What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 3, Episode 9 “Punkin Chunkin” (B+)

There have been a number of references recently to the superiority that Pritchett family members seem to possess, but this was definitely the best example of the shared sensibilities that Mitchell, Claire, and Jay have. Cameron’s dramatic pumpkin story was perhaps the most outrageous sentiment squashed by the overt realism of his partner, though Phil’s zany inventions come in at a close second. Josh Gad’s guest appearance as Kenneth was purely incidental to the story here, and it was appropriately tempered so that it served merely as an impetus for Phil to stand up for himself and his passion projects such as the Headscratcher. Jay’s desire not to always appease Manny was completely in keeping with his character, as was Gloria’s sense of being overprotective of her son. Alex distracting Haley while she was driving was the foundation for a fun shared cover-up during which Haley performed commendably and Alex proved less than self-assured. The fact that they confessed a mere three seconds before the third pumpkin landed and dented the car in the same spot was hilarious. Phil’s charge of “the Pritchetts versus the dreamers” was highly entertaining, and I like how the stiff Pritchetts managed to garner up some unusual enthusiasm for the fantastical after Cameron’s first pumpkin launch failed somewhat spectacularly. The episode’s Thanksgiving theme was perfect for the unification that proceeded and brought the entire extended family, believers and non-believers, together to really launch those pumpkins into the air and across the full length of the football field.