Though Arrested Development season 4 has its share of (vocal) detractors, it was actually well-received overall. Not only does it contain some of the best jokes and episodes of the series - in this writer's opinion - it also does some interesting things in terms of telling the story out of order. If you recall, each episode was told from a particular character's point of view, providing viewers with a piece of the story that was only fully revealed in the end.
Despite the fact that Netflix doesn't release its viewing numbers, one presumes Arrested Development season 4 was a success, as the streaming giant wants more episodes (or a movie?) and has greenlit an original series from creator Mitch Hurwitz. As for when we might see new Arrested Development material, it's unclear, but we do have some news from Hurwitz about what's in store for the series next.
Hurwitz was recently interviewed by Pretentious Film Majors about how he got started with Arrested Development, how he (and his writers) concocted the subtle multi-faceted jokes throughout, and more. At one point, he casually brings up the fact that he's in the process of re-editing season 4 in chronological order.
Said Hurwitz:
"Right now I’m cutting a version of season 4 that tells it chronologically."
Mitch Hurwitz doesn't explain how this format will be made available. The chronological re-edit could be for a DVD/Blu-ray release or Netflix (or both) or just the hell of it. Regardless, is it something people actually want to see?
First, it's always interesting to see existing material presented in a different way than was originally intended. There's the Richard Donner cut of Superman 2, Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Edit, and so on. I can't imagine a chronological edit would be my preferred means of viewing - the way it's presented as is, with pieces of the puzzle being revealed slowly, makes for a surprisingly riveting mystery - but I'll definitely check it out at least once.
On the plus side, most fans of season 4 agree that there are high points (every GOB episode) and low points (George Sr.'s episodes). For this writer's money, the second episode of the season is probably the worst of the entire series. The point is, perhaps editing season 4 in chronological order would lessen the detriment of the more lacking installments by spreading them out in small increments.
Finally, Mitch Hurwitz was asked about new material for the series. Here's what he had to say:
"There's talk about a fifth season, but it's not my decision. 20th Century Fox owns the rights to this thing. But there's more of a story that has to be told somehow. We've got the whole story broken. And that - season 4 was always meant to be act one of a three-act structure, where everything goes sour at the end of it. So that will hopefully be coming."
It's interesting that the roadblock for a season 5 so far seems to be 20th Century Fox. If that's truly the case, it's doubtful that they'll be a roadblock in perpetuity - they signed off on season 4, after all. Still, hopefully we can get new episodes or a movie soon. Season 4 ended more inconclusively than season 3 did when Arrested Development was canceled in 2007. At the very least, Mitch Hurwitz and co. need to wrap things up for those fans who've stayed with the show through thick and thin.
And hopefully, in season 5, we'll see more interaction between the very busy cast members.
What say you, Screen Ranters? Are you interested in seeing a season 4 re-cut? Drop us a line in the comments.
Arrested Development seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix.
Follow me on Twitter @benandrewmoore.
Source: Pretentious Film Majors