Modern Family

I have rather mixed feelings after watching the tenth season. I didn't reduce the rating any further only thanks to a few excellent episodes. The middle of the season was really poor. I have no idea how it’s possible to write such good and bad screenplays in one season. I hope that the creators will do a much better job next time. (05.04.2020)

After a bit of a hiatus, I decided to catch up with this show, and the opening episode of this season was a solid return. While it could've been a tad better, I still had a blast . Gloria's storyline even managed to pique my interest in the American flag – not something I'd normally feel any connection to. Plus, the Phil/Luke duo really knocked it out of the park, scoring major points with me. // "You know what is weird? After so many years at Carnaval, to be at a parade with people fully dressed." (02.04.2020)

Phil's revolt against long-standing oppression was a highlight, and the episode was packed with humor from start to finish. It's refreshing to see that even after all these years, the creators can still deliver a quality script that keeps me laughing. // "I might be a pretty face, but I fight to win, just like Legally Blonde!" / "I mean, isn't Dylan still married and still an idiot?" "Hey, he is not still married!" (02.04.2020)

Cameron got a bit too much spotlight, and since my tolerance for the local drama queen hasn't improved, the rating for this one didn't end up too great. Thankfully, Phil came through as usual, saving the day, and Gloria's interactions with Claire provided excellent support.// "That was great. Stick to science. " (02.04.2020)

Jay and Gloria living with Manny's Canadian partner hinted at the potential for a successful episode, and when Phil started updating his vocabulary thanks to Luke, and we learned about the circumstances that led Haley to her decision, I was sold. I had a blast, so I'm definitely satisfied with this one. // "Haley, I need to tell you something. I transgressed." "You were a woman??" / "So, this is the doll you slept with?" "Hey, you're pretty handsome yourself!" (02.04.2020)

I have to admit, I was expecting a bit more. Seeing the Halloween decorations got me all hyped up for some serious excitement (especially from Claire – I had high expectations for her), but things escalated a little too quickly. That being said, the Dunphy children's reactions to sadness managed to bring a smile to my face. // "I asked myself, 'What would Nana want today?' She'd want me to mess with Gloria. Also, I ate Grandpa's sandwich." (02.04.2020)

Although the episode had its weaker moments, there were elements that really stood out for me. Jay's innocent relationship, Joe's unwavering commitment to honesty, and Gloria's reactions to both were perfect. However, the events unfolding in the Dunphy household were the highlight. // "Y-You don't lie to me, though, do you?" "Never." / "Maybe we should go upstairs. Watch your movie, Joe. " (02.04.2020)

I could certainly do without some things, and Cameron's antics – this time involving a chicken – are one of them. Thankfully, Alex and the rest of the Dunphys had an important interview, and Jay and Gloria's encounter at a football game injected some much-needed excitement into the mix, saving the day. // "For the first time in weeks, Gloria had to listen to me. I was in charge. Ridley said so."  (03.04.2020)

Aside from Alex's shopping, the episode was rather lackluster. I'm not a fan of political correctness, so you'd think I'd enjoy the series poking fun at it – but unfortunately, it fell flat for me, just like the visit to the gay bar. // "Please don't Yoda me." (03.04.2020)

Episode nine centered entirely around an unexpected inheritance, and unlike the previous one, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mitch took center stage this time, overshadowing Cameron and making the gay storyline more entertaining. Once again, it was the Dunphy family that held everything together. // "Aah, I'm so stressed! I wish it was the '50s when it was still healthy to drink and smoke when you're pregnant..." / "You're eating lunch? Is there some new Internet challenge I'm not aware of?" / "What do we always say?" "Don't break Alex. She's our safety net." (03.04.2020)

The Dunphys reclaimed the spotlight in this episode, and boy, did they shine. While the wreath made of banana leaves had its charm, it was Phil and Claire's joint Christmas celebration that stole the show entirely. Alex's reaction to the long-kept secret was spot-on and only served to elevate the already stellar episode even further. // "Gloria, you got a package from Colombia. Must mean the government took back the airstrip" (03.04.2020)

The Dunphy family did sprinkle in a few memorable moments, but for me, everything was ruined by Cameron's sister, Pameron. Even her ridiculous name grates on my nerves. Having one such character in an episode is already pushing it, but two? That's a recipe for disaster. // "That's twice as many babies as we were expecting." (03.04.2020)

The introduction of the new character fell flat for me, and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, Cameron treated us to yet another one of his theatrical tantrums. It's a shame because the search for ancestors and the vacation preparations had potential, but they just weren't enough to salvage the episode. // "If you weren't my hero, I'd wonder if you're doing this on purpose!" (03.04.2020)

This episode was kind of bland and uninspiring. Sure, the creators had a couple of promising ideas, but they failed to flesh them out properly. Jay's video conference and the whole "best-looking family" subplot definitely had potential. And as for Cameron's storyline... well, let's just not talk about it at all. // "Oh, you tell him when he gets to high school, that all changes." "I don't like lying to him." (04.04.2020)

It appears the creators have opted (for reasons unknown to me) for a lackluster middle to the tenth season. Just when Cameron dials it down a notch, another diva swoops in to take his place. Now, let me make it clear – I couldn't care less about someone's sexual orientation. The issue arises when it feels like they're flaunting it like a badge of honor (I mean, I'd be just as annoyed if someone kept prancing around shouting, "I'm straight, woohoo!"). // "I'm not putting her down, you goblin. She needs a surgery." (04.04.2020)

All those misunderstandings were just brilliant – Jay versus Cameron, Phil versus Manny, Dylan versus the rest of the gang – it was all pure gold. And let's not forget the stroke of genius in merging the Super Bowl with Haley's baby shower. // "Who's ready for a baby show-ahhh?!" / "What's that sound? It's like when the doors on the starship Enterprise open..." (04.04.2020)

If I were to try and be somewhat objective, I'd probably give this episode four stars. I mean, to fully appreciate the bizarre period-related segment, you'd have to be stuck in the 13th century, am I right? That said, the whole episode was lifted to new heights by Phil – he absolutely nailed it.// "Oh no... I've been doing sleep magic again..." (04.04.2020)

I've previously praised episodes that bring the whole family together, and this one didn't disappoint, despite the division into male and female factions. It was a pleasant surprise to see how well it all came together. // "I cannot deny it anymore. I am turning into a white woman." / "You guys with Carl?" "We are Carl." (04.04.2020)

This episode had me cracking up with delight, unlike the ones before. I can't quite wrap my head around the fluctuations in the quality of writing for each episode. The night organized by Phil was a riot, though it could've used a tad more tabasco. Jay and Gloria were great, just like Claire and Lily, and even the country entertainment segment had me in stitches, thanks to Mitchell taking center stage. // "I figure they have to listen to me. I pay for Luke's gas, and the other two do unspeakable things to my daughters." (04.04.2020)

I couldn't help but dock a star for... well, those moments of tension, courtesy of yet another of Cameron's cringeworthy scenes. It's getting to the point where I'm practically developing an allergic reaction to it. But it wasn't just Cameron – I was also let down by the creators' handling of the meeting at Jay's. I had high expectations for that scene, and unfortunately, it fell short of what I was hoping for. // "I don't want to jinx it, but a week from now, I could be learning - the steps of the secret minuet." (05.04.2020)