What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 3, Episode 15 “Aunt Mommy” (B+)

This episode was fun and creative because it brought everyone in the family for, generally speaking, one extended plotline, all the while incorporating each character’s separate tics. Steven and Stefan adopting a baby was the perfect impetus for Cameron and Mitchell to start thinking proactively about fast-tracking the attainment of their second child. I enjoyed how Phil managed to make his “commission impossible” sale by talking to Claire about Luke and Leon, realizing that both parents had accidentally left the kids all at home. If I’m remembering correctly, this was the first time that we saw a friend of Luke’s that was his own age, and Leon certainly makes sense as a pal of similar intellect and adventurous nature. The adults have spent time together apart from the kids before, but this night of drinking, which was quite fast-forwarded, prove especially amusing for the vigorousness with which all four parties agreed that they Cameron and Claire should be the ones to create the baby. In traditional sitcom fashion, both couples overheard the reactions of others and presumed that them knowing was significant, and I liked that Claire and Mitchell ended up trapped under a table, where they decided it was a bad idea before snapping at Jay that they could do whatever they want. Manny is not meant to play football, and Jay, as always, was able to come around to supporting and rooting for his stepson in a way that he’s able to appreciate. The most memorable part of this episode was when the parents realized that their kids have pieces of them in them, which is always tender and moving.