I just blue myself

June 25, 2008 7:04 AM

In great news for all fans of the dearly departed sitcom Arrested Development, Jason Bateman appeared on his friend's show, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, and confirmed that an Arrested movie is being worked out. (MSNBC video link. He talks about Hancock for a bit first; good stuff starts at 4:16.) And another special guest is there to share the announcement...

Says Bateman: "It's in the works; the grownups are trying to work out the numbers. David [Cross] is very expensive now but we're trying to work some sort of a back-end position that he's comfortable with."

posted by supercres (130 comments total)

Surely this...?
posted by notyou at 7:07 AM on June 25, 2008

Oh wait.

.
posted by notyou at 7:08 AM on June 25, 2008

Such an underground show - I watched, I rarely laughed, but I look back thinking it was hilarious. I can't imagine why I loved it so much - I guess it's just subtle humor.
posted by tsenraem at 7:12 AM on June 25, 2008

Nothing sounds even close to confirmed or specific, but this might be a nice ploy to get enough internet hype surrounding the project to move things into a deal.

I suppose I didn't need to say "internet hype." All hype is "internet" hype these days.
posted by a47danger at 7:14 AM on June 25, 2008

If this film isn't called New Warden I'm going to blue myself.
posted by WolfDaddy at 7:14 AM on June 25, 2008 [4 favorites]

Where the hell is the Friends movie? I am tired of waiting.
posted by srboisvert at 7:16 AM on June 25, 2008

In related news, they're also trying to make a movie based on "Britain's Got Talent".
posted by smackfu at 7:16 AM on June 25, 2008

And another special guest is there..

Him?
posted by mediocre at 7:18 AM on June 25, 2008 [3 favorites]

/generic snark about how much cooler I am for not liking that show.
posted by delmoi at 7:20 AM on June 25, 2008

Every episode of Arrested Development at Hulu.com (high quality & legal)
posted by Poolio at 7:22 AM on June 25, 2008 [5 favorites]

He just gets off on withholding.
posted by liquorice at 7:23 AM on June 25, 2008 [2 favorites]

David [Cross] is very expensive now

Tobias... you blowhard!
posted by porn in the woods at 7:27 AM on June 25, 2008

Jason Bateman is just so damn charming! I loved him in Arrested Development, I loved him in Juno, and I love him here!

I really hope this film does get made, if only to give me more excuses to watch Jason being charming and getting richer.
posted by emperor.seamus at 7:28 AM on June 25, 2008

...but this might be a nice ploy to get enough internet hype surrounding the project to move things into a deal.

Hey, if it gets the job done, I'm all about aiding the ploy
posted by supercres at 7:29 AM on June 25, 2008

David Cross is expensive now? Last I heard he was (inexcusably) struggling to find work.
posted by bunnytricks at 7:29 AM on June 25, 2008

This is wonderful news to wake up to.
posted by Pope Guilty at 7:31 AM on June 25, 2008

Sounds like Keith Olbermann has a bit of a man-crush on Will Smith. Awww.
posted by nosila at 7:39 AM on June 25, 2008

I loved Arrested Development, even more so the second time I watched the series. The third time was even better.

That said, I’m not sure I want this movie to happen. I’ve come to terms with the show’s early demise and I can safely remember it as being nearly perfect. I would hate for this movie to ruin that and leave a bad taste in my mouth.

If it does, maybe I’ll hire J. Walter Weatherman to teach them a lesson. “… and that’s why you should leave well enough alone!”
posted by bondcliff at 7:39 AM on June 25, 2008 [6 favorites]

I just started watching Season 1 again with my wife. It's so good. I'm not sure how well the show would work as a movie. What would they do in an hour and a half?
posted by chunking express at 7:42 AM on June 25, 2008

I could really see this work as a movie but I'm surprised that nikki finke hasn't picked up on that yet, so I'm gonna wait for some kind of confirmation until I get onto my knees and try to kiss my behind in celebration.
posted by krautland at 7:50 AM on June 25, 2008

There's just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence...
posted by Navelgazer at 7:54 AM on June 25, 2008

I just want to know what the damn smoke monster is.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 7:55 AM on June 25, 2008 [4 favorites]

Sounds like Keith Olbermann has a bit of a man-crush on Will Smith. Awww.

This may be why.
posted by srboisvert at 8:02 AM on June 25, 2008

Thanks, bunnytricks, for the link to David Cross writing about his role in Alvin and the Chipmunks. This bit had me howling:

Two years ago I decided that I wanted to get a small place upstate. Nothing fancy, a small cottage on at least a couple of acres near some water where I could get out of here, get some fresh air, buy a smoker, make some b-b-q and hang out with my dog on the porch. I looked informally for a long time but never found anything that I liked in my price range. Then finally, after much disappointed searching, I did. It's a small cottage on 5 1/2 acres in the middle of the woods in Sullivan county. It has a largish stream running through it and best of all it's in the middle of nowhere. No town, no nothing. Two hours outside the city and only about a ten minute drive from the Delaware River. Perfect. It was a little more than I had budgeted for but it was definitely worth it. I asked the owner if he'd take some of my credibility as payment. He looked at me as if I was an alien with A.I.D.S. speaking some intergalactic gobbledy-goo. I had to patiently explain to this country bumpkin about my indie hipster cred, and I would now like to cash it in.

And yes, like most everybody who's watched the show, I love Arrested Development and can't wait for the movie.
posted by Kattullus at 8:09 AM on June 25, 2008 [3 favorites]

Surely it will be called 'Les Cousins Dangereux'?

MARRY me!
posted by shakespeherian at 8:14 AM on June 25, 2008 [7 favorites]

Olbermann seemed to be playing some inside joke on Jason Bateman with all those Will Smith references. I don't think that was serious at all.
posted by JWright at 8:16 AM on June 25, 2008

Come on!
posted by ColdChef at 8:18 AM on June 25, 2008 [3 favorites]

Well, I think it's showtime.

yay!
posted by lunit at 8:19 AM on June 25, 2008

There's always money to finance this in the banana stand.
posted by not_on_display at 8:19 AM on June 25, 2008 [3 favorites]

I'm afraid that rumors of this movie will cause me to prematurely shoot my wad on what's supposed to be a dry run, if you will, and I'll have somewhat of a mess on my hands.
posted by SpiffyRob at 8:20 AM on June 25, 2008 [9 favorites]

I hope they do a movie. I've always felt that the Buster versus the bow-tie wearing seal thread wasn't sufficiently resolved. I think it faked it's death so that it could strike unexpectedly at some later time.

I suspect that seal is still out there... and it's hungry.
posted by quin at 8:23 AM on June 25, 2008

"It's in the works; the grownups are trying to work out the numbers. David [Cross] is very expensive now but we're trying to work some sort of a back-end position that he's comfortable with."

Surely nothing Bob Loblaw can't handle?
posted by kcds at 8:23 AM on June 25, 2008

[catch-phrase]!
posted by [NOT HERMITOSIS-IST] at 8:30 AM on June 25, 2008 [3 favorites]

... I don't know, why don't we check his Law Blog?
posted by WolfDaddy at 8:32 AM on June 25, 2008

I predict this film will be an afternoon delight!
posted by troybob at 8:36 AM on June 25, 2008

woot.
posted by Mister_A at 8:37 AM on June 25, 2008

I'm afraid that rumors of this movie will cause me to prematurely shoot my wad on what's supposed to be a dry run, if you will, and I'll have somewhat of a mess on my hands.

No touching!
posted by bjrn at 8:37 AM on June 25, 2008

This thread is gonna get hop-ons.
posted by shakespeherian at 8:40 AM on June 25, 2008 [4 favorites]

I hope they still bleep the swears. The bleeps, for some reason, are so much funnier.
posted by jrossi4r at 8:41 AM on June 25, 2008 [4 favorites]

I've always felt that the Buster versus the bow-tie wearing seal thread wasn't sufficiently resolved. I think it faked it's death so that it could strike unexpectedly at some later time.

In the commentary for the final episode, they spoke of a scene that had to be cut that would have resolved this storyline. After Buster jumps off of the Queen Mary and bumps into Gob's seal, they would have first both tried to swim away. As they are each down a limb, they both would have ended up swimming in circles, so they would have helped each other to shore.

Like everything else in those commentaries, (which are amazing, and a must-listen for all fans. Bateman and Arnett are a vicious, amazing combination, and Cross comes in with some gems as well.) this is probably BS, but I thought it worth mentioning.
posted by SpiffyRob at 8:42 AM on June 25, 2008

I have pop-pop in the attic.
posted by space2k at 8:45 AM on June 25, 2008

Who wants a banger in the mouth?
posted by shmegegge at 8:50 AM on June 25, 2008

Here in the states we call it a sausage in the mouth.
posted by SpiffyRob at 9:06 AM on June 25, 2008

My little daughters call my dad Pop-Pop, by my design.
posted by mcstayinskool at 9:06 AM on June 25, 2008

I do hope this is good news. So often movies based on the series that get axed aren't up to the quality of those series, but with any luck this will work. Such a shame they cancelled it. I seriously hope the last thing the execs said/say is 'I've made a huge mistake'.
posted by opsin at 9:07 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

I want to believe, but after "Run Ronnie Run" and the "Strangers with Candy" movie I'm more cautious than optimistic.
posted by Challahtronix at 9:14 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

So Jason Bateman isn't Kirk Cameron? I always get those two kids confused.
posted by SteveInMaine at 9:16 AM on June 25, 2008

I'm confident this movie'll go through... unless the studio's chicken. Ko-ko ko-ko ko!
posted by Spatch at 9:23 AM on June 25, 2008 [10 favorites]

Great news!

Now perhaps finally they can start jeté-ing and stop jeterrorizing me.

/toostupid?
posted by Senor Cardgage at 9:30 AM on June 25, 2008

This just in: the plot of the movie will be exactly the plot of the movie Mrs. Doubtfire.

There'll also be some Mary Poppins in there.
posted by Navelgazer at 9:35 AM on June 25, 2008 [2 favorites]

I'm afraid this film may be for British eyes only!
posted by shakespeherian at 9:39 AM on June 25, 2008

Oh man. I use so many Arrested Development catchphrases in my daily life apropos of absolutely nothing, including but not limited to:

"It's tired in here,"
"And that's why you don't shout,"
"And that's why you always leave a note."
"This will shield me from the hot Mexican sun."
"These are my awards, Mother. From Army. The seal is for marksmanship and the gorilla is for sand racing."
"There's unlimited juice? This party is gonna be off ... the hook."
"I'm an ideas man, Michael. I think I proved that with 'Fuck Mountain.'"
"I wish I could cry but I don't think that I can spare the moisture."
"I'm a monster!"
"If this were a Lifetime Moment of Truth Movie, this would be our act break."
"I was once voted the worst audience participant Cirque du Soleil ever had."
"The Army had half a day."
"It's an illusion, Michael."

That being said, movie versions of beloved shows scare me. I'm skeptical.

But I would like to see the reappearance of the Roomba as a character. "Oh... you're hungry."
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 9:48 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

Oh my, this thread is so full of great commentary. I tell you, you guys can zing your arrow into my buttocks any time. Obsessive fan here...I must have the O.C. Disorder.
posted by Dantien at 9:54 AM on June 25, 2008

Don't call it that.
posted by Science! at 9:57 AM on June 25, 2008 [2 favorites]

I must have the O.C. Disorder.

You should see an analrapist, they would be able to better diagnose that for you.
posted by quin at 10:09 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

Tobias: All right, I'll listen to this later. And don't tell me where you've been. It'll just make me worry more. But guess what? There's a new daddy in town.
Music: A new daddy in town ...
Tobias: A discipline daddy.
Music: A discipline daddy ... Gonna spank your behind, uh-huh ...
Tobias: Oh, it's a ... it's a parenting tape.
posted by bunnytricks at 10:12 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

Slight derail, but I have to ask...

In "For British Eyes Only," when Michael Bluth goes into the pub for the first time, there's a guy in the background paying darts, who at one point directly faces the camera, but says nothing and has nothing to do wit the scene.

I'm CERTAIN this guy is Jack Black, but he's uncredited, and all of my friends seem to think I'm on crack.

Is there a consensus on this?
posted by Navelgazer at 10:16 AM on June 25, 2008

I cant help but add a favorite:

Store Owner: Oh look who's back. Are you gonna buy this time or you just curious?
Tobias: I suppose I'm buy-curious. I have a big T.V. opportunity.
Store Owner: This is where all the big T.V's come.
posted by Dantien at 10:25 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

Okay, last one I hope:

Michael: Hey, why don't you pop a tent in front with your cousin Maeby.
George Michael: I don't - no!
Maeby: uh-I'm not really the outdoorsy type.
Michael: [to George Michael] Well, this is a good chance for you to rub off on her.
posted by Dantien at 10:26 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

I'm CERTAIN this guy is Jack Black

The TV.com trivia page for that episode says you're right. No photo, though, and searching for "arrested development" "jack black" doesn't return much else that's relevant.
posted by Kosh at 10:44 AM on June 25, 2008

This isnt gonna translate well at all

[Gob talking to Bluth employees about sexual harassment]
Gob: Please refrain from discussing or engaging in any sort of inter-office
[bleep]
Gob: ing, or
[bleep]
Gob: ing, or finger
[bleep]
Gob: , or
[bleep]
Gob: sting, or
[bleep]
Gob: esting or
[bleep]
Gob: eing or even
[bleep]
Gob: . Even though so many people in this office are begging for it. And if anybody does anything with my sister Lindsay, I'll take off my pants, I'll
[bleep]
Gob: , and I'll personally
[really long bleep]
Gob: .
posted by Senor Cardgage at 10:44 AM on June 25, 2008 [2 favorites]

God I love Arrested Development.

"What comes before everything else--what have we always said is the most important thing?"
"Breakfast?"
"Family."
"Family, right. I thought you meant of the things you eat."
posted by tula at 10:57 AM on June 25, 2008 [2 favorites]

Good. I was hoping he would be gifted sexually. I guess it makes sense, you know, older guys expect certain things. What a fun, sexy time for you.
posted by shmegegge at 11:03 AM on June 25, 2008 [3 favorites]

STEVE HOLT!!
posted by elwoodwiles at 11:04 AM on June 25, 2008

That's my favorite quote of the series, s(c)hmegegge.

Meanwhile, Will Arnett tells Arrested Development fans to threaten FOX.
posted by SpiffyRob at 11:05 AM on June 25, 2008

Tobias: You know, Lindsay, as a therapist, I have advised a number of couples to explore an open relationship where the couple remains emotionally committed, but free to explore extra-marital encounters.
Lindsay: Well, did it work for those people?
Tobias: No, it never does. I mean, these people somehow delude themselves into thinking it might, but.... but it might work for us.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:13 AM on June 25, 2008

Michael: "My mom is very stressed out, and, uh, she needs something that I can’t give her. Um ... maybe a little 'Afternoon Delight'?"
Narrator: "Oscar thought that Michael was referring to a particular brand of cannabis named 'Afternoon Deelite,' a strain famous for slowing behavior."
Oscar: "Well, sure. The question is, which way do I try to get it in her?"
Michael: "I don’t need any details."
Oscar: "Maybe I’ll put it in her brownie."
Michael: "Hey!"

...and, of course, there's Maeby's report card.
posted by troybob at 11:14 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

Senor Cardgage, that was my favorite moment in all 3 seasons. Hysterical.
posted by peep at 11:14 AM on June 25, 2008

I was just thinking about the possibility of a movie of this show, when I was struck by something from my childhood.
posted by rusty at 11:20 AM on June 25, 2008

Oh my, so many of you are mired in your secular ways and getting fat eating your mayoneggs that you obviously have never read the Patriot Act! That wasn't Jack Black--those were balls!

Mission Accomplished! Annyong!
posted by WolfDaddy at 11:22 AM on June 25, 2008

David [Cross] is very expensive now but we're trying to work some sort of a back-end position that he's comfortable with.

Well at least he's finally tasting those meaty leading man parts in his mouth.
posted by dhammond at 11:37 AM on June 25, 2008 [2 favorites]

Look, I'd love to stay and trade quotes, but I have to go read Bob Loblaw's Law Blog.
posted by shmegegge at 11:39 AM on June 25, 2008

SLUT
posted by bondcliff at 11:40 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

TOBIAS: You, sir, are a mouthful.

RON HOWARD: While Tobias was trying to get his mouth around Bob Loblaw...
posted by SpiffyRob at 11:42 AM on June 25, 2008

It doesn't get boring does it?

Gob: For your information, Dad asked me to do this on the day he pleads not-guilty as a spectacular protest – a PROTEST-ACULAR. Maybe even get it on the local news.

(a few moments later)

Tobias: (to GOB) I so very much would like to be in your Prostate Tickler…
posted by Dantien at 11:45 AM on June 25, 2008

I bought you a wedding ring…tone.
posted by shakespeherian at 11:49 AM on June 25, 2008

I absolutely loved the series, and thought the ending was pitch perfect.

and I DON'T want a movie made.

But... if there is to be an Arrested Dev movie, I'll be in line the first day wearing my
jean cut-offs under my pants.
posted by Auden at 11:50 AM on June 25, 2008

"Illusions, Michael. Tricks are something whores do for money...(seeing children within earshot)...or CANDY!"
posted by mcstayinskool at 11:51 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

and of course...
Buster: "mmm...watery...with a smack of ham!"
posted by mcstayinskool at 11:54 AM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

I think I have someone who's going to circumfrent the law.
posted by shakespeherian at 12:01 PM on June 25, 2008

space2k: I have pop-pop in the attic.

The fact that you call it that just indicates to me that you're not ready for it.

If someone's edited together all of Tobias' homoerotic utterings, let me know.
posted by Pronoiac at 12:07 PM on June 25, 2008

By the way, does anyone know if they ever made a full version of Big Yellow Joint?
posted by bjrn at 12:09 PM on June 25, 2008

But where did the lighter fluid come from?
posted by studentbaker at 12:13 PM on June 25, 2008 [1 favorite]

Pronoiac: If someone's edited together all of Tobias' homoerotic utterings, let me know.

It's not particularly well done, but I found this.
posted by dhammond at 12:35 PM on June 25, 2008

Oh, thank you, Quin. I had forgotting analrapist. Still makes me laugh out loud every time I think of it!
Also, best thread title ever. I've had various moments of Tobias's understudying in my head all day now.
posted by opsin at 12:42 PM on June 25, 2008

*Cues "The Final Countdown"*
posted by drezdn at 1:19 PM on June 25, 2008

"Good afternoon, Bluth Company. Talk you off? Talk you off of what, Pop-pop?"
"George Michael. Oh. Hey. I thought you were . . . When's that voice going to drop?"
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 1:24 PM on June 25, 2008

Oh hey, he's about to do a stupid trick! Let's watch the stupid trick, I really want to see the stupid trick.
posted by shmegegge at 1:25 PM on June 25, 2008

Come on, kid, you know what this is. I'm bangin' this broad!
posted by shmegegge at 1:26 PM on June 25, 2008

Is that exactly what it sounds like?
posted by anomie at 1:38 PM on June 25, 2008

Oh, yeah, that's the other reason I had The Final Countdown stuck in my head lately. Steve Holt!
posted by Pronoiac at 1:42 PM on June 25, 2008

er, other reason.
posted by Pronoiac at 1:52 PM on June 25, 2008

I always thought it was the Cooter Clock.
posted by drezdn at 1:59 PM on June 25, 2008

I suspect that some of you quoters in here already knew about this, but for any obsessive fans who were unaware, there's a disturbingly comprehensive fan resource called Balboa Observer-Picayune. Click on "Learn" at the top and marvel at what the Internet hath wrought! (The Bluthcyclopedia is particularly impressive)
posted by cobra_high_tigers at 3:15 PM on June 25, 2008

Yeah, I blame AD for subliminally making "Cooter Countdown" sound good. (doodoodoodoo doo doodoo doodoodoo)
posted by Pronoiac at 3:20 PM on June 25, 2008

Oh, also:

Tobias: My schedule, however, is as open as my relationship with my wife, so, why don’t we pair up? And-and hit the town together!
Buster: Oh.
Tobias: I’ll be your wingman. Even if it means me taking a chubby, I will suck it up!
Michael: Well that’s enough family stuff for today.
posted by cobra_high_tigers at 3:22 PM on June 25, 2008

On seeing this thread I laughed so hard my co-worker thinks I'm crazy.
I've made a huge mistake.
posted by uni verse at 3:55 PM on June 25, 2008

WHERE THE F**K ARE MY HARD-BOILED EGGS?!!

/droop head an sulk out of the kitchen
posted by Navelgazer at 4:18 PM on June 25, 2008

Baby, you got a stew goin'!
posted by dhammond at 5:11 PM on June 25, 2008

Gob: My God, what is this feeling?
Michael: Well, you know the-the feeling that you’re... that you’re feeling is-is what many of us call “a feeling.”
Gob: But it’s not like envy, or even hungry.
Michael: Could it be love?
Gob: I know what an erection feels like, Michael. No, it’s the opposite. It’s... it’s like my heart is getting hard.
posted by bunnytricks at 5:30 PM on June 25, 2008

The movie will disappoint but this thread is more perfect than a Poppins.
posted by puckupdate at 6:00 PM on June 25, 2008

I hope they do a movie. I've always felt that the Buster versus the bow-tie wearing seal thread wasn't sufficiently resolved. I think it faked it's death so that it could strike unexpectedly at some later time.

I suspect that seal is still out there... and it's hungry.

Don't forget that George-Michael and Maeby are still technically married, also.

Actually, that's kind of my question about how they'll pull this off. I a very real way, the George-Michael/Maeby relationship was the back-one of the series, a supremely fucked-up will-they-or-won't-they where everyone wanted them together and then remembered that they were cousins.

Now that we know that they're not biological, and it's several years later, and Michael has already convinced George-Michael tat the biology doesn't matter because she's still family, where do they go from here?
posted by Navelgazer at 6:00 PM on June 25, 2008

Tobias to Michael: First of all, we're doing this for her because neither of us wants to get divorced. Second-of-ly, I know you're the big marriage expert. Oh I'm sorry, I forgot, your wife is dead. (long pause) I'm sorry, that was 100% inappropriate, and I do apologize profusely.
posted by bunnytricks at 6:04 PM on June 25, 2008

Never promise crazy a baby.
posted by tristeza at 6:32 PM on June 25, 2008

I don't know why this image stands out, but I would just be happy with seeing Gob on a Segway again. It's one of the most absurd things I've seen in my life.
posted by A dead Quaker at 7:58 PM on June 25, 2008

I can taste those meaty leading-man parts already!
posted by tkchrist at 8:21 PM on June 25, 2008

This news induces greater dizzies than chicken fingers with spicy club sauce!!

The film had best include more scenes of Barry jumping the shark!

I would have thought Michael Cera would be the actor that is too expensive to get now, actually; after all, it's such a fun, sexy time for him.

A dead Quaker: GOB SOLD HIS SEGWAY! The original was sold on eBay. I mean, I suppose he could get a new one, but he'll have to do a lot of tricks illusions before he can afford another.

[This is my FAVORITE show of all-time. Along with the Wonder Years, and I'm still waiting for Fred Savage and Danica McKellar to be young again and create a Wonder Years movie]
posted by Mael Oui at 8:54 PM on June 25, 2008

bondcliff: Those are EXACTLY my feelings! The show was absolutely perfect from first to last episode. There was nary a misstep, and I wasn't too enthused about the movie speculations after the finale aired. It wasn't as if there wasn't closure storyline-wise (though, I have yet to find closure with the cancellation). And, it would be devastating if the show wouldn't translate well to the big screen. At this point, though, I think we have to trust the brilliance of everyone involved with the show to bring us the high quality we expect!

ALSO, this Times Online was the latest Jason Bateman article/interview. Quote: 'A big-screen version of Arrested Development is planned for next year.' Jeffrey Tambor also mentioned an AD movie on Craig Ferguson last week.
posted by Mael Oui at 9:26 PM on June 25, 2008

I won't be looking forward to Tracy Schwartzman's review.
posted by codefinger at 9:29 PM on June 25, 2008 [2 favorites]

dhammond: That was pretty good, if a bit sloppy, & far from comprehensive. Still, it made me laugh. Thanks!
posted by Pronoiac at 10:49 PM on June 25, 2008

A hugely unfunny show. You are all on crack.
posted by Sparx at 4:03 AM on June 26, 2008

Oh, you're all so dramatic and flamboyant it just makes me want to set myself on fire.
posted by supercres at 6:18 AM on June 26, 2008 [1 favorite]

A hugely unfunny show. You are all on crack.

Here he comes. Here comes John Wayne. I'm not gonna cry about my Pa. I'm gonna buy an airport, put my name on it.
posted by SpiffyRob at 6:42 AM on June 26, 2008 [9 favorites]

Come on Sparx. How is it hugely unfunny? Be more constructive with your feedback.

Maybe for Sparx, it's not easy being white!

I know what Franklin would say: My name is Judge!
posted by Dantien at 9:38 AM on June 26, 2008

I got children all over town!
posted by shmegegge at 9:59 AM on June 26, 2008

How is it hugely unfunny?

I dunno - it just didn't work for me. I checked out a few eps, having heard great things, but its style just didn't click at all and I never laughed once. Possibly I just didn't like any of the characters so their antics were more pathetic and irritating than anything else. Crack remarks aside - I have no problems with other people liking it and think no less of them, numbwitted lackers of taste though they may be.

For comparison, I find Black Books pants-wettingly funny. Feel free to point and laugh.
posted by Sparx at 10:13 AM on June 26, 2008

Tobias: I should call the Hot Cops and tell them to dress up as something more nautically themed. Hot sailors maybe. Or better yet, hot sea-
Michael: I like hot sailors.
Tobias: Mmmm, me too.
posted by Dantien at 10:30 AM on June 26, 2008

Sparx,

Feel free to like what you like (I dont know what Black Books is) but I didnt get AD the first time I watched it. But then when sitting down to watch the episodes in order, it began to get funnier and funnier. The humor, for me, is based on the characters, self-references, meta-commentary on society, and such....humor that appears after watching the show for a while.

But YMMV....just offering that there is a reason it gets called the funniest sitcom ever. It's remarkably well-written and rewards commitment.
posted by Dantien at 10:35 AM on June 26, 2008

I tried to watch Black Books, but it's on the BBC website and therefore For British Eyes Only.
posted by bunnytricks at 10:42 AM on June 26, 2008

Mr. F!
posted by Dantien at 10:51 AM on June 26, 2008

I've seen a couple of eps of Black Books and it's also hugely funny. Wish I could find more of them. Perhaps if there were some sort of network where files were easily traded between users ... I'd definitely get in bed with Robert Redford for something like that!

Back to AD though, the humor builds with repeat viewings. Jason Bateman is--somewhat surprisingly to me since the only other thing I'd seen him in previously was Teen Wolf, Too! and always thought he was riding his sister's coattails--a master of deadpan. Each scene is also usually packed with visual and auditory humor that you may not catch the first (or second) time round.

I'm gonna have to go back and review the episodes (like I need an excuse) but there was one scene in which I think I counted no less than seven gags going on around the main scene on which the viewer is supposed to be focused, most of it intertextual. It had to have been one of the ones from the second season, what with all the blue handprints over everything. I recall thinking at the time that the show was probably the most densely packed example of televised humor I'd ever witnessed.

And damn Justine Bateman turned out to be a hottie. Never thought that when she was on Family Ties though I may have been distracted by the huge gay boy crush I had on Michael (both J. Fox and Gross) at the time.
posted by WolfDaddy at 11:08 AM on June 26, 2008

when I was a teeny tiny kid watching family ties (and hating it. i seem to have been mercifully blessed with an innate revulsion to typical sitcoms) I didn't get the justine bateman thing either. when I grew up and saw old episodes, I completely got it.
posted by shmegegge at 11:30 AM on June 26, 2008

I agree, a lot of the joy of watching AD is in the recurring jokes, the background things and so on. Speaking of background things, I can't believe no one has mentioned that you can always tell a Milford man.

Also: Well excuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me! ... excuse me.
posted by bjrn at 11:41 AM on June 26, 2008

A hugely unfunny show. You are all on crack.

My girlfriend doesn't get it either, but she is crippled by growing up in a fully functional, warm, loving and mature family.

So sad. You can never get those years back, either.
posted by msalt at 11:53 AM on June 26, 2008

My girlfriend doesn't get it either, but she is crippled by growing up in a fully functional, warm, loving and mature family.

I feel her pain.
posted by Sparx at 3:28 PM on June 26, 2008

My girlfriend doesn't get it either, but she is crippled by growing up in a fully functional, warm, loving and mature family.
>>I feel her pain.

Well, no wonder then. I have to admit, my best gf ever! So little fighting and emotional games. It's very confusing.
posted by msalt at 12:20 AM on June 27, 2008

I DEMAND that this thread be taken seriously.

Ahora tengo que cuidar para retardo.
posted by SpiffyRob at 11:50 AM on June 27, 2008

If this happens, I'll be so grateful I'll pack the producers' sweet, pink mouths full of ice cream!
posted by moxiedoll at 1:43 PM on June 27, 2008

Michael: Get rid of the Seaward.

Lucille: I'll leave when I'm ready!
posted by biscotti at 8:36 AM on June 29, 2008

Meester Gay is BLEEDEEEN!
posted by tristeza at 2:04 PM on June 29, 2008