Arrested Development‘s Bluth family is famous for their issues, and it’s a well-documented fact that most of these stemmed from the mistakes of George, Sr. Whether it was overindulgence, emotional neglect, or dumping the family’s financial and legal woes into their laps, no one will ever call George “Father of the Year.”
However, being a terrible father made him an excellent character on the show. The patriarch is easily one of the show’s best players, in large part due to Jeffrey Tambor’s impeccable comedic timing and deft hand. Yes, George, Sr. is a grade-A asshole, but viewers somehow still root for him every step of the way. His stay in prison brought out some of the best character work of the entire series, so from oversharing to starting up a business, take in these eight times that George Bluth got a little too comfortable in prison.
“No touching!”
The “no touching!” running gag was one of the best that of the show’s run. Initially just a part of prison etiquette, it definitely took on a deeper meaning as characters shied away from any sort of emotional or physical intimacy. Here, though, it occurs after George forgets where he is and forgets the rules after Michael does something really stupid…
“There’s always money in the banana stand!”
Communication is definitely a Bluth family failure, and the burning of the banana stand is one of the prime examples. While trying to play it cool in prison is understandable, George, Sr. definitely isn’t doing that here, and he totally should have been more clear with Michael about the banana stand.
“I am having a love affair with this ice cream sandwich.”
Fact: George, Sr. loves that ice cream sandwich more than he loves most people. Possibly more than any people.
“I’m having the time of my life!”
Sure, prison is terrible, but doing illegal deals with Saddam Hussein is probably worse. Treason tends to take its toll on a person.
“I’m trying to decide which gang to align myself with. I feel like the prettiest girl at the dance.”
https://youtu.be/CQvtT1Ztii8?t=12s
While having to select a protective gang to join may seem like a daunting and terrifying task for most, George, Sr. just takes it in stride. At least his attempt to ingratiate himself with the prison gangs’ system goes better than Gob’s.
“I haven’t had a vacation in years. This is my vacation.”
I guess those sex-cations with Kitty didn’t really count.
“Daddy horny, Michael.”
One of George, Sr.’s signature qualities is the ability to deeply overshare while under-communicating. No child wants to hear about their parents’ conjugal visits. They just don’t.
Caged Wisdom
George managed to turn lemons into lemonade after his first religious conversion, parlaying his newfound Judaism into a career as a spiritual leader. His understanding of his new religion was shallow at best, downright wrong at first, but at least the yarmulkes were complimentary with video purchase.