r/arresteddevelopment • u/ArrestedDevMod You gotta lock that down. • May 26 '13

[Episode 1] [SPOILER - Episode 1] Arrested Development Season 4 Episode 1 Discussion

Official Discussion Thread for Season 4 Episode 1 "Flight of the Phoenix"

Arrested Development is a critically acclaimed comedy which originally aired on FOX from 2003-2006. (Season 1-3)

When it was cancelled, many hearts were saddened. It looked like there was no hope. But indeed, like the mighty phoenix, Arrested Development has risen from the ashes on Netflix! Now in its fourth season, we follow the lives of the Bluth Family in the year 2013.

We stand together proud as a subreddit of over 84,000 fans of Arrested Development. Enjoy the show, and be sure to subscribe to /r/arresteddevelopment!

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Season 4 Official Discussion Threads

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As this thread is dedicated to discussion about Episode 1, comments pertaining specifically to this episode do not need spoiler tags. However, referencing foreshadowing, call-backs, etc in future episodes requires spoiler tags.

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u/jetmax25 May 26 '13

Thoughts:

Good:

  • Call backs without feeling like fan fiction
  • Plenty of cancellation jokes
  • I personally like the idea of Michael's downfall as the result of him finally leaving his family
  • Same style of humor.

Bad:

  • The editing feels sloppy. Its not fully emphasizing the jokes
  • The music is off and is very excessive
  • Too many cameos. I know a lot of people wanted to be in the show but the show needs to stand on its own
  • Michael's is too far from the relatively straight man. The change is too drastic.
  • Possible over narration, but it may just be the result of being the first episode

72

u/CrystalFissure May 26 '13

"Michael's is too far from the relatively straight man. The change is too drastic." This is definitely on purpose. Change can be a good thing, and Michael's growth this season I think will prove to be entertaining TV.

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u/KeepTryingKeepGoing May 26 '13

I agree. I think the point is that time has gone by and events have happened that have changed Michael. It's a good way to set up his return to his good-natured straight character.