What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 4, Episode 14 “A Slight at the Opera” (B)

This episode was, for lack of a more fitting description, too literal. That was applicable nowhere more than with Claire and her complete failure to see just what was going on right in front of her while talking about the obviousness of things occurring right before her eyes. Dylan and Haley’s magical parenting skills turned sour quite quickly, and the plotline was mildly amusing while it lasted. I would have enjoyed seeing Claire carry out her meticulously-plotted revenge on Phil, but, alas, he had a serious epiphany instead while trying to learn how to play golf from Jay, whose meanness, for once, inspired rather than demoralized him. It was fun to see Nathan Lane’s Pepper again, and I enjoyed hearing him coach Mitchell on being a more skilled golfer and being able to beat his father. The cameo by Fred Willard’s Frank Dunphy was brief but welcome, and it’s nice to know that he can stop by for such an occasion without needing a bigger part in the episode. I was surprised – and a bit in disbelief – about Luke’s vocal prowess, and Manny’s efforts to convince him not to take the leading role were entertaining, though the notion that Cam would ignore Manny’s desire to take the part when he clearly possesses the charisma a leading man needs seemed less logical. Alex spending time with Gloria was an enjoyable distraction, though the show still needs to figure out the proper balance of post-pregnancy Gloria since her plotlines since then haven’t been superb.