Listen people, no one, and I mean NO ONE, was more excited about the Netflix release of a 4th season of Arrested Development than me. In fact, this whole month has really just been one big AD cluster-quote (“I’ve made a huge mistake”, “I’M A MONSTER”, “Mr. F”- I could go on). This is why it hurts like a taping of “Boyfights” for me to say that I’ve been fantastically underwhelmed so far with the new season.

I’m not sure what about this season has been rubbing me the wrong way, like cut-offs on a Never-Nude. Maybe it’s because Michael (Jason Bateman), usually the smart brother, is now just as clueless and self-involved as the rest of the Bluth clan. One of the reasons the show worked is because Michael’s character gave the audience someone to root for. Now that Michael’s out of the running for Most Likeable Bluth, it’s a toss up between George Michael and Franklin the Puppet.

This season also has me asking the question, is it possible to be too self-referential? I’m going to have to say yes. The constant allusions to the unfortunate and premature cancellation almost seven years ago are getting a little tired. And while we’re on the subject, I can’t say I’m loving Ron Howard’s transition from wry narrator to on-screen Jerry Bruckheimer rival. I’m fully aware that the purpose of this new season is to serve as a set up for the up coming AD movie, but do we need to be remind of the fact ALL THE TIME?

It’s possible that I’m being altogether too fastidious. I mean, it’s just a show right? WRONG. Some shows just walk in the light (I’m looking at you Veronica Mars, 30 Rock, and Happy Endings). This whole experience has left me wondering if I really want these shows to come back, bringing with them the possibility of disappointment, or just remember them as they were. I hope we’ve all learned something….

ALWAYS LEAVE A NOTE.

-Whitney