Public Relations

Love this episode, with several running jokes introduced here. The idea that Hollywood has-been Carl Weathers is perpetually on the take is wonderfully done, right down to him telling a news reporter he may need $50,000 in medical expenses, which clutching a foil takeaway swan. Then Buster demonstrating he is a master at being neither seen nor heard, blending into the wallpaper.

AD doesn't rely on lazy misunderstandings, but rather sets up a recurring comedy theme that is expertly woven into different strands. Each character is genuinely hilarious in their own way. Never has family dysfunction been so funny!

Amazing stuff.

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

This episode is a great example of AD's ability to set up a running joke that plays out throughout an episode in different iterations. In this case it's the fact that the Milford school encouraged pupils to be not seen and not heard. Very clever. Superb writing.