Arrested Development: Season 1, Episode 22 "Let Em' Eat Cake"

Arrested Development: Season 1, Episode 22 "Let Em' Eat Cake"

June 06, 2004


We have finally come to the Season One finale of Arrested Development. There are many things that happen in “Let Em’ Eat Cake.” The episode is critical because we finally see how scathing and biting the show can be regarding political events of the time period. The episode makes direct references to Saddam Hussein and Iraq. The show remains funny as ever making great use of incest themes (Michael saying “it is a struggle” when Lindsey asks if Michael wanted sex with her), to the events that are occurring in the world at the time (Iraqi war and Atkin’s Diet(!!)), and setting up events for the second season (we meet Ann, George-Michael’s rather bland girlfriend). With all the humor in the episode, the episode does get surprisingly tender at certain points especially within the storyline of George Sr’s.



The episode focuses on George Sr’s case of “light treason.” We learn that George Sr. was selling familiar-looking houses to Saddam Hussein, and George Sr. is trying to make it seem like Lucille’s fault. Kitty emerges out of hiding and threatens Michael that she will go to the authorities unless she is placed in charge of the Bluth Company. When she fails with Michael, she moves on to GOB. But while in prison, George Sr. suffers a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. At the hospital, the Bluth patriarch plans an elaborate escape which causes Michael to take George-Michael (against his wishes) and leave his family behind.



Overall, this was a very satisfying end to the first season. All episodes are must-sees and we truly see how dysfunctional and weird the Bluth family are. When the episode was first released, 20th Century Fox was not even sure if there would be a second season, but luckily there would be more seasons in the future. This episode sets up the framework of what is to come. This finale is funny, scathing, and worth every bit of your time.



My Grade: A

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