MODERN FAMILY Makes "Wedding" Unnecessarily Stunty

Article first published as TV Review: 'Modern Family' - Season Five Finale on Blogcritics.

ABC’s Modern Family is a thoroughly charming, pretty funny, completely typical sitcom. For an example of the last descriptor, you only need to look at the recent season finale, “The Wedding, Part 2,” and its first half. Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) are finally able to get married because California has OK-ed gay marriage, but all manner of mishaps, from wildfire to a runaway bride returning, force multiple changes in venues. An event episode plagued by obstacles is a hallmark of sitcoms, and in this, Modern Family fails to distinguish itself.

There’s a very telling sequence in “The Wedding, Part 2″ for which I wish the writers had listened to themselves. Phil (Ty Burrell) is preparing to officiate the ceremony, replacing Sal (Elizabeth Banks), who has gone into labor, of course, and he tries to work a magic trick into his monologue. His wife, Claire (Julie Bowen), gives him sound advice, saying that he doesn’t need to be flashy, just let the emotion stand on its own. Phil does, and it’s a very moving moment, seeing the love between Phil and Claire, and among the family in general.

I think the rest of episode should have taken note of this bit and more widely applied it. Sure, it’s funny when Pepper (Nathan Lane) has butterfly issues and Sal claims she’s only four months pregnant as her water breaks, and even when Manny (Rico Rodriguez) and Luke (Nolan Gould) unintentionally have a faux marriage, but we don’t need natural disasters and such to get in the way of that. The smaller jokes, built on relationships and the dynamics of a loving clan, are much better than when the series goes to extremes in what seems to be an obvious ratings ploy. Did Modern Family really need two weeks to stage a wedding?

The best part of “The Wedding, Part 2″ by far is Jay (Ed O’Neill) trying not only to come to terms with Mitchell and Cam getting married (something with which he has made great progress), but also to make up with Mitch, who is miffed over an unintentional comment. Jay is old-school living in the modern era, and to his credit, he tries very hard to accept Mitchell for who he is. Jay is not 100% on board, but neither would he ever do anything to impede his son’s happiness. You can absolutely tell that this Jay is not the same one that has raised Mitchell, and it’s resonant for many older men today, struggling to adjust to an unfamiliar world. Some of the craziness of fleeing the fire could have been better spent further developing this relationship, which is well served, but should have been delved into deeper.

An interesting twist, which has built for some time is concerns Haley (Sarah Hyland) falling for Andy (Adam DeVine), who is not her typical type of guy. Andy is a lot like Phil, though, so viewers should see this coming, and Haley being attracted to this guy who reminds us so much of her father  (something she doesn’t see) doesn’t seem too creepy. Yes, Haley basically rejects him late in the season finale, but that may only be a temporary setback. She lets him go because her sister, Alex (Ariel Winter), asks her not to be cruel, and Haley is trying to do the right thing. But Andy could be her chance at not only a solid relationship, but also in maturing and growing as a person. I hope this thread is picked up next season.

Even with its stunts, I still love Modern Family. It does make me laugh, and it almost always nails the emotional stuff. I just wish it cared more about the feelings than the jokes. and let the humor flow more naturally. Much of the time it does, but often enough it seems to sell out. It is mostly watchable, but could be better than it is now, sliding in quality with age.

Modern Family has been renewed and will return to ABC next fall.

"First Days" of New MODERN FAMILY

Article first published as "First Days" of New MODERN FAMILY on TheTVKing.

ABC's Modern Family began its fifth season last night with a pair of fresh episodes, "Suddenly, Last Summer" and "First Days." The first took place in late June, the day gay marriage became legal in California, and also concerned parents trying to get time away from their kids. The second picked up months later, as the children went back to school, and various family members found new professional opportunities.

It's cool that Modern Family celebrates the recognition of legal gay marriage. The show has authentically shown a loving, committed homosexual couple, Cam (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), for years. It feels very natural for Mitch and Cam to want to wed as soon as they can, since their union is not recognized by their state, and that they would both try to propose right away once they had the right to follow through on the promise.

That being said, "Suddenly, Last Summer" isn't just a commentary on social justice; it also stays true to the humorous content of the show, with Mitchell and Cam both ruining one another's surprises, wanting to be the first to ask. Even the emotional moment at the end of the show, when they both say "yes" at the same time without asking the question, is both heartfelt and amusing. A+ job on this plot. I can't wait to see the ceremony itself!

It's great that all of Mitchell's adult family members pitched in to help with the failed proposals, showing their support for their loved ones, but I was displeased with the running gag that baby Joe puked whenever gay marriage is mentioned. I suppose this could be taken two different ways, one of which is saying that those who are against extending civil rights to homosexuals are babies, but it just doesn't feel that way to me. This is probably a personal taste thing, though, so it's hard to criticize the show for it too harshly.

Also great in "Suddenly, Last Summer" is Jay (Ed O'Neill) seeking a break from Manny (Rico Rodriguez). The Jay story isn't so much about him wanting Manny to go away as it is Jay wanting to avoid a bunch of Columbian relations in his house, but he doesn't stop to think about Manny as he's pushing the boy towards the plane. This makes his sorrow when he misses Manny all the better, and delivers an emotional gut-check to the end of the episode.

Similarly, Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell) try to schedule time away from their three children, working to synchronize schedules of the trio. I was particularly impressed with Phil, showing more willingness to manipulate his kids than usual, giving him another welcome layer. But the best part comes when the adults also try to ditch each other, proving everyone needs time alone no matter how much they love their family. They deserve the respite.

It's this realistic take on what a family is, with plenty of laughs that actually land tossed in, that makes Modern Family so successful, even after five seasons. In a year when every network is tossing family-based comedies on the air, this one remains the current standard to live up to, something the newbies are by and large failing to match. The timing and punchlines are consistent, and the actors, writers, directors, and the rest are extremely talented.

It's a shame the series skips ahead so far for "First Days," though not unexpected, as most broadcast series don't cover the summer months, when they are off the air. This means we don't see the results of the machinations and plans in the prior half hour, though that is frequently the case with Modern Family episodes, which tend to stand alone. This lack of many through arcs, though there are admittedly some, is the one glaring flaw in the show's makeup.

I liked "First Days" a lot less than "Suddenly, Last Summer." The reason is because Modern Family threw reality out the door for a gag in a couple of spots. Haley (Sarah Hyland) acts a complete fool when Mitchell's rich boss (Justin Kirk, Weeds) wants to whisk her away. This is not in character for Haley, whom we haven't seen caring about money or much older men before, and makes the viewer grimace as much as Mitchell does at the prospect.

Even worse is Cam's story, in which he is asked to take over an AP History course. Cam has no qualifications in History. In the real world, this means he can sub in the classroom, but not take over full-time. To portray a school as trying to hire someone who hasn't had educational training and gone through the long, complex process to become a teacher is offensive. There are exceptions to the typical teacher college track, but they are few and far between, and certainly do not apply in the circumstances depicted here. Ridiculous.

Now, Cam eventually accepting the gym teacher / coaching position, and the music instructor last year, is a little more believable, as they are not core subjects, but again, while he could possibly be hired on as a coach without a teaching license, physical education and music education are not jobs just anyone can do. It's a lot harder the most people would assume, and most states do require a specific license in those fields, as well as earning a Master's degree within the first decade of teaching.

My big problem with these stories is that they perpetuate a myth about teaching as a career. In an age where state governments can strip teachers of union rights and the media shows people talking about how teachers get "paid too much," no more bad images are needed. Teaching is a tough job with long hours and stringent higher education requirements that continue through one's entire career these days. Teachers get paid far less than the normal professional with a Master's degree, though a Master's is required most places to teach for more than a handful of years, and those who go into it work very hard for little material reward. Seeing this kind of thing on TV, trivializing the profession, hurts real, working individuals, and is a big pet peeve of mine.

Other than that, though, and I know that section is a big joy-suck, I enjoyed the episode. Phil and Gloria (Sofia Vergara) hanging out in the background of a commercial was amusing, Clarie's first day working for her dad went so wrong it felt right, and the kids starting school worked out well.

I also applaud Modern Family for finally updating their opening title sequence. They changed Mitch and Cam's section when Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) was recast two years ago, but the rest have remained the same since the first episode. Luke (Nolan Gould) and Alex (Ariel Winter), in particular, have changed in appearance over this past year, so it was definitely time.

Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Modern Family grows a little bigger

Most of the season premiere of ABC's Modern Family, set the day after last spring's finale, centers around everyone worrying what Jay's (Ed O'Neill) reaction will be when he learns that Gloria (Sofia Vergara) is pregnant. She tells several other relations first, worried and upset that her husband won't be happy. While the resolution is easy to see coming from a mile away, O'Neill still plays it so well that you will soon forget the writing isn't original.

Why would a sitcom as brilliant as Modern Family re-use an old plot already found in a number of other sitcoms? The reason viewers can predict that Jay will be thrilled, rebelling against the life of leisure his friends tell him he has to look forward to in retirement, is because the exact same thing has happened in other shows. And yet, there are only so many ways to set up a reaction to such news, and by letting it play out in this particular fashion, "Bringing Up Baby" stays true to the characters that make the series so great.

This is the focus, but there is so much more in the episode. Modern Family really has perfected the ability to deal with authentic emotions in a comedy setting. Not only do we see Jay get near to tears when learning he will be a father again, but we also see Cam (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) grope with the loss they feel at not getting their son. They have inappropriate reactions, of course, but they mostly keep it together for their daughter, Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons), and lean on each other exactly when they should.

Yet, "Bringing Up Baby" is also funny. It isn't a cheapening of the raw moments when Mitchell lets out a bit of anger at learning Gloria's news, but rather, it elicits a laugh. Claire (Julie Bowen) acting manic, but being wrong about Jay, is also amusing, as is Phil (Ty Burrell) once more going after Jay's approval, this time during a surprise fishing trip on his birthday. And Luke (Nolan Gould) purposely setting off Manny (Rico Rodriguez), then smirking at the grenade he blew up, isn't too mean-spirited to be humorous. It's friendly cousin rivalry.

It all wraps up nicely with a sweeping camera shot that stages a several-month time jump. It's the perfect way to get through the summer, which most shows have to deal with when the fall episodes begin, and it feels like a visual hug. What a great way to end the episode, leaving fans feeling good and sated with their finally returned weekly look at the Pritchett-Dunphy family! The throwbacks to earlier lines, including Phil's beard and Mitchell's cat-scratched face, are just the icing on the cake, and what earns this series repeated Emmys.

With a package put together so perfectly, why try to nitpick it apart anymore than that? Wonderful season premiere!

My only small caveat is, while I don't begrudge Stonestreet another Emmy win, why couldn't O'Neill take it this year? Is it because his best moments are more drama than comedy, and these actors are only up for comedy awards? Next year, Emmys, recognize the deserving patriarch.

Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Modern Family third outing on Blu-ray

ABC's Modern Family is one of the most lauded sitcoms on television. Awards are showered on them, and the adults win praises like Emmys. There is a reason for this. It's a very funny take on a family show, with the twist that said family has been updated for the current era. Three generations don't live under the same roof, but they do interact frequently, and the outcomes of those interactions are often hilarious.

The Complete Third Season is now available on DVD and Blu-ray. It is a great year, beginning with a trip to a ranch for the entire clan, and ending with a dash to Mexico for a few of them. Important life events occur. Haley (Sarah Hyland) tries to get into college. Cam (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) pursue the adoption of a second child. Manny (Rico Rodriguez) and Gloria (Sofia Vergara) finally finish their collection of one hundred lucky pennies.

But Modern Family isn't defined by such large arcs. It exists in the touching moments. Whether Jay (Ed O'Neill) is grudgingly granting the approval Phil (Ty Burrell) so desperately seeks, or Jay is having a moment with granddaughter Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons), or Jay is secretly sabotaging Manny and Gloria's penny project so that they can keep the tradition that makes them so happy going... I guess what I'm saying is, Jay is a fantastic character, wonderfully playing the grump patriarch who cares very deeply about those around him.

It isn't just Jay that gets it right. Hyland and Ariel Winter, who plays Alex, have terrific chemistry as sisters who bicker, but still love each other. Claire (Julie Bowen) is a very strong character when she is around her brother, Mitchell, and the two turn back into children. Phil and son Luke (Nolan Gould) have bonding moments that are pure gold, sharing lots of interests. It's these details, the perfectly illustrated relationships, as well as the incredibly strong, without exception, cast that makes Modern Family the gem it truly is.

Season three features a number of memorable installments. "Door to Door" finds Claire beginning her petition for a new stop sign. In "Treehouse," Cam believes he has made a woman (Leslie Mann) fall in love with him. "After the Fire" mixes up who the various family members spend time with, providing for some new, interesting combinations. "Punkin Chunkin" dredges up the past, and Cam's the amount of truth in Cam's tales is brought into question. The family tries to throw together an impromptu holiday celebration in "Express Christmas." "Aunt Mommy" verges on disturbing when Claire considers being a surrogate for Jay and Mitchell. "Virgin Territory" exposes a number of secrets, and Luke and Manny feud with Lily as only kids can. in "Disneyland," the clan visits the famous theme park. "Tableau Vivant" features a hilarious family portrait, and Phil tries to fire Mitchell. In "Baby on Board," Haley and Gloria both face big, new challenges.

Thankfully, Modern Family The Complete Third Season has plenty of special features. There are deleted and alternate scenes, of course, and a gag reel. Featurettes cover the trips to Wyoming and Disneyland. Ed O'Neill getting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is covered. Ty Burrell allows the camera to follow him around the set. There are also extras about the Christmas episode, learning to drive, and the adventures of the kids on the series.

Do you have to buy a sitcom like Modern Family on Blu-ray? Well, no. It's not like there are big special effects or anything. But it is my preference to watch even a series like this in the best possible quality picture and sound as to be as fully immersed in the experience as possible. There really isn't any better argument than that for checking out Blu-ray, rather than plain DVD.

As a fan of the series, this is a great set, delivering every thing I would want from it.Modern Family The Complete Third Series is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Modern Family brings a new "Baby on Board"

ABC's Modern Family makes it clear from the beginning of this episode that baby news is on the way! Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) get a call from Mexico that the little boy they intend to adopt is about to be born. They rush off, with Gloria (Sofia Vergara) in tow to translate. The result is a twisty Mexican soap opera, and in the end, they don't get the baby.

Doing "Baby on Board" in the soapy style is funny. Because it ties into a television drama that both Cameron and Sofia are fans of, it's even better. Then, the fact that neither of them even mention the parallel to their show, kicks this story up another notch. It is one thing to play on a convention for a joke. To trust that your audience gets it without slamming it into their faces is far superior. And to make the slapstick short-lived, bringing out some real, deep, emotional moments for Cam and Mitch, who deal with the disappointing news in different ways, is absolutely pitch perfect! Because of the tone of the series, this kind of levity is needed to balance out the seriousness, and it's a delicious blend in this episode!

Will the couple give up on their dream of a second child? Mitch seems ready to. But it's difficult to make decisions in such a distraught state as he is in by the end of this episode. He may reconsider once they return home. For now, at least, their hopes have been dashed, like so many other prospective adoptive parents. It's a relatable, wonderfully executed story.

However, there is also a surprise at the end, hinted at throughout the episode, but not in such a way that it spoils the reveal. Gloria is pregnant! This is unexpected, given the age of her son, but she's still plenty young enough, and it's joyous news! This child will likely be the only one that she and Jay (Ed O'Neill) share, biologically speaking. It will also completely disrupt the family dynamic, tying Manny (Rico Rodriguez), Mitchell, and Claire (Julie Bowen) closer together as siblings!

Will Jay want a child with Gloria? He loves Manny, to be sure, and is a good father to him. But Manny is growing. He isn't so young anymore. And we see how great a grandfather Jay is in "Baby on Board" as he cares for Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons), even getting up and dancing on stage with her when she is frightened. Ironically, with the wisdom of his age and life experiences, he is best prepared to be the perfect dad for this baby at a time where he is probably getting ready for retirement. He definitely tried with Mitch and Claire, but he has shown growth, even in just the last few years, into a more warm, paternal figure. He will come around this time, to be sure, but it will be awfully unexpected if he takes an instant shine to the event.

Claire and Phil (Ty Burrell) have their own child drama to deal with in "Baby on Board." And no, that isn't a reference to the *drama* Alex's (Ariel Winter) date probably sparkles with at their unseen prom, which gives Winter some great comedic moments. Claire and Phil are told of Haley's (Sarah Hyland) intention to move in with Dylan (Reid Ewing). Considering that Haley has spent all of one entire episode acting grown up and mature. They can certainly be forgiven for having a negative reaction. Yes, Haley is technically an adult and can make her own decisions, but this one has mistake written all over it when viewed from any angle.

It would have been interesting to see what Modern Family would have done with this story. The series isn't dark enough for Haley to get into anything too heavy. But she would have been frustrated and broke, probably ending up back at home before too long. Even though this is not the path the story pursues, credit must be given to the series for tackling an adult subject, as they have done regarding Haley's sex life, with a light touch, keeping true to the tone of the show, and staying away from the forced melodrama or movie of the week tropes.

But instead of disaster, the twist here is that Luke (Nola Gould), showing a sweet, little brother kind of care, has been hiding Haley's acceptance letter to college so that she will not move away and leave him. Once Dylan finds out, he does the right thing and insists that Haley go away to school. Haley and her parents are all excited, the latter because disaster has been avoided. Hopefully, Dylan will return again, because his actions in "Baby on Board" prove that, despite his faults, he is a worthy man for Haley to be with. Or he will be once he begins earning a liveable wage, anyway.

A great ending do a show that is still, three years in, consistently good almost every week! Modern Family will return to ABC next fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to buy Modern Family DVDs and streaming episodes. Article first published as Modern Family brings a new "Baby on Board" on TheTVKing.com.

Modern Family verges a little too modern with "Aunt Mommy"

This week's episode of ABC's Modern Family finds Claire (Julie Bowen), Phil (Ty Burrell), Cam (Eric Stonestreet), and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) out celebrating the sale of a house that the guys help Phil close. As the alcohol begins flowing, talk turns to Cam and Mitchell's efforts to have a baby. They are jealous of friends who have used a surrogate, and disappointed that they can't have one child who has both of their genetic materials. Claire, who is feeling especially proud of her children, and feeling generous from the wine, and offers one of her own eggs to help them out. All four agree that it is a great idea. However, the next morning, hung over, everyone except Cam begins questioning that plan.

Titled "Aunt Mommy," this episode verges into strange, weird territory. While it is respectable for Claire to offer to donate an egg, it is bizarre that she would be the biological mother of her nephew or niece. Not to mention how odd it would be for Mitchell to raise a son who is partially his sister's child. Yes, this way genetic material related to Mitchell would mix with Cam's, but it's not like the kid will ever really have anything of Mitchell in him or her. Instead, the child would have a little of Mitchell's parents, which is far from ideal.

Some of this would not be an issue with some families, but this one can be a little high strung. As neurotic as the Pritchett family can be, it's clearly not a good idea. They would obsess over the implications, and surely there would be arguments over how the child is raised, and who has a say in discipline. While that might be provide some comedy, it would also strain relations within the family, so much so that it might be impossible for them to get along as well as they do now, which would kill the show. Modern Family hinges on the love between the relations.

Thus, "Aunt Mommy" is not a bad episode. It deals with an idea that looks great on paper, but just doesn't work so well in the real world, at least with these particular people.

That being said, "Aunt Mommy" is also really, really funny. Because of the drunk conversation, a deal is made. Three of the four people involved want to get out of the deal, but do not want to hurt feelings. Which leads to a comedy of errors, in which the entire clan is soon involved. Loud fights ensue, all the funnier in the unnecessary nature of the argument. Mitchell and Claire, hiding under the table and resolving the issue, will stand as one of the great moments of the show's run.

There is also some pride to be had for Claire and Phil in the responsible behavior of their kids. While they have trouble with Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter), and Luke (Nolan Gould) from time to time, there really is affection between the siblings, and the will to take care of one another. Left to their own devices, they can handle things without the adults present. It's a wonderful realization for their parents, surely one many viewers with children can relate to.

The B plot in "Aunt Mommy" finds Gloria (Sofia Vergara) and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) finally collecting the last of one hundred lucky pennies, which they will use to buy a lottery ticket. As they count the change, the two reminisce over the great times they had finding each one, reliving wonderful memories. It's a wonderful mother / son bonding experience.

Although Jay (Ed O'Neill) sometimes gives Gloria crap for how much she babies Manny, even he sees that this is a special activity the two have together, that should be allowed and encouraged to continue. So he steals a few of the cents, giving them reason to go on with their quest. It seems as if Gloria realizes this, and it glad for it. Jay can be a real softy, and is a terrific husband and stepfather.

Who wouldn't want to be a part of this family? Watch Modern Family Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to buy Modern Family DVDs and streaming episodes.

Modern Family reflects "After the Fire"

     This week on ABC's Modern Family, a neighbor's house burns down. Claire (Julie Bowen) organizes their clan to help the family out "After the Fire." Cam (Eric Stonestreet) stubbornly insists that he can drive a big truck, only to have much trouble with it. Jay (Ed O'Neill) hurts his back, and while Phil (Ty Burrell) is massaging him, Jay blurts out "I love you." Lucky for Jay, Phil doesn't hear it, as he gets a text offering a huge business opportunity at the same time. Claire gets jealous of the close relationship between Gloria (Sofia Vergara) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), projecting her mommy issues. Luke (Nolan Gould) and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) steal a toy intended for the fire victims.

     The remarkable thing about "After the Fire" is that it is wholly unremarkable, and yet, there were still a number of serious LOL-worthy moments. Nothing major happens in this episode, no deep emotional depths are explored, and no one gets into a totally ridiculous situation (well, except maybe Phil massaging Jay). Yet, one-liners fly rapidly with zest. Perhaps it's just the formula of sticking all the characters together and letting them play off of each other that just works for Modern Family. Whatever it is, it's fantastic.

     Jay and Phil frequently are the subject of Modern Family stories. Phil is always trying to win Jay's approval, but "After the Fire" takes a bit of a different turn in their chemistry. Sure, the episode begins with Phil trying to please Jay with has magic hands. But then, with the job offer, Phil goes to Jay for advice. It's not a needy request, nor is he being overeager. Phil genuinely wants the opinion of a successful business man, and it's much more toned down an interaction. Because Phil takes that tack, Jay matches it in a very real, authentic way. He is able to compliment Phil and talk seriously, rather than worrying how Phil might take something. It's a reall cool and unexpected plot.

     Three years in, it's about time that Claire and Mitchell have a serious mother-projecting story with Gloria. Though Gloria is fourteen months younger than Claire, she is Claire and Mitchell's step-mother. Whatever that means, even though they generally treat her as a peer, it is inevitable that there will be mom comparisons. Mitchell really does just seem to see Gloria as a friend he can get coffee with. But Claire remembers Mitchell and their mother's special bond, and takes things way out of proportion, freaking out on them. Of course, all is worked out.

     It's fun to see Haley (Sarah Hyland) and Alex (Ariel Winter) paired up with Cam. The definitely treat him as the somewhat cool, but neurotic uncle, an interaction that isn't really explored too much in Modern Family. Of course, the kids accept Cam as part of the family readily enough, but watching them laugh at Cam as he figuratively shoots himself in the foot in pleasurable.

     Bonus when Alex whips out her "geek hotness" to get the stolen toy back for Luke and Manny from the geeky bullies. "After the Fire" showcases a societal trend that geek can be the new cool, and one does not have to be pigeon holed as a geek; a geek can still be attractive or mean. And yes, Winter is a pretty girl, and it's good that Modern Family lets he enjoy that for a moment, as usually Hyland's Haley is the one singled out as a looker.

     Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to buy Modern Family DVDs and streaming episodes.

Modern Family The Complete Second Season now on Blu-ray

     Available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Fox Studios is Modern Family The Complete Second Season. This three-disc set includes all twenty-four episodes from the 2010-2011 season. Among the fantastic installments, "Strangers on a Treadmill," in which both Claire (Emmy winner Julie Bowen) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) try to get their sibling to be truthful with each others' significant others, "Bixby's Back," a Valentine's Day special, and "Someone to Watch Over Lily," where Mitchell and Cam (Eric Stonestreet, who won an Emmy for season one) choose a guardian for their daughter, are favorites. The series also stars the incredibly good Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Sofia Vergara, Sarah Hyland, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould, and Ariel Winter. 

     Modern Family, which is made by FOX, but airs on ABC, really solidifies its characters and relationships during the first season run. As such, by the time this second season begins, each actor has the comic timing and chemistry down to a tee. Watching these episodes is to see masters at work, tickling every funny bone in the body. Season two is incredibly strong, with not just one-liners, which they nail, but also with unexpected pairings and events. This set is a can't miss item.

     Modern Family The Complete Second Season is packed full of extras, among the most ever seen on a sitcom release. There is a plethora of extended and deleted scenes on all three discs, with the deleted family interviews bundled separately. The latter are heavily Phil (Burrell)-centric, containing many jokes not used in the airings. All the actors are great, but Burrell, who won an Emmy for this season, is on top of his game so much that some real gems end up on the cutting room floor. Of course there is a gag reel, too.
     "Imagine Me Naked," the song that Dylan (Reid Ewing) sings to win back Haley's (Hyland) heart, has been expanded into a music video, though this feature is a tad boring.

     Not boring are all of the behind the scenes short featurettes. Steve Levitan chats about his experience making the show." Modern Family Holidays" is a look at the Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Halloween episodes. "At Home with Modern Family" looks at the set design, and how the family's houses differ from those shown in the pilot. Ferguson takes the camera behind the scenes as his flash mob sequence is filmed. The cast readies for an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

     Best of all is a filmed table read, in front of an audience, for the episode "Strangers on a Treadmill." It runs almost forty minutes, as narration, audience reaction, and untrimmed scenes slow down the process. Yet, it is an entirely enjoyable experience, seeing an early crack at the episode, and opening a window into the process of making the hit television show. Very rewarding is seeing the genuine awe that the cast has for each others' talent, proving that even working with someone day in and day out cannot make one jaded when faced with comedic acting genius.

     I highly recommend buying the Blu-ray version of Modern Family The Complete Second Season. It may not be necessary to have such a perfect picture quality in 1.78:1 widescreen. Nor is 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio essential to enjoy the stories. However, the crisp, clean look and sound, flawless in each and every entry, prevent viewers from being taken out of the story. When seen so realistically, there is an immersion not possible in lesser qualities of picture and sound. Thus, buying this season on Blu-ray is a must for any Modern Family fan.

     Also unique to the Blu-ray are special menu features. The most obvious is a timeline of the episodes, and the ability to watch the entire season straight through. Some studios have played with different menu designs, since Blu-ray allows for greater flexibility than DVD. Some of those risks have been failures. Modern Family's foray is not such a flop.

     All in all, Modern Family The Complete Second Season is among the best of the recent television season releases. Make sure you buy yourself a copy today. And maybe some for your relatives, as well.

     Click here to buy Modern Family Blu-rays, DVDs and streaming episodes.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: Modern Family The Complete Second Season on Blogcritics.

Modern Family returns at the top of its game

      This week, ABC's Modern Family presents two new episodes to kick off the show's third season. The first finds the family going to a "Dude Ranch." Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) wants to prove he is masculine enough to adopt a son, while Phil (Ty Burrell, who recently won an Emmy for the role) tries to show Jay (Ed O'Neill), once more, that he is a worthy son-in-law. Claire (Julie Bowen, who also won the Emmy) must try to stay out of it when Dylan (Reid Ewing) proposes to Haley (Sarah Hyland). "When Good Kids Go Bad" finds Cam (Eric Stonestreet) worrying that he coddled Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) too much. Manny (Rico Rodriguez) can't stay quiet when he's done wrong. And Claire becomes obsessed with proving to everyone that she is right.

     At the ranch, the family meets a man named Hank (Tim Blake Nelson, Chaos), who hits mercilessly on Gloria (Sofia Vergara). After awhile, Jay grows tired of it, and confronts him. Hank backs off, claiming it's all part of the experience. Of course, it would be folly to buy that line. And Gloria shows no interest in being unfaithful to Jay in the slightest. Which makes this subplot the odd one that doesn't really fit in this Modern Family episode. It feels forced, and not as humorous as the rest of the situations unfolding.

     Phil is always seeking Jay's approval. But honing his cowboy skills will not change things between them after eighteen years. It is quite possible that Phil's constant need to try and raise himself in Jay's eyes is what Jay doesn't like. Phil desperately craves the approval, and Jay doesn't want to give it when asked to so blatantly. Phil finally rants at Jay in a charged moment, but Jay just shakes his head, and they are distracted before the issue is resolved. Considering Jay is soon riding on Phil's horse, obviously they have some kind of understanding. But if Jay tells Phil that he's proud of him, it isn't shown on screen. Which is fine, because it's not in Jay's character to give Phil some big sappy speech. When the time comes to finally acknowledge appreciation, near or in the series finale, Jay will probably do it in a sentence or two.

     Claire needs to learn not to control everything. She is so tightly round that she is about ready to snap. While she has every right to be concerned with who Haley marries, thinking she has any influence over that decision now is completely wrong. Jay tries to warn her not to push too hard, and Claire does make some attempt, but it doesn't work. Claire did as good a job as she could raising her daughter, and now it's time to step back and let whatever happens, happen. This will be a difficult transition for Claire, but one she will have to begin facing over the next couple of seasons as Haley graduates and starts her adult life.

     Sadly, Dylan decides to stay at the ranch, ending his recurring role on Modern Family, at least for now. Haley would be making a mistake to marry him, of course, but Ewing is a funny actor, and his scenes with Burrell are some of the highlights of the series. Perhaps he will return home eventually to try to woo Haley once more. 'Til then...

     While at the ranch, Alex (Ariel Winter) meets an obnoxious Jersey kid named Jimmy (Matthew Gumley), who annoys her and steals a kill. Alex is flabbergasted, completely upset that the boy ruins her first kissing experience. Yet, she is oddly attracted to him, and ends up kissing him back. This little story may be a stereotype told many times over, but it is charming and funny in "Dude Ranch." Alex needs to loosen up, and whatever else Jimmy does, he forces her to do that. She can't plan everything, and that's the lesson he teaches her. She's on vacation, away from her home, and sometimes things get a little crazy in such a setting.

     Mitchell's struggle to see himself as an appropriate male role model is as touching as it is funny. The fact that he goes to such much effort proves he has what it takes to be a good dad. Mitchell has his share of faults, but caring about his family is not one of them, even if he isn't always sure how to show it.  Watching Mitchell discover why explosions can be funny with nephew Luke (Nolan Gould) is great! Thank goodness Cam sends the boy to his husband, even if the original plan didn't work out.

     What Jay does to Manny in "When Good Kids Go Bad" borders on torturing a child. Knowing that Gloria is making Manny lie about owning up to a mistake, Jay pushes Manny into feeling very guilty until he breaks. Why? Gloria is just trying to protect her kid. Manny is a good boy, and has likely already learned his lesson before Jay shames him in front of the family. The only way that Modern Family can get away with such a cruel plot, while not making the character of Jay unlikable, is because it's an example of a personality trait that he passes onto his children, and it ties into their stories as well.

     Mitchell scolds Cam for being too clingy with Lily, making her possessive of him. But Mitchell soon discovers Lily's real issue is sharing, and that's a bad habit that she learns from him, not Cam. Still, Mitchell can't bring himself to tell that to Cam, leaving Cam miserable and upset when he later finds out. Yet, despite this, their relationship is still, overall, one of the best marriages on television. Every couple has their squabbles, and no one likes to fess up to being wrong. It all makes for a pretty fun set up to Mitchell accidentally announcing to the family their intention to adopt a little boy. Much cooler than Cam's planned dramatics.

     Claire has inherited Jay's need to be right even more severely. After Phil accidentally knocks her over while chatting up a hot girl and denies it, no one in the family believes Claire's story. And even if they do, they don't care because her obsessive need to never be wrong is something they all reluctantly live with. So Claire makes it worse by actually getting the store's security camera footage and forcing them to admit that she was right. It's a hollow victory, with no one congratulating her. Even when right, she still loses. Which is hopefully a lesson she will take away from the experience.

     Yet, Claire is still a good mother. She is right about Luke not liking his new attic bedroom, which Haley and Alex force him into so that they can have their own rooms. Instead of gloating, though, she kindly gets him out of the situation, while saving his face. So she isn't all bad, and is actually quite a good mother.

     The new Lily gets her first bit of plot in "When Good Kids Go Bad." I have to say, skipping her a year older feels like something is lost. Lily is still a baby who doesn't speak when season two ends, and now she is walking and has personality. Plus, they establish in dialogue that her character is three, even though she was introduced as an infant two years ago. It feels like it happens over night, and it somewhat unsatisfying. While the new Lily is not objectionable, per se, I wish they would have let viewers see her third year of life, rather than skipping to the start of her fourth.


     Besides all the drama covered above, both episodes were absolutely hilarious! As good as any in previous seasons. Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Modern Family ends with "The One That Got Away"

     ABC's Modern Family ended their season with "The One That Got Away," as the family prepares for Jay's (Ed O'Neill) birthday party. Cam (Eric Stonestreet) shoves his baby off on Gloria, then helps Manny (Rico Rodriguez) woo a girl. While shopping at the mall, an old friend of Phil's (Ty Burrell) thinks that Gloria (Sofia Vergara) is his wife, which pleases Phil until the friends points out how luck Phil would be to have Claire (Julie Bowen). Claire and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) sneak into their old backyard to recreate a photo, and get trapped in a treehouse by a dog. The Dunphy kids work together to make Jay a touching tribute video. But as Jay has to save the day repeatedly, and more and more things go wrong, he misses out on the birthday he really wants - a quiet fishing trip.

     Hopefully, this will finally put to rest that subplot of Phil being attracted to Gloria. His old friend (guest star Rob Huebel, Childrens' Hospital, Human Giant) helps Phil remember that he has a beautiful, wonderful wife, and he is lucky to be married to her. While it is reasonable that Phil would find a hot woman attractive, he is, at heart, a family man, and once the show got going, it felt a little silly that he would continue to drool over Gloria. There is little doubt that Phil would never act on those impulses, but as he begins to imagine what it would be like, he is brought back to reality. No offense to Gloria, but Phil should continue counting his blessings that he has Claire, and not allow himself to be disracted any more.

     It is always hilarious with Mitchell and Claire get together because, like many adult siblings, they revert to childish behavior, both good and bad. They fight and argue, but they still care about each other, and they don't abandon their sibling when things gets rough. And their jealousy over the new "kid" in their father's life is both authentic and amusing, as they don't really hate Manny, but worry of any lessening of their dad's affection towards them. Their latest scheme, to break into a stranger's back yard, ends hilariously bad, and the two of them hiding in the tree ot very funny. This is classic for the Pritchett "kids," and hopefully they will have more fun adventures next year.

     The Dunphy kids are getting older, and beginning to find, in small doses, ways to appreciate their siblings. Last week's graduation speech is the latest in a pattern of sisterly bonding, but this week, Luke (Nolan Gould) is the one who helps his sisters. The result is surely more appropriate for a present from Luke than from either Haley (Sarah Hyland) or Alex (Ariel Winter). Bottom line, though, is that these three children have just as much chemistry and comedic talent as the much more recognizable adults, and it is with grreat credit to the writers that this is noticed and utilized. I'll take a Dunphy children plot any day.

     Poor Jay. He always seems to get the short end of the stick, but like any great father, he sucks it up to help his children. Even on his own birthday, he is denied the things that bring him pleasure. After a horrible day, in which Jay once again puts his family first, the trying-to-be-thoughtful Manny sets up a boat in the backyard swimming pool. As a direct-to-camera interview reveals, this is far from a satisfying resolution to Jay. But once more, he pretends it's exactly what he wants to make Manny happy. If anyone is looking for a paternal role model on TV, look no further than Jay Pritchett. Ironic, as he also played Al Bundy. Who says O'Neill doesn't have range?

     Modern Family is very popular, and so of course it will return next fall to ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     Click here to buy Modern Family DVDs and streaming episodes.

Modern Family chooses "Someone to Watch Over Lily"

     ABC’s Modern Family was new last night, presenting the episode “Someone to Watch Over Lily”. In it, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cam (Eric Stonestreet) disagree over who to name guaradian of their baby daughter, Lily, in the event that tragdedy should strike them both. Mitchell nominates someone from his family, whom live nearby, while Cam would rather send Lily to his parents on a farm in a state farm away. While Mitchell and Cam do surprise drop by visits to judge the readiness of Mitch’s relatives, Cam also speaks to his mother, who is dealing with frozen cows during a billzard.

     Naming a guardian is a huge decision in any parent’s life, and it is natural for the guys to disagree over who it should be. Turning it into a contest, however, and looking at isolated incidences, instead of an overall picture from years of knowing the people, is deeply flawed. Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell) are having a bad day, after accidentally leaving their son, Luke (Nolan Gould), at a mall, both assuming he is with the other parent. It’s a forgivable mistake, except for the fact that they don’t realize it for several hours, even though they both drive to the same place after. But looking at the larger picture of how Claire and Phil’s kids have turned out, they seem to be very capable.

     Cam balks at Jay (Ed O’Neill) because of his rough exterior. Cam should remember that lately Jay has been very accepting of his son and son-in-law, recently spending an evening drinking and chatting with their other gay friends. Yet, it takes a ringing endorsement from Manny (Rico Rodriguez) to sway Cam. Granted, Jay has been shown to be very good to Manny, and the scene in the car this week as Jay tells his step son he will support him no matter what decision he makes is extremely moving. But Cam doesn’t need that information to know who Jay is. They’ve been family for years.

     Jay’s wife, Gloria (Sofia Vergara), at first appears to be the most suitable. Then a misunderstanding, made possible by Gloria’s heavy accent and Mitchell’s inattentiveness, leads to Gloria piercing baby Lily’s ears with what she thinks is parental consent, but is not. This is enough to tick off Mitchell to the point where he does’t want her raising Lily. Why not? She has a done a fine job with Manny, and he knows that Gloria is loving. Perhaps she made a decision that he didn’t like, but it’s not like she hurt Lily or anything. It just doesn’t make sense that he would turn on her so quickly.

     Overall, it is a very funny episode of Modern Family. The only problem is that the writers let jokes get in the way of realism. But what sitcom doesn’t from time to time? It remains one of the most solid on television. Like choosing guaradians, please look at the overall picture Modern Family presents, rather than a few isolated mistakes. Modern Family airs Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

Modern Family has a "Boys' Night"

     Who knew that Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) would enjoy hanging out with a bunch of gay guys so darn much? In this week's episode of ABC's Modern Family, that's exactly what is revealed, as Jay ditches his wife, Gloria (Sofia Vergara), and the symphony, for a bar. He happens to pick the bar where his son, Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), Mitchell's partner, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet), and their friends are enjoying cocktails. Jay gets a frilly drink and joins in the fun, having probably the best time we, the audience, has ever seen him have.

     I very much enjoyed Jay's drinking experience, but there is something that nags me just a bit. In the past, we have seen Jay be accepting of Mitchell, but never embrace the homosexual lifestyle as much as he suddenly does. The next day, nursing a hangover, Jay is disturbed and put off when Mitchell and Cam's friend, Pepper (Nathan Lane), shows up to take him on a day outing. Jay blames his commitment to the plan on alcohol. Sure, Jay may have been inebriated when he agreed to hang out with Pepper, but Jay bonded with all of Mitchell's friends the moment he sat down at their table, before he started drinking. That's why the plot rings hollow, if only slightly.

     How many movies have been made where a young boy befriends an old man? OK, so not that many, but enough that it's a familiar setup. Yet, it feels fresh as Luke (Nolan Gould), in all his ignorant naivety, warms up to scary Mr. Kleezak (Philip Baker Hall), even while Luke's parents cower in terror. This time. Luke gets away with it because he has always been portrayed as dumb. I question how much longer that can go on. Perhaps it's because I know the actor playing Luke is incredibly smart, well above average, but after two seasons, it's starting to feel a little fake when Luke says things like "I'm still growing into my tongue", even as I laugh. I'm not saying Luke should change fundamentally, but it's time to start growing him up.

     And those are my only complaints about last night's Modern Family. In general, it is a very funny show. While at times it borders on unbelievability, for the most part, the humor is good enough to whitewash any flaws. In fact, had I not waited half a day and let my feelings on the episode simmer, it is likely I would not have found even those couple of criticisms above to complain about. Great main cast, fun guest stars, zany situations, and a real heart make Modern Family far better than most sitcom offerings.

     For instance, last night, I absolutely loved the way Phil (Ty Burrell) and Claire (Julie Bowen) are terrified of Mr. Kleezak, though they have no logical reason to be. Even better, I think they realize how silly their fear is, but stick with it anyway because they are more comfortable with the status quo than risking an upset. Cam's reluctance to let niece Haley (Sarah Hyland) babysit his infant daughter was highly relatable. When do you trust family just because they're family, and where do you draw the line? Those are just two examples, off the top of my head, that prove just how well this show works in context.

     Watch Modern Family Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Article first published as TV Review: Modern Family - "Boys' Night" on Blogcritics.

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Click here foran alphabetical list of all of Jerome's Current Season Reviews.

Modern Family Throws a "Princess Party"

     ABC's Modern Family is nothing if not consistently funny. While other shows have great episodes, almost every week Modern Family has me rolling with laughter. Last night, with the help of a couple of great guest stars, not only did the show deliver, it left me with some unanswered questions, or really, wishes for things I want to see from the series in the future. For example, I am dying for a flashback episode where Jay and DeDe are still married. That's what sets "Princess Party" apart from other fantastic stories.

     For February sweeps, the show is bringing back successful characters from last year. Last week, we saw Phil's (Ty Burrell) alter ego Clive Bixby, as well as Claire's (Julie Bowen) Julianna. Last night featured the return of DeDe (Shelley Long), who is Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Claire's mother, and Fizbo, Cam's (Eric Stonestreet) clown character. Fizbo is over the top ridiculous, and not only did Cam pull him out, at first against Mitchell's wishes, for their daughter's birthday party, but he also tried a court jester variation with a cockney accent. Hilarious!

     Of course, DeDe was the real draw of the story. Claire struggled to keep it together while welcoming her mother into her home. DeDe brought a surprise - Claire's ex-boyfriend Robbie (Matt Dillon) - whom she had not told that Claire was married with three children. Never mind that, because DeDe was the one soon making out with Robbie, and then bringing him as a date to her granddaughter's birthday. Dillon apparently does sitcom well, coolly delivering some interesting back story on Claire and her family, and pulling off the perfect loser who thinks he's smooth.

     DeDe doesn't just stress out Claire. Jay (Ed O'Neill) and his much younger wife Gloria (Sofia Vergara) were not happy to see her, Phil was soon doubting whether he was liked by his mother-in-law, and Mitchell took her stunt as a personal affront, ruining Lily's party. This one woman has the ability to upset everyone in the family at once for completely different reasons, a rare trait, and one always welcome back on the show.

     While great guest stars are a good get for a successful sitcom, how well the show does really depends on the principal cast more than anything else. Modern Family has hands down one of the most talented ensembles on television. Almost every single main character had funny bits and one-liners in this episode, which doesn't always happen. Here's a partial list:

*Phil's kids tell him his hands smell like cheese. He replies, "I didn't want to dirty a knife". Later, after Phil touches Luke's hair, Claire comments that Luke (Nolan Gould) smells like cheese.

*As Phil asks the kids to go easy on Claire during DeDe's visit, Alex (Ariel Winter) enthusiastically offers to practice the cello, eliciting only reluctant agreements from her family.

*Gloria laments possibly skipping Lily's party, wondering if she's starting a trend that will mean missing "Haley's (Sarah Hyland) weddings", plural.

*When Mitchell finds out that DeDe is with Robbie, he reacts "No my god!", which will surely catch on as a wonderful phrase variation.

*Jay makes a not-so-nice comment about his ex-wife DeDe dating a much younger guy while standing right next to his much-younger second wife.

*Twice Mitchell predicts and intones totally casually, almsot bored, "Cue gasp" just as Cam gasps.

*As they finish recording Lily's audio book present, Manny (Rico Rodriguez) wants to re-record, realizing late that his character is a girl. Jay zings, "I think you nailed it." Confused, Manny asks, "What is that supposed to mean?" but Jay just smiles.

*In the ending tag, Cam professes that he can't believe Jay participated in such a great gift, just before the recorded Jay says that Cam will surely return the present anyway.

     Those are eight things just off the top of my head, not from a list I wrote down during the show. And the thing is, I could make a similar, if not longer, list every single week! If you are not watching Modern Family, get on it! You are seriously missing out!

     Modern Family airs Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Article first published as TV Review: Modern Family Throws a "Princess Party" on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.