Arrested Development, Maybe?

Season Four of Arrested Development made its Netflix debut on Sunday, May 26th.  While I couldn't do a full binge that Sunday, by the next evening I had digested all fifteen Bluth-iful episodes.

I was seriously concerned that my already tempered expectations weren't going to be met as I waded through the first three episodes.  I was forewarned that the format was going to be unlike the first three seasons due to a number of factors, not the least of which was working within the scheduling restraints of nine main cast members as well as assorted guest stars.  Still, by the end of the 3rd episode, my faith was as fleeting as George Senior's own religious views.  

But I soldiered on, thinking at the very worst, it would still be better than Season Four of Community.

And let me tell you, I am thrilled I stuck with it.  The layer upon layer of jokes, both nods to the first three seasons as well as all-new running gags -- reminded me how satisfying it is to be able to truly laugh out loud as opposed to typing "lol".  The intricate threading of plot and surprises worked more often than not, and when I was done. my main disappointment was that there wasn't a 16th episode.

I decided not to write an overall review.  But I had to do something.  Something special.  Something different.  Something that could be embarrassing, but in the way getting up in front of a crowded room to do karaoke can be embarrassing, as opposed to having your pants fall down at the same time.

So I came up with the idea of a little "musical tribute" and try my hand once again at a song parody (I've done silly stuff like that before over the years, albeit not recently).  The only difference: this time commit it to video as opposed to an audio tape or phone call.  This from the guy who doesn't even like his picture being taken.

My original idea was more ambitious, but I eventually whittled the concept down to something more manageable, if still mildly mortifying.

The result is a video that I've finally managed to attach below. I would advise anyone who has the guts to give up 3 minutes and 13 seconds of their lives to watch it -- please be sure to click the CC (Closed Captions) button when you play the video.  That way you can follow the lyrics and learn all new words to one of the biggest ear-worming tunes of the last few years. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing...I'll let you and posterity be the judge.

PS: However, there was one BIG FAT FAIL for Season Four: NO FRANKLIN!  COME ON!