The characters are consistent throughout the entire 3 season plot. The plot is, however, completely inconsistent. This is great for possibilities, but terrible for a concrete, understandable storyline.

As far as characters go, George Sr is somehow always bouncing between guilt and innocence, standing firm and fleeing, and being principled and being a cop-out. Michael is rejected and harmed constantly by his family, yet feels the need to continue to provide for them. Those are probably the most frustrating characteristics of the show, and what most of the plots rely on for conflict and resolution. Certainly, they keep you laughing all the way with references to other characters, past episodes, cameos, etc.

Sure, there were plenty of loose ends, but the series finale closed the most important ones, and quite hilariously.

Now that we know a fourth season is being made, it will be interesting where they take the story. I hope that the writers find a way to change the George Sr/Michael dynamic, but I know I'll watch it either way.