Oct 25 2009
Modern Family Check-Up
When I first read the blurbs about Modern Family, prior to the start of the new TV season, I had no intention of watching the show. It sounded rather dull and kind of a cookie-cutter sitcom. As the premiere date grew closer, though, positive buzz for the show began to grow and I began to be convinced that I should maybe lend this show some of my time. I’m really glad I did.
The premise of Modern Family is quite similar to your average stock family sitcom with the exception that, instead of focusing on a single mildly dysfunctional suburban couple, it focuses on three that are, themselves, all related.
Claire (Julie Bowen) and Phil (Ty Burrell) fill the role of the average married couple, complete with three kids (rounded up from 2.5). Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cam (Eric Stonestreet) are a gay couple that recently adopted a baby girl from Vietnam. Jay (Ed O’Neill) and Gloria (Sofia Vergara) round it out as an older man that’s recently married a young, gorgeous Latino woman, with a child from a previous marriage (Rico Rodriguez). While the first episode spends its time getting to know each family in their own element, it concludes by revealing that, Jay is also Claire and Mitchell’s father, making them all one big happy family.
I haven’t quite put my finger on what I like so much about Modern Family. I think, so far, it’s just done a really good job of balancing the situations of the three couples in such a way as to keep the comedy fresh and light. Additionally, the characters are all exceedingly funny and likable. I’m particularly partial to Cam, who never fails to make me laugh anytime he says or does anything. Manny, Gloria’s wiser than his years son, runs a close second, especially after his heartfelt talk with Claire a couple of weeks ago and his insistence or referring to her kids as his nieces and nephews.
Modern Family is proof that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to actually make a good sitcom. It’s refreshing to see comedy making such a strong comeback this season.
