By now, all Arrested Development fans have heard about that interview: the New York Times piece in which male cast members of the comedy series made excuses for Jeffrey Tambor’s prior onset blowup at Jessica Walter while Walter was sitting right next to them in tears.
The cast’s chemistry is so magical that it made it extra hard to see them in this uncomfortable situation and poor light. Fans instantly took to social media to defend and comfort Walter and condemn the other actors (who quickly apologized).
And while the veteran actress can surely take care of herself, there’s one thing that needs to be made clear — Arrested Development is nothing without Lucille Bluth.
The matriarch of the dysfunctional family delivers the most deadpan quips and insults, stealing the scene every time she appears onscreen. Still not a believer? Check out these 15 moments that highlight why the bigoted boozehound is the funniest member of the Bluth clan.
Motherly Knowledge and Strength
1. She knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Lucille: Get me a vodka rocks.
Michael: Mom, it’s breakfast.
Lucille: And a piece of toast.
2. She’s very in touch with everyday people.
3. She’s nothing if not self-aware.
4. She won’t be pushed around.
Michael to Gob (about his new boat): Get rid of the Seaward.
Lucille: I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.
5. She’s in touch with pop culture.
Lucille: Here’s some money. Go see a Star War.
Motherly Love
6. She’s never cared much for Gob.
Lucille to Michael: She’d love to get at me any way she could — that’s why she’s been flirting with Gob. She’s trying to prove that she’s closer to my children than I am. But the joke’s on her because she doesn’t know how little I care for Gob.
7. No, really. She doesn’t care for her oldest son.
Lucille to Michael: Anyway, it’s a party, and I want the whole family there.
Gob: We’re having a party?
Lucille: No.
8. She’s always down for some mother-daughter bonding time.
Lindsay: I have the afternoon free!
Lucille: Really? Did “nothing” cancel?
9. She’s not afraid to play favorites.
Lucille: You’re my third least-favorite child.
10. She’s always available to offer motherly advice.
Lucille: I don’t criticize you. And if you’re worried about criticism, sometimes a diet is the best defense.
11. She’ll always let you know that mother knows best.
Lucille: She thinks I’m too critical. That’s another fault of hers.
Mother of all High Standards
12. She knows what she likes, and it’s not diner food.
13. She makes wait staff fall in love with her.
14. She knows how hard it is to find good help these days.
Lucille: Hola. Is Rosa still alive? No? Hmm. Okay, this is not my day.
15. She’s a boss who knows what her employees want.
Lucille: They didn’t sneak into this country to be your friends.
