Arrested Development (2003 to 2006)

Arrested Development was a television show that I discovered two years after it had been cancelled. I think a lot of people would agree that this was a show that got the axe way too soon. Yes, it was in quirky overdrive but the humor was consistently good and all the characters were lovable in their own dysfunctional way.

The show revolves around the Bluths, a very wealthy family who suddenly become very poor because of Daddy's financial indiscretions. The only honorable sibling, Michael Bluth, tries to hold the family together and is more or less successful. The pilot, which I saw on Netflix, is one of the funniest I have ever seen.

If you've watched the show, the family supposedly had a frozen banana stand in Newport Beach. Most people remember the stand because there was a large lighthouse sitting right next to it.

But the real location isn't in Newport Beach. It is actually in Marina del Rey in a place called Fisherman's Village.

The location of the stand was right in front of the stone wall which is about midway between the bell and the lighthouse.

Here is another view of where the stand was.

The lighthouse is the home of a small take-out restaurant. I love the messy hamburgers which are served by a scowling Chinese woman.

I also had a chance celebrity enounter while I was there. Harrison Ford darted out of a door just while I was passing by. He must have a great make-up artist because he looked years younger than what he normally does.

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way is to park at the Santa Monica pier and rent a bike. Bicycle all the way along the bike path, passing through Santa Monica, Venice and eventually arriving in Marina del Rey. If you don't stop along the way, it should only take about 45 minutes.

WORTH THE TREK? 8/10 but only if you ride a bicycle and enjoy the scenery. Alas, the famous banana stand, as well as the show, is no longer standing.
But there is good news! I have heard that an Arrested Development movie is in the works. Stay tuned.