Complex TV Main Menu Introduction Videos for Introduction Complexity in Context Beginnings Videos for Chapter 2 Authorship Characters Comprehension Evaluation Serial Melodrama Orienting Paratexts Transmedia Storytelling Ends Video Gallery Table of Contents New York University Press

p. 184-185: ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

1350
Later in the same episode, Michael and his son are talking about how Michael is no longer in charge of the family company. Howard’s narration reminds us of another event from the previous episode: “In fact, since Michael’s father escaped from prison, his brother G.O.B. had been made president.” The visuals cut to a shot of a newspaper reporting both the prison escape (complete with still photo taken from the previous episode) and the leadership succession. The scene then shifts to a conversation between Michael and G.O.B., in which they recount the events that led to G.O.B.’s presidency and the accompanying criminal investigation, all framed with the running gag of Michael disingenuously saying, “I have no problem with that,” which is even quoted in the newspaper. Such an array of storytelling strategies prompt viewer recall while providing a comedic toolbox to create running gags and self-conscious style.

This page has paths:

  1. Comprehension Jason Mittell

This page references: