Only the New York Times would have the guts (hah!) to compare "Arrested Development" to roadkill.



"But there are sadder things to discuss than a Bjork-less Olympics. "ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT" will conclude — for now — on FOX after two and a half years of excellent critical notices and Emmy Awards (and virtually no viewers). But do not go gentle into that good Friday night at 8 p.m., Mitchell Hurwitz; rage, rage, for the chance to continue the show you created. All hope is not lost: SHOWTIME has publicly been courting the show in the hope that it can bring the Bluth family's selfish, alcoholic charms to the pay-cable channel.

Guest stars abound in the final four episodes. In one, WILLIAM HUNG, the dreadful "American Idol" contestant, appears as himself, and JUDGE REINHOLD, solely on the strength of his first name, has been given a courtroom show — on which Michael (JASON BATEMAN) defends the Bluths in a mock trial. In an episode called "FAMILY TIES," JUSTINE BATEMAN — Jason's sister, who made her name in that bygone sitcom — plays Michael's long-lost sister. "I've always been mildly attracted to you," she tells him. This two-hour block of the Fox series will be broadcast opposite the Olympics kickoff. In other words, it will go out as it came in: as roadkill."