"Beef Consomme" is a very entertaining episode of Arrested Development. This is the thirteenth episode of the first season, and it would have been the last episode of the series if the 22-episode season order was not picked up by Fox. Understandably, there is a lot to digest in this episode. Fortunately, the episode being jam-packed did not affect its quality in the long run because this episode had many consistent laughs, especially when it came to the climax of three Bluth brothers rolling around on the ground and fighting each other in public. The episode uses more visual gags and slapstick when compared to the last few episodes, and it works well! The acting remains fantastic-especially from Jason Bateman, Tony Hale, and Will Arnett.
This episode continues the story from the previous episode, "Marta Complex." GOB finally figures out what "hermano" means. Now that he understands that means "brother," he suspects the man who plays Marta's brother on her soap opera is the guy she is cheating with, so GOB goes over to pick a fight with him not realizing he starred in an Oscar de la Hoya biopic. Michael heads to Marta to apologize for his speech the episode prior and they ends up making love-but everything seems to remind Michael of GOB (great visual gags). Buster decides to be a stronger man by likewise showing up outside Marta's house with a mariachi band and declare his love for her. On other notes, George-Michael continues his investigation on whether Maeby is his cousin with the advice of Tobias and Lucille. The final event is the potential release of George Sr. from prison. If his family shows up to support him for 10 minutes at the hearing according to Barry Zuckerkorn, the patriarch may get released from prison.
Overall, I really liked the episode. It's no "Pier Pressure," but there was much to laugh at here. As always, Tobias being super creepy is a highlight and I loved the way how he conversed with Michael regarding Maeby. This episode marks the final appearance from Marta, as she is disgusted by the Bluths fighting over here. With all of that fighting, we see the resentment these brothers have towards each other. I also like the insight regarding Maeby's status with the family. The episode has a lot of good stuff to see.
My Grade: A
