Join the dysfunctional family of ‘Arrested Development’

When a little show on FOX called “Arrested Development” won the Emmy for best comedy this year, you might have been a little surprised – perhaps even a little confused. How did a show that was in danger of being cancelled manage to best such Emmy favorites as “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Sex and the City?”

The second season of “Arrested Development” debuts this Sunday at 8:30 p.m. and one viewing is sure to persuade viewers that the show is one of the best and most original sitcoms on broadcast television.

The show tells the story of the Bluth family, a wealthy and dysfunctional clan headed by patriarch George Sr. (played by Dr. Phil look-alike Jeffrey Tambor). In last season’s pilot episode, real estate tycoon George Sr. got busted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for shady business practices, a.k.a. using company funds like “a piggy bank.”

George was subsequently sent to jail and the family’s assets were frozen, forcing the Bluth brood to unite under the same roof (the model home of George Sr.’s latest housing development).

If you’re wondering why “Arrested Development” is the funniest show on network television, look no further than the actors themselves. Considering the quality of its regulars, it is no surprise that the show also won an Emmy for Outstanding Casting in a Comedy Series.

Heading the winning comedy troop is Jason Bateman, whom we have only seen intermittently since his days as a minor heartthrob on “The Hogan Family” (1988-1991).

Bateman assumes the role of middle Bluth son Michael, who agrees to take over the business and, in effect, keep the family from falling into complete disarray. Bateman’s subtle but endearing work explains why many critics have deemed him the most underrated actor on television.

While Bateman might be singled out for his performance, his costars certainly hold their own. As petulant older brother and struggling magician Gob (pronounced “Job”), Will Arnett often steals scenes from his onscreen brethren.

Tony Hale’s portrayal of younger brother Buster is equally impressive. Buster is a perpetual grad student, prone to anxiety attacks and forever under the control of the overbearing Bluth mother, Lucille (Jessica Walter). Portia de Rossi (from “Ally McBeal”) is the lone Bluth daughter, the self-centered Lindsay.

Perhaps the most enjoyable character, and definitely the oddest, is Lindsay’s husband, the sexually ambiguous Tobias F??nke (the hilarious David Cross, formerly of HBO’s “Mr.Show”).

Tobias, like George, was not originally supposed to be a regular character, but since he tested so high in the pilot, Cross was rightly welcomed into the ensemble. Much of the laughs result from his attempts to become an actor and his fear of getting naked, an affliction termed a “never-nude” (a disease that is “not yet recognized by the DSM IV”).

Rounding out the cast are Michael Cera as George Michael Bluth, Michael’s teenage son, and Alia Shawkat as Mae (“Maeby”), the adolescent offspring of Tobias and Lindsay. George Michael quickly develops a crush on Maeby, and Cera is exceptional at displaying the awkwardness of this affection.

In addition to the talents of the main actors, a steady stream of well-cast guest stars lends their talent to the show. Prominent among these are Liza Minnelli as Buster’s love interest, and the Fonz himself, Henry Winkler, as George’s incompetent attorney. The show also features Carl Weathers as himself, Tobias’ acting coach who has a disturbing passion for stew.

Of course it is not just the superb cast that has propelled “Arrested Development” to its status as a critical darling. The show bucks most sitcom conventions, creating something unique that actually works. In contrast to most network sitcoms, “Development” eschews the laugh track, which allows for more subtle jokes.

Shot on digital video on location instead of in the traditional three-camera studio set-up, “Arrested Development” also has a kind of reality show feel. If one didn’t know better, one might be led to believe the show is a reality program called “My Big Fat Dysfunctional Family.”

The story-telling is refreshingly unique as well, due in large part to the narration of former “Happy Days” star Ron Howard (who is also the executive producer). This frequent narration, often used for flashbacks and asides, gives the show a “Royal Tenenbaums” vibe, which is also felt in large part to the quirkiness of the characters.

Upping the surreal ante in the new season, George Sr. will go on the lam in Mexico and Buster will ship off to Iraq. While Standards and Practices might send the producers pages of notes, don’t expect series creator Mitch Hurwitz to tone anything down.

You might watch “Arrested Development” and think to yourself, “Shouldn’t this be on cable?” The show seems like something more likely to be found on HBO.

Fortunately for viewers, Fox has given them a second chance to see a show of this caliber on a broadcast network. Don’t miss this opportunity: there might not be a third.