Numerous times my friends told me to watch the TV series "Arrested Development," because it was so hilarious. I only recent purchased Netflix and had put it in my instant queue when we watched an episode in class this week. That night, instead of doing some readings, I opened Netflix and watched the first few episodes of the series. From the few episodes I have seen, I can dissect numerous Freudian themes. Each character has his or her own issue, each of which is caused by the family dynamic. Buster is the clearest example of a sheltered child with an inappropriate relationship with his mother. Michael Bluth sees this interaction and fears in many episodes that George-Michael will turn out similarly, so he has to learn to let go. On the other hand, brother-in-law Tobias is clearly a closeted gay man, refusing to make love to Lindsay or even appear naked in front of her. Although many of these neuroses are for comedic effect, they actually apply very much to Freud's theories.
The title "Arrested Development" is a double entendre. For example, the mental development of the Bluth family has been stopped for each individual member at a critical point in his/her life, resulting in neuroses that add humor to the series. In another instance, the arrest of the father has caused the characters to begin developing, even though they would rather remain in their neurotic states. One connotes regression, the other progression. It is this push-and-pull of evolution and devolution that makes the series so dynamic and entertaining. Coming from someone who has started the series only after studying Freud, I recommend it for anyone familiar with his teachings.
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