Arrested Development

Irony. "The use of words to imply other, and usually the opposite of, their literal or intended meaning." Not coincidence, but real irony, just like those old Greek guys used to do. It's almost a forgotten art today, especially on the cultural wasteland that is broadcast television. And this show had it in spades; no wonder it was cancelled so long before its time. Observe: idiotic Gob, who makes a habit of embarassing the family, insists that, "no one makes a laughing stock of this family without my help!" What could Michael possible have said to top that? Nothing, that's what. So, the annual softball game between the Bluth and Sitwell companies is coming up. Stan Sitwell, an ostensibly kind and generous man, approaches Michael with a business deal, but George Sr. suspects that it's a ploy to find out their starting lineup. Soon, Gob leaves the Bluths to join the Sitwell company where he finds the father he never had in his new boss. But is Stan genuinely a kind, caring man, or is he simply taking manipulation to a higher level than the Bluths are capable of? He did win the softball game. Altough how much of that can be attributed Gob and how much to Teamocil is anyone's guess.

While this clearly isn’t the best episode of the series, it is a very interesting one as the boys defy their father, even if it is over a softball game.



Gob brings a lot to this episode in a very funny manner especially his version of sportsmanship, knocking players over and acting like a buffoon. Ann is also funny, her skills on the field not nearly as good as George Michael had talked her up.



Maeby getting a fake job is a hilarious concept and a plot that is still valid today as she continues to work there.



Overall, this episode has some hilarious moments but it isn’t the best plot in the series.