The density and complexity of the humor exhibited in “Arrested Development” brings with it an equally well-written plot. Seasons one through three of the series coincided with the first four years of the Iraq War, which made one of its main plot arcs even more opportune and outrageous: George Sr., CEO of a housing company, sold mini-mansions to Saddam Hussein in the 1990s, which the character describes as “light treason.” Further plots in the first three seasons include cousins George Michael and Maeby having a confusing attraction for each other; George Sr.’s twin, Oscar, revealing himself to be Buster’s real father; and Tobias and Lindsay's troubled marriage, complete with a impressive number of double entendres that lead others to question husband Tobias's sexual orientation. Season four also showcases a thorough plot that involves George Sr.’s purchase of land on the US-Mexico border, along with the family’s involvements with a congressional candidate and Ron Howard’s fictional daughter. Admittedly, the plot is almost too complicated; critics say the new season focuses more on telling an overly tangled story instead of on presenting witty, back-and-forth dialogue. However, this might be due to the show’s producers not having all of the actors present at the same time to film group scenes.
