In a way, this episode and the episode that follows it are an unofficial two parter, which makes rating it a little more difficult. They both have different sub-plots that are equally funny but very similar plots at the forefront: Michael and Marta. I mentioned in the review for the last episode that the show occasionally loved focusing on Michael's love-life, even more so after George Michael gave his permission. "Marta Complex" begins the process of bringing the "Marta/Gob/Michael (and sort of Buster)" triangle (or square) to an end.
In the first episode, it's Lindsey and Tobias' 14th anniversary, which Michael tricks his mom into celebrating. Right from the get-go, the episode seems intent on focusing on the eradication of old relationships in favor of forging new ones. In the course of 21 minutes, Michael and Marta begin hinting at their feelings for each other ("I love you all, Marta.") leaving Gob in the dust, buster moves out of his mom's house and is broken up with by Lucille 2, Lindsey and Tobias nearly divorce and the working relationship between Tobias and Carl Weathers (who continues to steal scenes as an exaggerated version of himself) comes to a tragic yet hilarious end. And in the midst of this, George Michael learns that he might not be related to Maeby.
It's a lot for any normal show to cover in one episode, but as I've said before, "Arrested Development" is not just any normal show. By splitting the stories into two different yet similar episodes, everything is resolved by episode's end. We get the start of a great running gag where Gob hears Marta talking about a guy named "Hermano," not knowing that "hermano" is Spanish for "Brother" and that she's talking about Michael. Michael, who doesn't know that "hermano" is brother either, begins to see if Marta is cheating on Gob with some guy named "hermano." The show milks this joke for all its worth and never lets it feel stale.
Also, the way Buster, Carl Weathers, Marta and Michael's plot all sort of blend into one another is fun to watch. I can't say it enough: Carl Weathers steals the show here. I dare you to try and not laugh about the time he made that movie with Anne Archer and didn't touch his per diem. Awesome.
The story is eventually resolved in the next episode, but it's rare when a two part episode can make both parts equally great. That's the case here.moreless
EDIT
Episode Summary
When Lucille throws an anniversary party for Tobias and Lindsay on Valentine's Day, Michael gives an impassioned speech about love. This makes Marta realize she has feelings for him and Lindsay realize she wants a divorce. Meanwhile, Buster decides to move out of the penthouse and Lucille revels in living alone for the first time.moreless
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Jeffrey Tambor
George Bluth Sr. / Oscar Bluth
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Portia de Rossi
Lindsay Bluth Fünke
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David Cross
Tobias Fünke
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
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Trivia
ADD TRIVIA- During Tobias and Lindsay's anniversary party/Lucille's Valentine's Day party, Lupe is wearing a "Gobble Gobble" sweatshirt (which would be for Thanksgiving Day). She was also previously seen wearing a Halloween sweatshirt at Christmas time. Edit
- Maeby can be heard several times blowing bubbles into her soda. Edit
- Some of the candy hearts in the dish that George Michael picks through irregularly read "Dress Up", "Vogue" and "Guess Again". Edit
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Notes
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Help by adding notes to this episode. Add notes
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Quotes
ADD QUOTES- Tobias: No, no, no, there's a shower scene? I have to be nude? Carl Weathers: Hey, you don't shower with your clothes on, now, do you? Edit
- Marta: Well, as you said, finding out who you really are, it can be painful, but you can't live a lie. Michael: No, I can't, but some people find a way to make that work. Edit
- Tobias: 14 years of lies. Yes, I'm the doctor. The perfect husband. The big manly man. The big strong daddy. Do you know the last time that I made love to my wife? George Michael: No. Tobias: I'll tell you when. George Michael: No, don't. Edit
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Allusions
ADD ALLUSIONS- The music Lucille was listening to was "Rose's Turn" from the musical Gypsy. Also, she later says "How do you like them egg rolls, Mr. Goldstone", which is a reference to the song "Mr. Goldstone", also from Gypsy. Edit
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Lucille: Lucille! Guess who's coming to dinner!
Lucille's comment about Carl Weathers is a reference to the 1967 classic in which, a young woman brings home a black fiance. Edit
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