What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 4, Episode 12 “Party Crasher” (B)

Preparing for Manny’s surprise party was generally fun, but this wasn’t the most compelling or funny installment of this show that we’ve seen. Jay being grumpy is nothing new, though it was somewhat entertaining to see the fun that he and Gloria were having breaking rules, stealing cakes and driving through parking garage exits. Claire’s concern about having to set up for the party was amusing, and I like that she listened to Mitchell’s point about encouragement being the best natural detractor. Watching Phil agonize over not saying anything about his daughter being with an older man was funny, and it was great that Haley realized on her own that it was crazy because he got a call from one of his ex-wives, especially when Phil came back up on the elevator to make his impassioned speech. Claire taking Phil to task for thinking that Hermione Granger was attractive was hilarious, and I like little tidbits like that which are thrown in casually to the dialogue. The Mitchell-Cameron-Lily plotline was uneven, mainly since Cameron is excessively dramatic more than occasionally. Its best moment was definitely Cameron thanking Mitchell for assuming that he would be terrible about his job. Eventually Lily will grow up to be a less obnoxious child, but for now it’s enjoyable to see Luke give her a hard time. The dynamics between the youngest generation tend to be terrific, and I’d like to see more of that soon. Speaking of those kids, Manny getting his kiss was a great moment.