The second episode of the second season of Arrested Development steps up two running jokes that came to define that season- the Ann jokes and Tobias' blue man. For the first time, we have Michael meeting Ann and calling her "Egg" and "Her?" It's a joke about bland looks and a father's reservations about his son growing up all at once. And Tobias uses his blue body colour to hide against blue backgrounds. Sometimes, like when he's on the truck, he's hard to spot. These are intelligent and funny jokes established in this episode co-written by the master, Mitchell Hurwitz.
The plot of this episode- GOB, as the new president of the Bluth Company, has Michael build a fake model house. It's just walls, with nothing inside, but looks real on the outside. Michael isn't optimistic this will work, and indeed, the house falls apart. This is actually a metaphor for the Iraq War, although it isn't obvious until we see the infamous Mission Accomplished banner; the president said something could be done and Iraq was solid, and then it fell apart. Even if future generations don't get the reference, the story and much of the humour will still probably be enjoyable, much like how people still enjoy The Wizard of Oz long after they've forgotten the politician who inspired the Cowardly Lion. They wouldn't know that they missed anything.
Other highlights of the episodes- the George-Kitty son with a good callback to Lindsay's business in Let 'em Eat Cake, the snappy writing (is Oscar a real man?), the rock-paper-scissors jokes (although you'd think it would be GOB who always picks rock), the way Oscar is mistaken for a homeless guy while Lindsay pursues a homeless guy. The last moments when Lindsay misses Tobias is sweet. No question- this episode is as solid as a rock.
The plot of this episode- GOB, as the new president of the Bluth Company, has Michael build a fake model house. It's just walls, with nothing inside, but looks real on the outside. Michael isn't optimistic this will work, and indeed, the house falls apart. This is actually a metaphor for the Iraq War, although it isn't obvious until we see the infamous Mission Accomplished banner; the president said something could be done and Iraq was solid, and then it fell apart. Even if future generations don't get the reference, the story and much of the humour will still probably be enjoyable, much like how people still enjoy The Wizard of Oz long after they've forgotten the politician who inspired the Cowardly Lion. They wouldn't know that they missed anything.
Other highlights of the episodes- the George-Kitty son with a good callback to Lindsay's business in Let 'em Eat Cake, the snappy writing (is Oscar a real man?), the rock-paper-scissors jokes (although you'd think it would be GOB who always picks rock), the way Oscar is mistaken for a homeless guy while Lindsay pursues a homeless guy. The last moments when Lindsay misses Tobias is sweet. No question- this episode is as solid as a rock.
