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Who's holding out on "Arrested Development"?I’m ashamed to admit that I was part of the Arrested Development problem. I didn’t listen when people said it was the best show that nobody was watching and did not appreciate its brilliance until it was too late. Of course, I didn’t have a Neilsen Box, so I didn’t actually affect the ratings — and I eventually did my part by purchasing all three seasons on DVD — but if I had begun watching when it mattered, perhaps I could have done something to keep it on the air. At the very least, I could have cared.
But now Arrested Development is back! I don’t know if there is a screenplay or even a plot outline, but the word about town is that the producers have signed a deal and that all of the actors — except one — are set to return. The lone holdout is a mystery at this point. Apparently, several people confirmed that there is one, but nobody will say who it is. I’m wishing with all my might that the holdout is not one of the women. While the show was enhanced by some memorable recurring women (Liza Minelli as Lucille Austero, Judy Greer as Kitty, Charlize Theron as Rita), the Bluth/Fünke women were some of the funniest, most horrifyingly appealing women on television. It would be wrong to go forward without any of the women, but if one if them is the holdout, I’m trying to imagine how it could work. Lucille Bluth (Jessica Walter) Why she’s needed: Lucille is the Bluth family matriarch and — as we learned in the series finale — the criminal mastermind behind the Bluth family business. It seems inevitable that the movie will include this development. And she’s arguably the best-written character on the show. As 90210 unfortunately demonstrates, it’s easy to sloppily imitate a drunk, acerbically witty character, but not so easy to actually create one. How they could write her out: Given the disclosure of her criminal past, she could be on the lam. In fact, the plot could be about the search for her. And, of course, the subplot of how Buster would fare without her has promise. But imagine this plot with her — it could lead to a wonderful women-in-prison development. Lindsay Bluth Fünke (Portia de Rossi) Why she’s needed: Lindsay is the self-involved, irresponsible counterpart to Jason Bateman’s Michael Bluth; she’s essential to the balance of the show. Plus, she’s the only 30-something female character. Finally, she has perfect comic timing and it would just be wrong to lose her. How they could write her out: I’ve tried — and failed — to come with scenarios and I just cannot see it. Maeby Fünke (Alia Shawkat) Why she’s needed: In addition to serving as the only representation of adolescent Bluthdom, Maeby illustrates what happens to a kid raised by lazy, self-centered parents with no self-awareness: She becomes a movie development executive. Plus, the cutely creepy tension between George Michael (Michael Cera) and Maeby is too integral to the character of the family. How they could write her out: Maeby and George Michael probably present the biggest challenges to the plot. The show ended in 2006 and the adolescent characters are going to make it impossible to ignore the passage of time. Plus the attraction between them — if still present — is going to be more creepy than cute. So I suppose, if Maeby is the holdout, the writers could use that to create more plot flexibility. But I still hope it’s not the case. Regardless, whoever returns and whatever the story, I promise to be a good Arrested Development citizen and see the movie when it makes a difference. Are there other Arrested Development fans out there? What do you think about the prospect of a movie? Submitted by on November 25, 2008 - 10:00am. |
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Nooooo I hope it isn't
Nooooo
I hope it isn't Portia!
Lindsay is totlly the funniest and best character!
Arrested Development = Best show ever created.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22059764903
The only hold-out is Michael
AHAHAH
Yeah, he wishes!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22059764903
As for the guys...
I miss Gob, with his bad magic tricks and his segway, and of course, you have to keep Michael Bluth and George Michael. Tobias occasionally gets on my nerves (although brilliantly so), and so does Buster, so I've vote for one of them if we had to lose someone.
If you're an Arrested Development fan, be sure to check out this comprehensive AD fansite — the quotes section alone is worth hours of reading enjoyment!
Love Tobias!
You can't get rid of Tobias! I'd say get rid of Papa Bluth...I love Jeffrey Tambour but he's the least funny.
I'm too excited about the movie though! Not enough people watched it...and maybe this would be so popular that they'd bring the show back! :)
The Final Countdown.
I miss Gob, with his bad magic tricks
And "The Final Countdown." It's the final countdown! What an epic song.
Micheal Cera
He's been doing so many movies and he says he just finds it stupid to go back. I read that months ago. Simply said, I was PISSED!
BRING BACK THE BLUTHS
Micheal Cera, as much as I liked you before, you can now kiss my butt, Lindsay's all I really watch for anyway.
"HOT HAM WATER!"
"Cheating shouldn't be seen as a negative thing. It should be called something like juggling or being fucking awesome!"~~~Bridget McManus
:O That show made him!
:O
That show made him!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22059764903
AD
This is actually about the only show ever made where i genuinely couldnt stand to lose any of the characters, I'd be gutted if that someone doesnt cave and just do it! I'm pretty sure Michael Cera was being sarcastic when he said that, I dont think its him. God I LOVE LINSAY! Shes so funny and so hot, it had better not be her.
Also, I know I'm a big creepy perve for sayin this, but Maeby and George Micheal aren't actually related, I kinda want to see where it goes.I'm not sure if its gross or not... (I'm definitely going to burn in the fires of hell for saying that!)
YAY FOR A MOVIE THOUGH! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET IT HAPPEN!!!
Tobias...
I love Tobias too. I've got one of his quotes as my message ringtone on my phone... (Tobias buying swimwear while of course wearing his never nude cut off jeans.. 'Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder..?' !!) Yep, I'm that sad!
I honestly don't think I could choose a member of the cast/characters that I wouldn't want to see return. I'm surprised about Michael Cera, too. I don't think he meant it. I hope he does sign because I thought he was amazing as George Michael...
I love them all! Please let the movie happen.. Pretty Pretty Please!!
Yay!!
I don't have anything remotely intelligent to add to the discussion, but I just wanted to stand up and be counted as yet another fan who is *hugely* excited about this movie!!!
I think if I had to lose one character it would probably be Gob... all the others have more redeeming qualities than they annoy me, but more often than not I find myself wanting to whack some sense into Gob. He calculatedly goes out of his way to ruin it for others for selfish reasons or just to be spiteful and is dumb about it, and it doesn't amuse me when he does it (like Lucille, she's shrewd about it, and it has me giggling gleefully instead of becoming annoyed).
the hale? GOB is amazing.
the hale?
GOB is amazing.
*shrug*
To each her own... it's not like I can help it. :P Significantly more often than any of the other characters I react to his scenes with wanting to punch him, instead of laughing...
I was hoping that the movie
I was hoping that the movie was not pure speculation...im soooooo happy!
ps-if one HAS to go ill say tobias is the one i would sacrifice.
I can't even think about
I can't even think about losing any of the characters, although if Portia wasn't in it I would be really hesitant to go! I love this show and am guilty as well to say I didnt watch it when it was actually on, but Im making up for it now!!
I can't wait for a movie!
fantastic!
Yes, I've read that it's
Yes, I've read that it's Cera holding back. I keep forgetting that his parts were always somewhat small, but it would be really weird without George Bluth since it's such a vital part of Michael's character as well. I couldn't see Michael Cera being such a jerk and saying mean things about AD, but who knows!
I am the biggest fan of AD, also late on the bandwagon.
Michael Cera
If it is Michael Cera holding old -- and now I do vaguely remember reading something to that effect a while back -- I guess it would be understandable. I can see not wanting to revert back to a childhood role as he's transitioning to adult roles.
But it would also be depressing. He provides so much of the contrast for the rest of the family, and I'm not sure where that would come from in his absence. Of course, as happy as I am about the prospect of an Arrested Development movie, I really cannot imagine what one would look like. So I cannot really say whose presence is necessary.
Nevertheless, I'm still hoping all of the original cast eventually signs on.
I think it is Michael Cera
I think it is Michael Cera and quite understandable from his point of view. his career has really soared, he is almost a household name for a certain demographic and type of movie now. you might not agree with his choices and I am far from being a fan of his, bu I totally get why he might not want to return to a role he did when he was a child actor, a role on tv, a role that has been ages ago.
His career is in a very precarious state right now. doing the "wrong" projects could be very bad for him. I'm sure he and his representation are trying to make the right decision. and just to appease fans of a show that got canceled due to bad ratings in the first place... doesn't sound like you'd alienate a lot of fans. besides, people that like arrested development aren't necessarily the people michael cera and his projects cater to. the only film of his I really like is Juno. and not necessarily cos of him.
end of rant :P
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No on H8! pics
I also read it was Michael
I also read it was Michael Cera, though I also read some interviews where he said he hasn't been contacted but would be interested if they did.
I love this show -- though was a late bloomer too. I did end up with them on DVD. They show it on G4 currently, and I still laugh my bum off each time I see an episode. I've long preached the joys of this show to any and all who will listen (and some who don't) and am fond of putting out the theory that it was ahead of its time. Seriously though -- can't you see it on some lineup with 30 Rock and the Office? Or heck -- Gavin and Stacy from the UK.
I'd hate any of the characters to be missing, though I suppose the easiest ones to write around would be Maeby and/or George Michael -- away at college, etc.
I heard it was Michael Cera.
I heard it was Michael Cera. I love him. Ugh. So lame.
AD is easily one of the best shows ever. EVER. I watch the whole series at least once a year and not only does it get better, but it's one of those where I catch something new every time. Brilliant. Just brilliant.
it could be a good thing...
honesty, im a HUGE AD fan. and i do think Michael Cera is a putz for holding out. But, the idea of a movie does scare me - what if they make it, and it's... bad? im not sure i want to set myself up for disappointment here, but im not sure if AD makes sense as a movie. television rarely translates really well to the big screen, and i'd hate to walk out of a theater badmouthing the bluths.
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"i just blue myself"
http://rightmindleftcoast.wordpress.com
Cera played virtually the
Cera played virtually the same awkward kid part in his recent roles that he played in AD.
That show was brilliant and he certainly isnt above it.
Hopefully the movie will be good. I cant really imagine having all them together again and it being bad
++++++++++10
Yay for AD!
I'm so excited that Arrested Development lives on, and that there are still so many fans!
I still watch my dvd's. Also, for anyone in the states the episodes are available on hulu.com.
No touching!
The problem with Michael
The problem with Michael Cera is, he doesn't realize he plays the same part in every movie he's been in over the last year or two. There will soon be an age where his nerdy boyish good looks will simply be nerdy, and all that's left will be second banana parts in action adventure films where all he does is sit by his computer, lamants about not getting laid (lines he very experienced in reciting) and rhymes off geek speak that saves the real star of the movie.
He needs to get over himself and fast.
Well said
Please don't be lying
Please don't be lying about this show finally making it to the big screen. I don't think I could take it.
I absolutely loved this show and was upset when the axe finally fell. Hopefully all the characters come back as the show just wouldn't be the same without them. If the rumours are true that it's Michael Cera holding out, it would be disappointing. As long as it's not Lucille or Lindsay, I'll be happy.
Thanks for the links to the fan sites. I'm looking forward to brushing up on my AD trivia.
"That which you believe becomes your world."
I may sound icky for saying
I love this show
I Heart Arrested Development
i think he'll cave
i'm sure now that michael cera has made the big time he's holding out for "artistic reasons," but money talks. and he knows it too. i'm sure he'll be back once they offer him enough money or else a lot of pissed off fans of the show (and the cast) will HATE him. the movie wouldn't be the same without him.
what a douche bag. he needs to get over himself. juno and apatow ain't got nuthin on AD.
Tried to Imagine, Simply Can't
I can't, I tried picturing this movie without each character.. It doesn't work. This is an ensemble, a damn perfect one at that!
Can you imagine it without the awkwardness of George Micheal? The "Marry me", "Babysit me" of Maeby? Gob's final countdown? Tobias's never-nude syndrome? Lindsay's spot on shallowness? Lucille's "I'm horny, Michael --wink"? Buster's relationship with his mother? George Sr's chicken impression? ...
And ofcourse, where would all they be without Michael balancing them out? A TV show needs its cast, so does a movie.. All of them intact, please.
I agree, it's not exactly as if Michael Cera has moved on to playing WWII veterans! (See: Superbad, Juno..etc) Practically the same guy, only a name change.
Exactly!
I've yet to see Michael Cera not act like George Michael in a role. If we had to lose one of the characters, I wouldn't mind it being him. Prehaps they can write him out as being in college.
Can't wait for the movie, I miss the Bluth family!