Culture: An arresting Q&A about a smart, but suffering sitcom
Buh-bye for now, Arrested Development. The critically acclaimed (and tragically underwatched) Fox comedy about the back-stabbing Bluth family (if there were a Nobel Prize for dysfunctionality, they'd have it nailed), airs the final four episodes of its season (and maybe for all time) on Friday, February 10, opposite the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics. Executive producer David Nevins spoke to Marc Silver about the hopes for peace in the Middle East. No, wait, wrong interview. He spoke about the fine points and the fate of what some say is TV's finest sitcom. Sadly, Nevins did not know the answer to the question that has haunted fans for three seasons:, "What did Michael Bluth's wife die of?" Happily, he did know the answers to lots of other questions.
Why should we watch Arrested Development instead of the Olympics' opening ceremonies?
There's no curling. And I don't know if Iraq has a team in the Winter Olympics, but Iraq will definitely participate in the final episodes of Arrested Development.
Is there a new drinking game for the final last episodes?
The show has so many.
Do you have any in mind?
Uh, "Iraq," "Birth certificate," and "Who will testify?"
I understand William Hung, celebrated American Idol reject, is making a guest appearance ... in a jury scene. Was he hard to book?
Surprisingly, not that hard.
The Bluths: Jewish or Gentile?
Yes. Dad Jewish, mom Gentile. It's a mixed marriage.
George Michael's fake bar mitzvah in the first of the upcoming episodes — did he have one before?
No. He's never been bar mitzvahed.
How did the show come up with the name Bluth?
I don't know where it came from.
Is Maeby, the name for the teenage daughter, a real name?
Yes.
So do you know anyone named Maeby?
I don't know whether I should say on the record. But yeah, that name wasn't random.
Will Annyong, the adopted Korean son, return?
He's definitely still alive, and there's always the possibility of making a return. There's always the possibility of a visit from the Korean delegation.
Liza Minnelli was a frequent guest. Do you think she could beat up David Gest?
Hard to imagine.
Why didn't Fox mail out frozen bananas as a promotional gimmick? Coulda saved the show.
They did send out foam rubber bananas. That worked better in the U.S. mail. And a lot of foam rubber bananas are being sent back to the network in support of the show.
Have you heard from the real George Michael, the pop singer?
Haven't heard from him.
From Segway?
Segway has been supportive.
I know someone who says, "I hate people who don't like Arrested Development." Is that too harsh?
That is too harsh. Way too harsh. Some of my best friends don't get it. Some of my enemies love it.
With lines like, "I'm dating the guy with the brain-dead mother," do you fear the censor?
There's always a little bit of fear. There are always certain lines you hope you get through. More often than not, they get through.
Can you share one that didn't?
No, because they may make it through in the pay-cable version.
Rumor has it that Showtime may pick up the show.
I can't really comment, but yes, there's definitely a conversation going on.
What about doing a movie version: A Very Bluth Family Vacation?
Who knows? Have you got a pitch? Maybe a "Very Bluth Christmas," too.
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