The third season of the American television satiricalsitcom series Arrested Development aired between September 19, 2005, and February 10, 2006, on Fox in the United States. It consists of 13 episodes, each running approximately 22 minutes in length. The third season was released on DVD in region 1 on August 29, 2006, in region 2 on April 23, 2007, and in region 4 on December 6, 2006. This was the final season of Arrested Development to be aired on Fox, as they had decided to cancel the series. However, Netflix revived the show in 2013 for a fourth season.
The show's storyline centers on the Bluth family, a formerly wealthy, habitually dysfunctional family and is presented in a continuous format, incorporating hand-held camera work, narration, archival photos and historical footage.
Production
After the second season's airing, Fox renewed the series for a third season, which was originally slated for 22 episodes, but the production order was later cut down to 13.[1]
The third season of Arrested Development consists of 13 episodes, which are listed below as ordered on the DVD collection and not in their original production order.
When Michael realizes that Oscar, not George Sr., is serving time in prison, he sets off to find his father while trying to find time to reconnect with his son at the family's cabin. Gob learns he has a son.
Michael falls for a British woman named Rita while investigating a claim by George Sr. that a British construction firm tricked him into doing business with the Iraqis.
The family's new attorney works on George Sr.'s defense as he plans his escape. Michael tries to destroy all evidence of his family so he won't have to introduce them to Rita. Gob demonstrates his "Forget-me-now" pills.
Michael volunteers to participate in the father-son triathlon with Gob's son to prove his masculinity to Rita. Maeby attempts to expose the hypocrisy of an "Inner Beauty Contest" by appearing as her disabled alter-ego, Surely. George Sr. mistakenly delivers a "Startled Straight" lecture to a gathering of gay men.
Gob tries to trick the company's Japanese investors by building a "Tiny Town", but Tobias ruins everything after he mistakes a CIA agent for a talent agent from CAA.
When Michael decides to marry Rita, his parents oppose the idea–until they learn she's worth millions of dollars. His second thoughts come when he discovers that she's mentally disabled.
Michael is worried when he finds out that the prison warden is dating his mother and that the Bluth Foundation dinner is being held in the prison's new wing.
To get enough money to hire a new family lawyer, everyone has to pitch in to prepare for the upcoming company fundraiser, aptly named "Save Our Bluths".
Michael hires a woman who may be just what the company needs–and who might also be his long-lost sister, Nellie (played by Jason Bateman's sister Justine).
George Michael's surprise birthday party for Maeby lands her in big trouble; Michael and Buster make a startling discovery when they go to Iraq to rescue Gob.
Michael is relieved to have all the charges against his father dropped and shocked to learn who holds the real power in his dysfunctional family.
Reception
Critical response
On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has an approval rating of 100% with an average score of 8.7 out of 10 based on 10 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Arrested Development's solid third season plays out just like the first two: fast, funny, and with a felony charge."[12]
Awards and nominations
In 2006, the third season received four Emmy nominations, for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Will Arnett), Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the series finale "Development Arrested".[13]
Home media
The third season was released on DVD in region 1 on August 29, 2006,[14] in region 2 on April 23, 2007[15] and in region 4 on December 6, 2006.[16] Special features include commentary by creator Mitchell Hurwitz and cast members on "Forget Me Now", "Mr. F" and "Development Arrested"; deleted and extended scenes; blooper reel; "The Last Day on Location" featurette.[17]