Monday 19 December 2011

TV Review: Modern Family - "Express Christmas"


Season 3 - Episode 10
Sky 1 (UK)

Firstly, the picture isn't actually from the episode, I just felt the site needed a little more Sarah Hyland. Anyways, with that over, Modern Family went back to its roots in this Christmas themed episode, getting the whole family together, intercrossing storylines, and ending with a big sentimental set piece. It's exactly what the show does best, and is the best episode of a solid, but unspectacular season. 

The cast, for the most part, is spilt into little groups, but the groupings aren't the usual ones we've been seeing all season. Ok, Claire and Haley are put together, but we do get Sarah Hyland spending most of the episode in a bikini, which is always nice. But the rest are pairings we're not overly used to seeing. Gloria and Luke for example, which gives us some of the funniest jokes about Gloria's accent we've seen in a long time. Mitchell, Alex and Lily go searching for a tree. Ariel Winter hasn't had much to do as Alex this season, but she absolutely shines in her role in this episode, and the idea to give Lily some lines has turned out to be inspired. We've seen Jay and Cameron paired up before, but not for a while, and it's always interesting to see what they come up with for the two. Again, the stark contrasts in their ideologies make room for some funny lines. And the decision to put Phil and Manny together - consistently two of the best characters in the show - is genius. Especially when Phil gets tazered, and feels the effects for the rest of the day!

The comedy pairings work really well, but the big ending is exactly what makes this show great, when everything looks as if it's gone totally tits up, Jay makes a big gesture that leaves everyone happy. It's just a great ending to a great episode.

**** 1/2

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