Inside Television with Alan Sepinwall

'Modern Family' - 'Slow Down Your Neighbors': Welcome to the dollhouse

What did everybody think of the new episode?

By Alan Sepinwall Wednesday, Jan 5, 2011 11:02 PM

James Marsden guest-starring on "Modern Family."

Credit: ABC

I'm on the verge of heading to press tour, so no time for a proper "Modern Family" review, but outside of a goofy James Marsden guest performance and Luke's method of motivating first Gloria and then Haley, this one didn't really work for me, with the Phil/Claire/Jamie Gertz(*) story in particular packed with wacky sitcom misunderstandings.

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(*) I haven't seen Gertz in anything in a while, but her performance here felt like she was channeling her Muffy Tepperman character from "Square Pegs" 30 years later.

What did everybody else think?

Alan Sepinwall
Sr. Editor, What's Alan Watching

Alan Sepinwall has been reviewing television since the mid-'90s, first for Tony Soprano's hometown paper, The Star-Ledger, and now for HitFix. His new book, "The Revolution Was Televised," about the last 15 years of TV drama, is for sale at Amazon. He can be reached at sepinwall@hitfix.com

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Next 81 Comments

Razorback

I laughed a number of times. That is all that matters to me. I don't get a vote come Emmy time.
January 6, 2011 at 12:11AM EST Reply to Comment
- But there are a lot of sitcoms on TV right now that can "make you laugh" a number of times. People want to say that Modern Family is the gold standard of sitcoms, but there are too many well-crafted, engaging comedies on TV right now to not criticize a show for just being ok
  January 6, 2011 at 9:29AM EST
- Kmarko There's a lot of sitcoms that can make you laugh a number of times, Bill? Not me. Most sitcoms make me depressed. This one's good.
  January 6, 2011 at 9:56AM EST
- Joseph Agreed. Not every episode is a side splitter, but they are all enjoyable to watch, and they hit way more often than they miss. I agree with Alan, James Marsden and the plot with Gloria were the only ones that really "worked" for me this time, but that was half the episode so it's a winner.
  January 6, 2011 at 2:48PM EST
- The line where Ed Oneill looked at Gloria and said: "I don't know how you stay upright either!" just slayed me!
  January 6, 2011 at 6:41PM EST
- If you are not interest in reading a critic's review, and would like to chat with others about how great something is, there are plenty of forums available on the internet for that (such as TV.com). I mean that as a serious suggestion, not just as a slam.
  January 6, 2011 at 10:23PM EST
JC

All you day lately, Alan, is bitch about "Modern Family." You don't have the time for a proper review, but you have the time to complain that this episode "didn't work for you." It's clear that you don't enjoy the show anymore, so why don't you just not post any thoughts on it all? It pains me to say that you really are the Armond White of TV now. Sigh. Bugger. Rats.
January 6, 2011 at 12:12AM EST Reply to Comment
- sepinwall Yay! It's been too long since I've been compared to to Armond White! Thanks, JC!
  
  I honestly can't win with this show. I gave very positive reviews to two of the previous three episodes (you can see for yourself thanks to the helpful link to previous reviews on the blog's siderail), but the moment I write a negative review of any given episode, I'm accused of hating hating hating the show. And if I just skip the review altogether, people complain about that too in comments on other posts or on Twitter.
  
  Anything less than constant, unblinking praise turns me into history's worst monster, and it's tiresome. This is my opinion. If it so pains you to read that someone disagreed with you on this show, I invite you to please stop reading my reviews of the show, okay? You'll be happier, I'll be happier, and we'll all be happier.
  January 6, 2011 at 12:20AM EST
- James JC: Calm down. He also said he was too busy for a proper review of his fave show Cougar Town (I don't get it either). Did you seriously love this episode? The Dunphy storyline was just not very good.
  
  That said I liked the rest of it. Probably my favorite part was when Luke said "That's weird" after Gloria said she was afraid of getting grabbed.
  January 6, 2011 at 12:56AM EST
- Nick JC, do you honestly believe the show is that perfect that it's impossible to fathom how one can find fault with it? The plots tonight, by the way, were a 40 year old mother learning how to ride a bike, another obsessed with finding a speeder who just happens to be a client of her husband, and a stranger who lies about being homeless and takes shelter in a toy castle. Is this all really brilliant, infallible material?
  
  Look, I like the show overall but gosh, it's not nearly so good that a critic should be hassled when he or she takes issue with it. To me, it's increasingly become conventional and sitcommy, primarily elevated by an incredible cast. That doesn't mean it's bad but, again, not nearly infallible.
  January 6, 2011 at 1:24AM EST
- sojourner A world in which critics either a) always agree with me and/or b) only review things they like is not one I'm keen on living in. I don't come to reviews to feel self-satisfied about how all the good critics give my shows the stamp of approval. If the reviews are that upsetting to people, they can choose not to read them. I start to worry that Alan will feel less and less like having anything, well, critical, to say about shows he doesn't always love. And that would probably make me stop coming back. There aren't a lot of TV critics who do make me think/post thoughtful stuff. Hate to lose one. Hence my decision to de-lurk briefly to comment.
  
  (Actually, Alan, if you're reading this and not preparing for press tour, I'd love to have some broader pieces on shows that don't necessarily work for you, including Modern Family, that are reflective over a few episodes.)
  January 6, 2011 at 2:52AM EST
- D Sorry, but I agree with JC. Was this episode amazing? No. But it was far from awful either. Yet it's like you look for things to criticize at every possible turn. Meanwhile, HIMYM, is generally awful, yet it's like you look for something to praise in every single episode no matter what. I guarantee you if Robin had taught Barney to ride a bike and Lily was putting up signs for one of Marshall's clients to slow down you'd have thought it was the greatest episode that series has ever done.
  January 6, 2011 at 12:33PM EST
- TC You're both right. Alan is a critic, so he finds things to criticize. Yes D, he looks for things to criticize at every turn. Thats his job! Sometimes that reads as negativity and can be annoying for fans who come here to read about and discuss a show they enjoy. I've learned that I like certain shows more than Alan, and I don't read what he says about those shows anymore. If I'm enjoying the show, there's no point in letting him rain on my parade. However, in this case, I agree with his criticism. This episode was mediocre and Modern Family is not as nearly as funny as it was in the first season. This episode had a lot of silly slapstick nonsense that is beneath the show.
  January 6, 2011 at 2:47PM EST
- Armond White is not history's worst monster. In the real world most of us don't know what an Armond White is.
  January 6, 2011 at 8:01PM EST
- KronicFatigue I'm less concerned with Alan's opinions and more concerned with the fact that he just punted on a week's worth of shows. These little press tours are quaint, but the majority of readers come here for the reviews. I refuse to believe his schedule is so packed that he can't sit down and spend 15 minutes writing about a show. And if he can't, he needs to work out an alternative. Either get these episodes during the christmas/new years break, have a guest-blogger, or send someone else to cover press conferences.
  January 7, 2011 at 6:06PM EST
cadfile

The look on Claire's face as the speed demon drove her away cracked me up and made the episode for me.

Also "Three's Company" made it through what 8 seasons on nothing but wacky sitcom misunderstandings.
January 6, 2011 at 12:16AM EST Reply to Comment
- sepinwall So "Three's Company" is now the standard "Modern Family" is aspiring to? Really?
  
  If so, and you enjoy it, that's great, but at one point I expected better.
  January 6, 2011 at 12:23AM EST
- SpyTV To this day, I don't understand how Three's Company ever lasted more than a single season. It was the same plot every single week, one of my first "WTF---how is this still on the air?!" reactions to a show---even worse than "According to Jim".
  January 6, 2011 at 11:29AM EST
- DonBoy To overthink: a key difference in the "misunderstandings" concept is that in Three's Company the misunderstandings are there because everybody is an idiot and won't ask or say the simple thing that will clear it all up, and in this show Phil is carefully nurturing Claire's and whatsername's lack of full knowledge of the situation.
  January 6, 2011 at 12:52PM EST
Carrie

Luke was absolutely on fire tonight. Everything that came out of his mouth was gold. (Side note: I'm remembering that supersoaker torture trick when I have kids. Wise, Luke. Fun, and wise.)
January 6, 2011 at 12:31AM EST Reply to Comment
- Gang Green he really was on fire
  January 6, 2011 at 3:49AM EST
I thought Mitchell & Cam's reaction to James Marsden in their hot tub started the show off strong...
January 6, 2011 at 12:33AM EST Reply to Comment
Maggie

Actually, I totally agreed with you (and I pretty consistently like the show).

My least favorite trope is the misunderstanding that could be cleared up with a simple conversation.

It seems to me that the fastest way to solve Claire's problem to get rid of the reckless driver would be for her to help Phil sell the house. Problem solved.

I did think there was funny stuff in the episode. Luke with the squirt gun cracked me up and Cam/Mitchell almost always do. But this show is usually a step above wacky misunderstandings.

Don't listen to the haters, Alan - I think ou're very fair, and usually very thoughtful. You don't just like or hate something, you articulate why - yeah, I know, that's your job. But you are usually very thoughtful about it, which is why I read you, even when I disagree with you.

In this case I agreed!
January 6, 2011 at 12:41AM EST Reply to Comment
Alanna

The Phil plotline started with lots of potential, until it was bulldozed by all those contrivances. Why couldn't he just tell Claire to hold off for a few weeks because the speeder was about to move?

But that plot failure was redeemed by the Super Soaker punchline.
January 6, 2011 at 12:44AM EST Reply to Comment
- SueNYC Agreed, Alaina. The thing is, a lot of times you could say "well, if Phil just told Claire that his client was the speeder, there would be no plot." But in this case, I could see that plotline making for a much funnier show, with Claire struggling with whether to help Phil with the sale or stick to stopping the speeder.
  January 6, 2011 at 12:27PM EST
John Courtney

I think you're a moron, Alan. Cougar Town blows. You have no taste.
January 6, 2011 at 12:47AM EST Reply to Comment
- Grifter John Courtney, that's quite a brave thing to say from behind that shiny screen. Ah the internet. It makes some of us so brave and I guess, dumb.
  
  I am going to just guess youâ€™re the JC from above...anyway.
  
  Now, like Mr.Sepinwall stated on the reply to JCâ€¦he doesnâ€™t hate the show, but this one ep didnâ€™t work for him. Has this never happened to you in any given show you follow? If notâ€¦are you that devoid of discernment that you canâ€™t tell a good thing from a bad one?
  In the case that you areâ€¦and understand, I am treating you like a child because you behaved like oneâ€¦I am just going to remind you of one of the basic logics people usually realize on their own. Ready, big boy? Here goes!
  
  Just because one person doesn't like one thing, doesn't mean they lack overall taste.
  
  Frankly, given all the quality shows (I can cite examples if your lil head canâ€™t handle it on itâ€™s own) that Mr. Sepinwall watches, reviews and has sincerely gushed praise to, one has to truly doubt that just ONE show can ruin his overall taste, especially not Cougar Town.
  
  You see my brave boy? Thatâ€™s not so hard to get is it?
  January 6, 2011 at 1:53AM EST
- Stacy Yeah, this dude is definitely JC.
  January 6, 2011 at 9:25AM EST
- Abed Nadir Hey, man. I LIKE Cougar Town.
  January 6, 2011 at 1:16PM EST
fbihop

The comedy on this episode was super, super broad. It was just a standard sitcom that coasted on the fact that the characters are well-liked.

There really wasn't any emotional connection in this show like most episodes of Modern Family have. Just a bunch of good one liners and lots of comedic hijinks.

It made me laugh at times but it was nowhere near where this show can be. Still, it was nice seeing a new episode of SOMETHING after the past couple weeks of reruns.
January 6, 2011 at 12:49AM EST Reply to Comment
- Ren I was hopeful that Claire's craziness would be "examined/flushed out/given more depth" after Gertz's character's assessment of her as an unhappy SAHM. Sadly it became just a set-up/throw away line for Phil's reaction.
  January 6, 2011 at 10:14AM EST
ashahu1

Honestly I don't always with these reviews, but even for me it was a subpar episode.
January 6, 2011 at 1:12AM EST Reply to Comment
Luke and Gloria were so good, I can ignore the problems with Phil/Claire.
January 6, 2011 at 1:22AM EST Reply to Comment
We've all seen what this show is capable of achieving. I thought this show was below their average episodes. Still love it, but tonight missed the mark for me.
January 6, 2011 at 1:41AM EST Reply to Comment
Alex

Yes, a weak episode, but Claire bike jacking Gloria--"Hey, don't grab me!"--had me laughing for a good five minutes. I'm still laughing thinking about it
January 6, 2011 at 1:45AM EST Reply to Comment
Grifter

I have to agree. Only the Luke teaching method and the Marsden appearance made me laugh, the rest was somewhat weak.
January 6, 2011 at 1:57AM EST Reply to Comment
azsportsfan01

I liked the mom can't ride a bike and annoying neighbor with a car better on Malcolm in the Middle.
January 6, 2011 at 1:59AM EST Reply to Comment
Franklin comes alive

MF is an OK show, that's all. I think it's wildly overrated. At least tonight's episode didn't have that horribly cheesy ending with a character's voice-over... That's the kind of crap that gets handed down by network suits and ultimately hurts a show.
January 6, 2011 at 2:01AM EST Reply to Comment
OnlyMe

Claire bikejacking Gloria (followed by her checking laces, mirror, bell, just like Jay had just taught Manny) was a good moment. It wasn't the greatest episode they've ever done, but it had some good moments.
January 6, 2011 at 2:21AM EST Reply to Comment
Dale Cooper

I usually tend not to read (or stake much credit in) reviews of comedies unless they have some sort of drama element in them. Straight comedy is much too subjective and I honestly question the relevance of reviewing a comedy show since critics' personal perspectives have too much influence on how they feel about an episode and what they consider funny (which is often different to others). For me, what I want from a comedy is maybe 5 or 6 good laughs in an episode. And for a show like Modern Family, the jokes/gags are fairly superficial and don't really need to be pointed out.

As for this specific episode, I laughed enough to consider it decent. I usually eat while watching TV, so maybe the food helped make things funnier.

And for those who bitch about Alan: We come here to read about *his* opinions. If you don't agree, suck it up and stop reading. Comedy is not objective.
January 6, 2011 at 2:22AM EST Reply to Comment
- Dale Cooper Sorry, don't stop reading. Alan is a good critic.
  January 6, 2011 at 2:32AM EST
- Chris M This pretty much sums it up. I enjoy Modern Family, seemingly more than Alan does. I despise Cougar Town, which he loves. Oh well. I enjoy his reviews of dramas much more, b/c I generally am in much closer agreement with him (and I think good drama is a slightly less subjective thing than good comedy).
  
  That said, my one complaint with Alan's comedy reviews seems to be that he too often compares shows to what they've been in the past or what their potential is, rather than just enjoy them for what they are. The Office, for example, while nowhere near as good as it was in its first few seasons (which put it into the sitcom Pantheon), is still a darn funny show most of the time. I'd almost hate to see how he would have reviewed the latter seasons of Seinfeld or Friends or Cheers, all of which still made me laugh at the end, but weren't as good as they had been in their heyday. I get the feeling that if Alan was a sportswriter in the 50's, he would have been one of those guys constantly hounding Mickey Mantle for not fully living up to his potential, even though the player he really was was still one of the best ever.
  January 6, 2011 at 11:10AM EST
galxe

I wholeheartedly agree with Alan. Too much contrived sitcom bullshit. Nothing to get excited about, really. Now I still like the show, but they can certainly do better than this. They've proven it more than enough times.
January 6, 2011 at 5:34AM EST Reply to Comment
ralph

Luke doesn't get his due because the actor playing Manny is, justifiably praised. But the kid that plays Luke is just as funny. I think this is a pretty good show. Even when it's not laugh-out-loud funny the characters are well written and well played. This episode wasn't the best but it was enjoyable enough.

January 6, 2011 at 6:16AM EST Reply to Comment
- Chris M The funny thing is, for me, Manny is my least favorite character. The kid does a good job, but I just don't really understand the hubbub over him. I find all three Dunphy kids to be funnier with much more limited screen time. Luke was great last night.
  January 6, 2011 at 11:12AM EST
- Antoniooo I agree 100% with Chris M about Manny (especially in comparison to the three Dunphy kids). I was beginning to think I was the only one who felt that way.
  January 6, 2011 at 12:22PM EST
- kneejerk I was a big fan of the kid who played Manny. Then I saw his "fashion" line...
  January 6, 2011 at 2:25PM EST
velocityknown

First of all, Armond White goes into films looking of things to dislike, I'm pretty sure Alan wouldn't review Modern Family if knew he was going to look for a reason to hate every episode (see the fact that he's taken The Office out of the blog rotation as evidence).

But on a detractive note, I enjoyed this episode. Though I did find the Phil/Claire storyline the least appealing (and I usually enjoy theirs the most. But the debate over the "Slow Down You Neighbors" sign was hilarious.
January 6, 2011 at 9:25AM EST Reply to Comment
stringerbell

Write a comment...
January 6, 2011 at 9:32AM EST Reply to Comment
stringerbell

Not the strongest ep, but Gloria getting bikejacked and Cam brawling with James Marsden in Lily's castle were kind of awesome. Even a week MF is much better than Cougar Town. BTW Alan, Jami Gertz had a great supporting role in Season 6 of Entourage.
January 6, 2011 at 9:37AM EST Reply to Comment
Sofia Vergara MILF-O-Meter

8/10
January 6, 2011 at 9:56AM EST Reply to Comment
Kmarko

I think those who aren't appreciating the show to the extent it deserves are missing is incredible abundance of great lines even within a "subpar" episode.
January 6, 2011 at 10:07AM EST Reply to Comment
belinda

I have to agree - liked the subplots a lot but didn't find the main Phil's client is the maniac driver Claire's been looking for funny. (though I thought Claire checking her shoelaces, the mirror and the bell before riding her bike was a really nice touch. I think that's the only think I liked about the Phil/Claire plot this week.
January 6, 2011 at 10:22AM EST Reply to Comment
SA MAC

I have to agree with you Alan that this wasn't the most consistent episode of Modern Family.

Things I loved: Every scene with Luke in it. HIm explaining to the camera that he was helping Gloria because his playdate canceled so he "had an opening"; Luke asking Gloria what scared her about riding a bike and replying with "that's weird"; every scene with the supersoaker and his oddly successful methods for teaching Gloria to ride a bike and helping Haley study; Cameron's line near the top of the episode with "I don't feel safe in my own house;" the beginning part of James Marsden's appearance before the whole thing went very broad.

Things I hated: every part of Claire's storyline - she really ruined the episode for me; the wacky misunderstanding involving Phil, Claire, and Jaime Gertz, the second half of Cameron/Mitchell plot, most of the Manny/Gloria/Jay plot although I did think there was a sweet moment with Jay helping Manny ride the bike that wasn't ruined by an overly sappy voiceover.

So yes, there were several moments that made me laugh, but less than 50% of the story lines worked for me which I think says something about the quality of this episode as compared to some of their more recent unqualified successes. Alan is a good reviewer because he is able to look at an episode objectively (or as objectively as anyone can be in reviewing a comedy since much of comedy is a matter of individual taste) and can point out what worked but also what didn't and more importantly, why it didn't work for him. People should also recognize that this is not a full-length review, so Alan didn't really have the time to flesh out why some of the plots didn't work for him but he has done a good job of doing this for past episodes. And finally, to everyone who is ragging on him about Cougar Town 1) have you watched an episode? 2) have you watched an episode THIS season? I stopped watching after the pilot but decided to give it a second try this season after reading some of Alan' reviews and have been pleasantly surprised by it. There's no doubt that it was the better of the two shows tonight. But I also recognize that Bill Lawrence has a very specific type of humor that doesn't appeal to everyone. And that's okay - you don't have to like Cougar Town - but I hardly think that Alan liking a show you don't like qualifies as "having no taste" or completely ruining his credibility in reviewing other shows like Modern Family. Okay, rant over. Alan, thanks for taking the time to put up a brief post on this episode despite scrambling to a press tour. I, for one, appreciated it as I really wanted to get your take on the episode and also see what the other readers thought. Enjoy TCA!
January 6, 2011 at 10:35AM EST Reply to Comment
I agree that most of the show was weak this week, but Luke was worth the prices of admission. From his sudden old man crotchety-ness about the ineffectiveness of the police to his sage wisdom as a teacher once he entered a storyline it got immediately better.
January 6, 2011 at 10:51AM EST Reply to Comment
Matt W

Two words: Laser Falcon.
January 6, 2011 at 11:02AM EST Reply to Comment
conrad

i really miss there not being a "just as soon as i..." line here.

was hoping you'd give haley some props by "bringing pudding to old people."
January 6, 2011 at 11:06AM EST Reply to Comment

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Comments

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Razorback I laughed a number of times. That is all that matters to me. I don't get a vote come Emmy time.

But there are a lot of sitcoms on TV right now that can "make you laugh" a number of times. People want to say that Modern Family is the gold standard of sitcoms, but there are too many well-crafted, engaging comedies on TV right now to not criticize a show for just being ok

Kmarko There's a lot of sitcoms that can make you laugh a number of times, Bill? Not me. Most sitcoms make me depressed. This one's good.

Joseph Agreed. Not every episode is a side splitter, but they are all enjoyable to watch, and they hit way more often than they miss. I agree with Alan, James Marsden and the plot with Gloria were the only ones that really "worked" for me this time, but that was half the episode so it's a winner.

The line where Ed Oneill looked at Gloria and said: "I don't know how you stay upright either!" just slayed me!

If you are not interest in reading a critic's review, and would like to chat with others about how great something is, there are plenty of forums available on the internet for that (such as TV.com). I mean that as a serious suggestion, not just as a slam.

Armond White is not history's worst monster. In the real world most of us don't know what an Armond White is.

cadfile The look on Claire's face as the speed demon drove her away cracked me up and made the episode for me.Also "Three's Company" made it through what 8 seasons on nothing but wacky sitcom misunderstandings.

sepinwall So "Three's Company" is now the standard "Modern Family" is aspiring to? Really?If so, and you enjoy it, that's great, but at one point I expected better.

SpyTV To this day, I don't understand how Three's Company ever lasted more than a single season. It was the same plot every single week, one of my first "WTF---how is this still on the air?!" reactions to a show---even worse than "According to Jim".

Carrie Luke was absolutely on fire tonight. Everything that came out of his mouth was gold. (Side note: I'm remembering that supersoaker torture trick when I have kids. Wise, Luke. Fun, and wise.)

Gang Green he really was on fire

I thought Mitchell & Cam's reaction to James Marsden in their hot tub started the show off strong...

Alanna The Phil plotline started with lots of potential, until it was bulldozed by all those contrivances. Why couldn't he just tell Claire to hold off for a few weeks because the speeder was about to move? But that plot failure was redeemed by the Super Soaker punchline.

John Courtney I think you're a moron, Alan. Cougar Town blows. You have no taste.

Stacy Yeah, this dude is definitely JC.

Abed Nadir Hey, man. I LIKE Cougar Town.

Ren I was hopeful that Claire's craziness would be "examined/flushed out/given more depth" after Gertz's character's assessment of her as an unhappy SAHM. Sadly it became just a set-up/throw away line for Phil's reaction.

ashahu1 Honestly I don't always with these reviews, but even for me it was a subpar episode.

Luke and Gloria were so good, I can ignore the problems with Phil/Claire.

We've all seen what this show is capable of achieving. I thought this show was below their average episodes. Still love it, but tonight missed the mark for me.

Alex Yes, a weak episode, but Claire bike jacking Gloria--"Hey, don't grab me!"--had me laughing for a good five minutes. I'm still laughing thinking about it

Grifter I have to agree. Only the Luke teaching method and the Marsden appearance made me laugh, the rest was somewhat weak.

azsportsfan01 I liked the mom can't ride a bike and annoying neighbor with a car better on Malcolm in the Middle.

Franklin comes alive MF is an OK show, that's all. I think it's wildly overrated. At least tonight's episode didn't have that horribly cheesy ending with a character's voice-over... That's the kind of crap that gets handed down by network suits and ultimately hurts a show.

OnlyMe Claire bikejacking Gloria (followed by her checking laces, mirror, bell, just like Jay had just taught Manny) was a good moment. It wasn't the greatest episode they've ever done, but it had some good moments.

Dale Cooper Sorry, don't stop reading. Alan is a good critic.

galxe I wholeheartedly agree with Alan. Too much contrived sitcom bullshit. Nothing to get excited about, really. Now I still like the show, but they can certainly do better than this. They've proven it more than enough times.

Chris M The funny thing is, for me, Manny is my least favorite character. The kid does a good job, but I just don't really understand the hubbub over him. I find all three Dunphy kids to be funnier with much more limited screen time. Luke was great last night.

Antoniooo I agree 100% with Chris M about Manny (especially in comparison to the three Dunphy kids). I was beginning to think I was the only one who felt that way.

kneejerk I was a big fan of the kid who played Manny. Then I saw his "fashion" line...

stringerbell Write a comment...

stringerbell Not the strongest ep, but Gloria getting bikejacked and Cam brawling with James Marsden in Lily's castle were kind of awesome. Even a week MF is much better than Cougar Town. BTW Alan, Jami Gertz had a great supporting role in Season 6 of Entourage.

Sofia Vergara MILF-O-Meter 8/10

Kmarko I think those who aren't appreciating the show to the extent it deserves are missing is incredible abundance of great lines even within a "subpar" episode.

I agree that most of the show was weak this week, but Luke was worth the prices of admission. From his sudden old man crotchety-ness about the ineffectiveness of the police to his sage wisdom as a teacher once he entered a storyline it got immediately better.

Matt W Two words: Laser Falcon.

conrad i really miss there not being a "just as soon as i..." line here.was hoping you'd give haley some props by "bringing pudding to old people."

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Razorback

I laughed a number of times. That is all that matters to me. I don't get a vote come Emmy time.

cadfile

The look on Claire's face as the speed demon drove her away cracked me up and made the episode for me.

Also "Three's Company" made it through what 8 seasons on nothing but wacky sitcom misunderstandings.

sepinwall So "Three's Company" is now the standard "Modern Family" is aspiring to? Really?

If so, and you enjoy it, that's great, but at one point I expected better.

Carrie

Luke was absolutely on fire tonight. Everything that came out of his mouth was gold. (Side note: I'm remembering that supersoaker torture trick when I have kids. Wise, Luke. Fun, and wise.)

Alanna

The Phil plotline started with lots of potential, until it was bulldozed by all those contrivances. Why couldn't he just tell Claire to hold off for a few weeks because the speeder was about to move?

But that plot failure was redeemed by the Super Soaker punchline.

John Courtney

I think you're a moron, Alan. Cougar Town blows. You have no taste.

ashahu1

Honestly I don't always with these reviews, but even for me it was a subpar episode.

Alex

Yes, a weak episode, but Claire bike jacking Gloria--"Hey, don't grab me!"--had me laughing for a good five minutes. I'm still laughing thinking about it

Grifter

I have to agree. Only the Luke teaching method and the Marsden appearance made me laugh, the rest was somewhat weak.

azsportsfan01

I liked the mom can't ride a bike and annoying neighbor with a car better on Malcolm in the Middle.

Franklin comes alive

MF is an OK show, that's all. I think it's wildly overrated. At least tonight's episode didn't have that horribly cheesy ending with a character's voice-over... That's the kind of crap that gets handed down by network suits and ultimately hurts a show.

OnlyMe

Claire bikejacking Gloria (followed by her checking laces, mirror, bell, just like Jay had just taught Manny) was a good moment. It wasn't the greatest episode they've ever done, but it had some good moments.

galxe

I wholeheartedly agree with Alan. Too much contrived sitcom bullshit. Nothing to get excited about, really. Now I still like the show, but they can certainly do better than this. They've proven it more than enough times.

stringerbell

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stringerbell

Not the strongest ep, but Gloria getting bikejacked and Cam brawling with James Marsden in Lily's castle were kind of awesome. Even a week MF is much better than Cougar Town. BTW Alan, Jami Gertz had a great supporting role in Season 6 of Entourage.

Sofia Vergara MILF-O-Meter

8/10

Kmarko

I think those who aren't appreciating the show to the extent it deserves are missing is incredible abundance of great lines even within a "subpar" episode.

Matt W

Two words: Laser Falcon.

conrad

i really miss there not being a "just as soon as i..." line here.

was hoping you'd give haley some props by "bringing pudding to old people."

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