Whistler's Mother
- Episode aired Apr 11, 2004
- TV-PG
- 22m
IMDb RATING
7.9/10
2.5K
YOUR RATING
As his entire family targets company funds that have recently become unfrozen, Michael purchases some ultimately worthless land from his Uncle Oscar.As his entire family targets company funds that have recently become unfrozen, Michael purchases some ultimately worthless land from his Uncle Oscar.As his entire family targets company funds that have recently become unfrozen, Michael purchases some ultimately worthless land from his Uncle Oscar.
Photos
Tony Hale
- Buster Bluth
- (credit only)
Dave Allen
- Activist
- (as Dave Gruber Allen)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe long haired hippie who, in frustration, shouts at Lindsay (Portia de Rossi) to abandon her protest is played by Dave Allen. Allan, playing Mr. Rosso on Freaks and Geeks (1999), also advised a character named Lindsay to abandon her protest in The Little Things (2000), a show created and written by Paul Feig, who directed this episode of Arrested Development.
- GoofsWhen Lucille (Jessica Walter) visits Oscar (Jeffrey Tambor) in the supposed lemon grove, buildings and golf carts can be seen over her shoulder.
- Quotes
George Bluth Sr.: Michael, do you have any idea what it's like to have a sibling who has no source of income except for you?
Michael Bluth: Just one? No, I don't. It sounds wonderful, though.
- ConnectionsReferences The Mike Douglas Show (1961)
- SoundtracksBad Girls
Written by Joe Esposito, Eddie Hokenson, Bruce Sudano and Donna Summer
Produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte (uncredited)
Performed by Donna Summer
Featured review
A Fun Episode!
"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+
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+
helpful•21
- gab-14712
- Dec 14, 2018
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