Arrested Development: Season 1, Episode 20 "Whistler's Mother"

Arrested Development: Season 1, Episode 20 "Whistler's Mother" 

April 11, 2014


“Whistler’s Mother” is a solid episode of Arrested Development, but it is certainly not the best episode of the series. I feel like the main plotline with Michael finding new capital and the Bluth family wanting to exploit the new capital is not quite inspirational and a tad rote. Plus, we meet Oscar (George Sr’s twin brother) for the first time, and he is my least favorite character of the show. That being said, there are some extremely wonderful and hilarious moments I need to discuss. Two things actually. Number one is the whole plot with the whistles. Michael wanted to extend some power to his company’s board, so he gives whistles to them which they are to use if they see wrongdoing. Of course, the board starts blowing the whistles nonstop. We cut away to 20 minutes later where we see Michael recollecting the whistles like a teacher. That was very funny. The other thing worthy of mention is when a little game of “Who’s on First” is being played between GOB and his wife. Just read this set of lines:

Wife: I’m in love with your brother-in-law.
GOB: You’re in love with your own brother? The one in the army?
Wife: No, your sister’s husband.
GOB: Michael?
Wife: No, that’s your sister’s brother.
GOB: No, I’m my sister’s brother. You’re in love with me.
Wife: I’m in love with Tobias.
GOB: My brother-in-law?
Wife: I know it can never be, so I’m leaving. I’m enlisting in the army.
GOB: To be with your brother.
Wife: No.

Hilarious!



In this episode, some of the company’s funds are unfrozen, so the entire family pitches in to receive a share for various reasons. Michael tries to convince the family to invest the money and use it wisely. But Michael himself makes a bad investment on his Uncle Oscar’s land, and he blames himself. Using his keen eyes, George-Michael spots a long-haired man who looks very similar to his grandfather. Finally, Michael tries to institute a new whistle-blowing policy to his company.



Overall, this was a funny and worthwhile episode even if it does not reach the heights of earlier episodes from the season. One thing to note is Paul Feig directed this episode. He rose to fame with Freaks and Geeks and began a successful cinematic career beginning with 2011’s Bridesmaids. Other occurrences include Lucille actually being nice and helping Michael out and the introduction to the Iraq storyline which was hinted at earlier in the season. There was a funny joke involving Lindsay and a cage labeled as “Free Speech Zone.” Definitely a good episode, although I wish the plot to be a little more inspired.



My Grade: B+

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