What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 1, Episode 9 “Fizbo” (B+)

This show really seems to have a great sense of what’s funny. In every episode, there’s always at least one scene that’s absolutely spot-on in terms of tickling the funny bone, and each episode is littered with a number of chuckles throughout. In this installment, the opening scene is really terrific, and there are two extremely memorable standout moments later on that highlight previously less-seen characters. The flashback device doesn’t add much or take anything away – I thought it was going to be Phil who was in the hospital – but it drives home the fact that this show is about the bond between all the members of the family, whose interactions are so precious and hilarious. The opening scene with Luke sadly declaring that he doesn’t need a real belt for his birthday was just great, and hearing a befuddled Phil and Claire describe his fascination with opening boxes was extraordinarily entertaining. Their attempt to give him a nice box, accidentally placed in a gift bag, was particularly priceless. Their conflicting ideas of what makes a good party were amusing, and having Fizbo the intimidating clown show up just made all the kookier. The two characters who got a marvelous chance to shine in this episode were stepsiblings Claire and Manny, and it’s so terrific to see them take center stage. Claire’s effort to make her craft table seem interesting by (not quite) faking excitement at her comb sheath was a marvelous scene, and it’s rare that Julie Bowen shows so much delight and glee. Manny also found his moment in his interview with the camera. The quick cut from him running to the zip-line to his dramatic announcement of “It turns out I’m not the funny guy” was just incredible, a true moment for the ages. This show really has one of the best ensembles in recent years, and they’re all magnificent.