 2011 was the heart-clenching, breathtaking, jaw-dropping news of the impossible — a new season of “Arrested Development.” This glorious news had announced that the new season would be released in early 2013 and then was later specified to this past May 26. The painstakingly slow wait was worth it, and it is impossible to not fall out of my chair with the privilege of seeing see a fresh batch of clever and hilarious episodes.

The opening of “Arrested Development,” over a series of awkward family portraits, states that the show is “the story of a wealthy family, who lost everything — and the one son who had to put it all back together.” Michael Bluth, played by Jason Bateman, is the son who is forced to sew back the loose threads of a family that has fallen apart and is living in a model home.

Though “Arrested Development” may seem like a bland show with its strange characters at first glance, the unique situations thrown at them, and the way these characters approach them bring an enjoyably unexpected twist to every episode. Ranging from a banana stand setting on fire to a boat sinking during spring break, there is not one hilarious episode in which something expected occurs.

The characters in “Arrested Development”characters are diverse and individualistic in every way imaginable. While the mother of Michael, Lucille Bluth, is hot-headed, conceited and inconsiderate, her youngest son (though being in his 30s), Buster Bluth, is her foil. His demeanor is consumed with anxiety and paranoia, combined into a spastically loud and frantic man who sticks maybe a bit too close to home.

The show had previously taken a four season run from 2003, ending in 2006 after lacking a stable audience. Though gathering excellent reviews from numerous critics, creator Mitch Hurwitz declined continuing the series on Fox. 

However, during a panel at The New Yorker Festival in 2011, Hurwitz announced his plans to produce a fourth season of “Arrested Development” that would lead into a film adaptation.

This announcement left me, along with many others, waiting for the upcoming movie with great expectations that I know will be met. Having provided five solid seasons with a fantastic cast, dysfunctional family gatherings, plot twists and numerous inappropriate jokes, the movie will most likely top it all while (I hope) tying all knots left loose since 2006.

A prime component of the show that has attracted such a large audience over the years is that it appeals to every age. I clearly remember being picked up from school in fifth grade and my mother recounting the rerun she had watched that day, leaving out the more inappropriate parts due to my age. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the stupid things they had done in the episode that I would watch later that day.

My favorite character had always been Buster because nothing could be expected from such a bipolar and socially awkward character. My brother always recited the stupid things Gob Bluth would say, even getting excited when “Final Countdown” would come on the radio, the song Gob would perform magic tricks to — every single time. The diverse characters in the show provide a wide range of possible favorites, whether it be an airheaded shopaholic, a high school boy crushing on his own cousin or an ex-therapist with the dream of becoming an actor.

The show has been brought back to life through more and more people discovering its greatness. Whether it be buying DVDs or watching on Netflix, the show currently has a widespread audience growing across the globe. It’s more exciting than ever due to the willingness of all the actors to return to their roots and provide a whole new season lead-in to movie.

Now that the season is out, all we have to wait for is the full movie to be released later this upcoming summer. As excitement broils across the nation, popcorn will be popping and hearts will be stopping in impatience for one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year.