Missing the return of this show would be a huge mistake.
But it's the new faces that fit in surprisingly well with the formula that may take you for a loop. Seth Rogen and Kristen Wiig fit in damn near perfectly as a younger George Sr. and Lucille, the parental Bluths at a younger age; Isla Fisher makes a good love interest to more than one interested party (you'll see); and even Ron Howard, the show's long-time narrator, gets some on-screen time, and manages to generate some chuckles all his own. (His rivalry with Jerry Bruckheimer in episode 4, "The B Team", leads to some pretty amazing reveals.) Also, big props to 24's Mary Lynn Rajskub, who's hilarious as Heartfire, a mute spiritualist who attempts -- and fails -- to talk to others through thoughts. She deserves her own episode.
It really is best to watch the show in order. Sure, you could skip to particular character episodes and see what Tobias and Gob are up to (Tobias' appearance in a Thing costume from The Fantastic Four leads to some of his best jokes yet), but you're best off starting from the beginning and binging to the very end, as I did. Sure, as I said, some stories run a little dry – can someone really have face blindness? – but others are pure gold, including some pointed at poor Egg – er, Ann (Mae Whitman).
It helps to be a fan, but considering that the first three seasons are on Netflix, it's never too late to be one. And I'm happy to report that the manicness that carried over from those seasons is mostly intact here, despite the format change. You're in for plenty of gut-busting laugh riots, whether it's the return of old friends, George Michael's (Michael Cera) attempt to grow a mustache, or even some of the smaller jokes. (That reminds me, I need a pet ostrich.)
Arrested Development is back, and in pretty fine form. If you've been looking for some good laughs to get your summer started, or you just can't get enough of your favorite characters, click this season on, and prepare to blue yourself.
Score: 8.5 / 10
