Ep 9. Smashed

Arrested Development is an American television sitcom created by Mitchell Hurwitz, and its Season 4 originally aired in 2013 on Netflix. The highly acclaimed show's fourth season, consisting of 15 episodes, underwent a slightly different narrative approach from previous seasons, focusing on character-centric episodes. "Smashed," being the ninth episode of the season, inherits this storytelling style by mostly centering around Tobias Fünke and his latest escapades.

As always, without spoiling any key plot points, the following is a crafted description for "Smashed":

In "Smashed," the eccentric and ever-optimistic Tobias Fünke finds himself in the midst of a bizarre and convoluted series of events as he pursues his enduring quest for stardom and familial approval. After stumbling upon an unexpected opportunity, Tobias believes he's found a golden ticket that could lead to both fame and a mended relationship with his estranged wife, Lindsay. His unshakeable, often misguided confidence propels him headfirst into a scheme that he's sure will impress both his family and the theater community.

The episode deliciously blends a series of flashbacks and present-day occurrences to flesh out Tobias' journey since the Bluth family's latest shared debacle. Enthralled by ambition, he inexplicably finds himself in a peculiar new entourage that seems to align perfectly with his aspirations, albeit with various quirks and missteps characteristic of anything Tobias involves himself with.

Laced with the show's trademark deadpan humor and satirical tone, "Smashed" showcases Arrested Development’s ability to weave intricate storylines peppered with wry observations about Hollywood, self-help culture, and the pursuit of fame. Tobias' interactions with new characters introduce a frenzy of misunderstandings and double-entendres that reinforce his well-meaning yet awkward persona.

Parallel to the main focus on Tobias, "Smashed" also sprinkles in storylines of other Bluth family members, steadily intertwining their fates. His daughter Maeby, ever the schemer herself, makes her presence known in ways that both complicate and inadvertently support her father's plans, displaying the cunning she's known for.

The Bluth family patriarch, George Sr., along with the perpetually anxious Buster, make appearances that further complicate the existing family dynamics. As usual, every familial interaction is loaded with the series’ nuanced humor, revealing the deep-seated issues and peculiarities of the family.

Michael Bluth—often seen as the straight man amidst a family of eccentrics—finds himself in situations that subtly mirror those of Tobias, yet his responses stand in stark contrast to his brother-in-law's oblivious enthusiasm. His experiences throughout "Smashed" contribute to the overarching narrative arc of the season, as Michael’s decisions impact both his business ventures and his increasingly strained relationship with his son, George-Michael.

"Smashed" efficiently uses the character-driven format of Arrested Development Season 4 to unveil the complexities of the Bluth family’s individual life choices, while never straying far from the ensemble chemistry that makes the show a unique experience in television comedy. The self-contained nature of the episode allows newcomers and long-time fans alike to revel in Tobias' story without needing to fully grasp the entirety of the season's context.

The episode continues the series' tradition of effortlessly blending physical comedy with razor-sharp wit. As with all Arrested Development episodes, hidden jokes and callbacks to previous seasons are intricately layered within the script, rewarding keen-eyed viewers with a richer and more satisfying comedic experience.

Each character's actions in "Smashed," whether they revolve around misguided love interests, fractured business dealings, or individual pursuits of success, are informed by the deep-running theme of the season: the struggle to redefine oneself in the face of past failures and family dysfunction.

As "Smashed" draws to a close, the intricate fabric of misunderstandings, failed schemes, and partially revealed secrets leave the audience both entertained and in suspense, setting up numerous possibilities for the story arcs that are to be explored in the subsequent episodes. The Bluth family's journey continues to be as tumultuous as it is hilarious, ensuring that every installment, including "Smashed," remains a vital piece of Arrested Development's complex narrative puzzle.