What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 4, Episode 18 “The Wow Factor” (B)

This episode had some funny moments, even if it wasn’t entirely well-rounded. Phil trying to teach his daughters how to be handy around the house was probably the strongest bit, mainly because Ty Burrell always manages to sell his character’s energetic enthusiasm and the physical comedy moments that invariably come along with it. Haley and Alex’s reactions to their forced labor were superb as well, particularly Haley’s comment about their errand being the least fun shopping trip ever. It was entertaining to hear Claire and Cam recount their devious methods of deceiving each other, and Cam bringing in Pam to decide which of their ideas was great. I love that Claire tried to seduce her and that Cam went ahead and did it anyway, which was astonishing but ultimately tragic for many of the goldfish involved. Mitchell’s desire to take down the handball bully predictably got out of control, and that plotline was most worthwhile for the ending montage of Luke’s training sessions, which were at their most hilarious when he had Mitchell close his eyes. Jay trying to get out of being a parent is nothing new, but there was something funny about the image of him sitting with Joe at a James Bond movie. The revelation that Gloria had lied about the show being sold out was a great moment, and it’s good to know that the Delgado-Pritchett family can get through these little incidents without any sort of lasting impact. Four seasons in, this show still has a good sense of family.