Arrested Development
(2003–2019)
After having a tough time getting George-Michael admitted to a private school, Michael hires an attractive publicist to change the family's image.
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Title: Public Relations (25 Jan 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 | |
| Jill Ritchie | ... | Jessie | |
| John Rothman | ... | Charles Milford | |
| Don Perry | ... | Earl Milford | |
| John Beard | ... | John Beard | |
 |
B.W. Gonzalez | ... | Lupe |
| Harry S. Murphy | ... | Brian Snee (as Harry Murphy) | |
The family's new public relations director gives them each a task while Michael tries to get his son in the prestigious Milford Academy. Buster, a graduate, is to be neither seen nor heard. Tobias heads to Boston to get his medical license back, only to meet Carl Weathers on the way there, and Gob makes the academy's founder disappear. Written by halo1k
After "Pier Pressure," Arrested Development must have had some pressure to follow up that episode. Never fear, because "Public Relations" mostly succeeds on what is yet another magnificent episode. Not only do the writers remain sharp and the acting from the nine leads remain great, I liked the overall theme of having a family name tarnished by the media causing the public to dislike the family. This episode also cranks out two memorable supporting character turns; The Bluth's publicist, Jesse (played wonderfully by Jill Ritchie) and Carl Weathers (Rocky, Happy Gilmore) as himself.
How the media and the Bluth family's reputation interferes with everyone's daily life is the central theme of the episode. Michael is set to have George-Michael attend the Milford Academy-a school where the entire Bluth family previously went and has the motto- "children should not be seen nor heard." However, the new dean wants to distance the school from the Bluth's name. Then the media has a field day when Lucille and Lindsay get into a fight at a second-rate fast food place named Klimpy's. Michael hires a publicist named Jesse (whom he flirted with at the gym) to bring the family's name back to its former glory. Her list of remedies including telling Lindsay to get a job and Tobias to travel to Boston where he can receive his medical license. Things backfire when GOB tries one of his magic shows at a retirement home and an old man disappears and when Jesse tries to romantically attach herself to Michael. Finally, Tobias works out a deal with Carl Weathers on his trip to Boston for acting lessons.
I really enjoyed this episode. The overall theme with the media ruining everyone's lives is funny....and quite realistic. When all nine family members are with Jesse, the acting is at its best. I wish Jesse had a recurring role because her guest performance might go down as one of the series best. Hey, at least we have Carl Weathers! I love how Tobias try to figure whether he should be a Robert De Niro type or a Jada Pinkett Smith type, and how Carl Weather's advice is such nonsense (buying cars at a police auction, really!?!) The episode also has some surprising emotional moments as Michael's past is explained regarding his deceased wife, Tracey. Overall, this is another classic episode.
My Grade: A