Arrested Development

Family Ties

Season 3, Episode 11, Aired 2/10/06

Episode Summary

In an effort to get to the bottom of things, Michael tracks Nellie down and hires her as a consultant for the Bluth Co. Unfortunately, Michael discovers Nellie's hands-on approach is more than he bargained for. Meanwhile, George Micheal and Maebey find out that their fake marriage was real.moreless

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Cast & Crew

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Will Arnett

George "Gob" Bluth II
Tony Hale

Byron "Buster" Bluth
Ron Howard

Narrator

Fan Episode Reviews (6)

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Michael hires a prostitute, who he thinks is his sister, to help out in the office.

8.9

"Great"

By marysuperfly, Dec 17, 2006 Report Abuse

Jason Bateman's sister guest stars as a prostitute who Michael thinks is possibly his sister. As the truth unravels, we see that although she is not his real sister, she effectively steps in and helps out within the company in more ways than one.

Perhaps the funnies part of this episode was Franklin's appearance. He and Gob as Nellie's pimp(s) was hilarious and very creative. It is amazing how these writers can go "out there" and always manage to tie things back in to the main story of the show. Definitely amazing!

It was also nice to see Jason Bateman's sister willing to jump in and play such an "uncomfortable" role. They have a great on-screen chemistry and hopefully will have the opportunity to demonstrate this again.moreless

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Michael finds out he has a sister

9.4

"Superb"

By jimbo_001, Jul 06, 2006 Report Abuse

Michael finds someone he thinks is his sister, named Nellie, which comes in handy when comparing her to Tobias, and who also turns out to be a prostitute (including George Sr's it's a good thing it turns out they aren't siblings.

When plots are as well woven as this one, it's a wonder why Arrested Development is getting cancelled, with the hilarious revelation of who the pimp Frank turns out to be, the person controlling the puppet still not believing there to be any sign to change his ways.

George Michael takes his marriage to Maeby a little too seriously and Maeby takes it a little too lightly but I have yet to see the episode they actually get married in.

Overall, the plots of this episode are great and show that anything can happen in the Bluth family.moreless

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This episode was fun

10

"Perfect"

By metzjedi, May 04, 2006 Report Abuse

This sets up the premise of an 'older sister' that Michael may have, which in fact turns out to be Linsday later on.
This episode showcases how naive and oblivious Michael is to everything going on around him. It likens him to Tobias's denial that he may be gay.
The hilarious reference to the old computers was fun; Tobias called the computer Michael was on a "ky' model and said 'make sure you don't get any moisture on these babies"
Justine Bateman was outstanding in this episode and it was great seeing her again.
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Another girl Michael misunderstands

9.8

"Superb"

By chage_16, May 03, 2006 Report Abuse

Between the misunderstandings with Rita, not figuring out that George Michael is infactuated with Maeby and now Nellie, I'm starting to see Michael really is a bluth. He's as dim- witted as the rest of them... okay he's not that dumb but still... not figuring out Nellie was a prostitute was a bit over the top.

Loved the whole Franklin/ Frank thing, I was wondering when Michael would figure that out... while George Michael's take on the wedding to his cousin was funny too. Not much really to say on this one... can't wait for the final few episodesmoreless

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Michael finds and hires Nellie who he thinks is his long lost sister. Buster falls in love with a nurse while still in his fake coma. Lindsey and Tobias schedule a night of "heterosexual intercourse", and George Michael tries to make his marriage work tmoreless

10

"Perfect"

By retroboy7777, Feb 15, 2006 Report Abuse

Finally Justine Bateman is on Arrested Development. It seems like the rumors have been going around forever that she was going to come on the show. But she finally made it on and she did good. I think that the only problem I have with this episode is that it could have been three or more episodes (hardly a problem at all) but all of the four final episodes were rushed storylines each and every one could have been material for the rest of the Third season which was cut short or the fourth season. But I'll take what I can get. I'm still a little confused though. In a news article about Justine Bateman being on the show it showed a picture of her wearing a large amount of make-up to make her look digusting and dirty but she didn't look like that at all, maybe they just rewrote the episode.

The genius of the writers never stops astounding me and those laugh out loud moments are just everywhere. The way they write the stories is just so circular and hilarious. Too bad America didn't get it.

At this point now that the show is over I find myself just trying to enjoy the show as much as I can. Because I could be outraged and hate the guy at FOX that cancelled the show but then I wouldn't enjoy the show to the same degree. So remember that people, we can write our outraged letters and sign petitions in our spare time just don't forget to enjoy the show while we still (kind of) have it.
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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- When Michael returns to the office in the final scene, there is a printout of a poster taped onto the wall that reads "Workers Love Nellie," which was a repeating joke during season 3, referring to the previous posters the Bluths have made: "Family Love Michael" & "Family Love Rita." Edit
- The information for Nellie in George's secret file says "Nellie -- Conslutant". A bit of foreshadowing for her career. Edit
- Nellie Bluth is played by Justine Bateman, who is Jason Bateman's (Michael Bluth) older sister. Edit
Notes
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- The address of the model home is 1 Lucille Lane, Newport Coast, CA 92606. Edit
Quotes
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- (Michael is talking to Nellie) Narrator: Hey, let's see what some of the other folks are up to. (Shot of George Michael doing homework) Narrator: Nothing there. (Shot of George, Sr. clipping his toenails) Narrator: Or there. (Shot of Buster's nurse getting into bed with him) Narrator: Oh, my ... Let's get back to Michael. Edit
- Lucille: Michael. What a surprise. Michael: Really? Were you expecting somebody else? Maybe, uh, one of your two daughters? Lucille: Oh, Lindsay and Tobias never visit. Edit
- (Lucille's necklace has just stuck to the magnet) Lucille: That's not a real gold necklace, is it? George, Sr.: Well, it wasn't really your 50th birthday. Edit
Allusions
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- Title: Family Ties Family Ties was a comedy show that ran on NBC from 1982 to 1989. with Justine Bateman who guest stars in this episode. Edit