What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 4, Episodes 15 and 16 “Heart Broken” and “Bad Hair Day” (B+)

It’s refreshing that, four seasons in, this show can still pull off an invigorating and creative Valentine’s Day episode. Splitting it into three segments, each of which addresses one of the adult couples, was smart, and perhaps an effective strategy for this show to pursue regularly in the future. Opening with Clive Bixby’s routine was a familiar reminder of Valentine’s Day pasts, and it was fun to see it take a different turn, one which concerned everyone but Claire herself. Phil coming downstairs to see the purposely deceptive faces of all three of his children was entertaining, and the ensuing visual of Claire with her heart exploded was both awful and humorous. Gloria being attracted to Jay being of his aggressiveness was a one-note but perfectly effective plotline, and it was sweet to see Jay so concerned about Manny not getting embarrassed. Cam blaming everything that happened during their blackout on Mitchell was amusing, especially since it turned sour, and I liked that Dylan got to be part of their storyline as their apologetic third roommate. Closing the episode on Cam and Mitchell doing the Clive Bixby act was great. Episode sixteen wasn’t quite as clever but still proved to be enjoyable. Claire’s promiscuous past is always a fun diversion, and I like that Phil had his eyes on the wrong man before realizing just who he was up against. Gloria’s joy at being perceived as a super-mom was good since it was the first real thing she’s done since her pregnancy. Jay getting Manny to sing on the bus was a bit silly, but at least they’re boding. Lily gluing the wig to Baby Joe’s head was hilarious, particularly for the revolving door of blackmail it provoked for who had to ultimately tell Gloria. I’m looking forward to Mitchell’s trip to Missouri with Cam, something I hope we get the chance to see. My favorite bit from this second episode was definitely Luke trying to repurpose his not-so-dormant volcano for a Revolutionary War project.