Arrested Development
(2003–2019)
Michael discovers the secret behind his father's financial woes, and George Sr. has a heart attack in prison and makes his escape from the hospital.
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Title: Let 'Em Eat Cake (06 Jun 2004)
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| Episode cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jason Bateman | ... | Michael Bluth | |
| Portia de Rossi | ... | Lindsay Bluth Fünke | |
| Will Arnett | ... | Gob Bluth | |
| Michael Cera | ... | George-Michael Bluth | |
| Alia Shawkat | ... | Maeby Fünke | |
| Tony Hale | ... | Buster Bluth | |
| David Cross | ... | Tobias Fünke | |
| Jeffrey Tambor | ... | George Bluth Sr. | |
| Jessica Walter | ... | Lucille Bluth | |
| Henry Winkler | ... | Barry Zuckerkorn | |
| Sam Pancake | ... | James Alan Spangler | |
| Ian Roberts | ... | Literal Doctor | |
| Matt Walsh | ... | The D.A. | |
| John Beard | ... | John Beard | |
 |
Justin Lee | ... | Annyong Bluth |
Michael learns the real secret behind the Bluth Company's international accounts - his dad may have been illegally building houses similar to the one he lives in in Iraq. George Sr. agrees to take a lie detector test to prove his innocence, but the family gets word that he has had a heart attack while in prison. The family goes to the hospital to visit, but learns that George Sr. has made an elaborate escape. Michael decides that he's had enough, and he and George-Michael decide to pack up and head to Phoenix. Written by halo1k
We have finally come to the Season One finale of Arrested Development. There are many things that happen in "Let Em' Eat Cake." The episode is critical because we finally see how scathing and biting the show can be regarding political events of the time period. The episode makes direct references to Saddam Hussein and Iraq. The show remains funny as ever making great use of incest themes (Michael saying "it is a struggle" when Lindsey asks if Michael wanted sex with her), to the events that are occurring in the world at the time (Iraqi war and Atkin's Diet(!!)), and setting up events for the second season (we meet Ann, George-Michael's rather bland girlfriend). With all the humor in the episode, the episode does get surprisingly tender at certain points especially within the storyline of George Sr's.
The episode focuses on George Sr's case of "light treason." We learn that George Sr. was selling familiar-looking houses to Saddam Hussein, and George Sr. is trying to make it seem like Lucille's fault. Kitty emerges out of hiding and threatens Michael that she will go to the authorities unless she is placed in charge of the Bluth Company. When she fails with Michael, she moves on to GOB. But while in prison, George Sr. suffers a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. At the hospital, the Bluth patriarch plans an elaborate escape which causes Michael to take George-Michael (against his wishes) and leave his family behind.
Overall, this was a very satisfying end to the first season. All episodes are must-sees and we truly see how dysfunctional and weird the Bluth family are. When the episode was first released, 20th Century Fox was not even sure if there would be a second season, but luckily there would be more seasons in the future. This episode sets up the framework of what is to come. This finale is funny, scathing, and worth every bit of your time.
My Grade: A