Touchdown!

I know I’m probably starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to recapping Modern Family, but this show just gets better every week! 5 episodes in and we find ourselves with the best written, most consistently funny half hour on television right now (you hear that Tina Fey??). Each installment adds layer upon layer of complexity and richness to these already brilliant characters and, by shuffling up the pairings and conflicts, the writers are constantly forced to redefine the relationships over and over again. The result is a richness and dimension rarely seen on the small screen.

This week, Jay and Gloria plan a family barbeque at their house where everyone will be watching a big football game. We find out that Cameron is a huge football fan and used to play in college, but Mitchell isn’t too fond of the sport (or sports in general). Luke and Manny end up getting in a physical fight at school which turns out to mirror hidden tensions between Claire and Gloria. All these conflicts come to a head at the barbeque – when we discover that Claire had previously called Gloria a Coal Digger (“Gold Digger”) - and Phil tries his best to mediate the situation. Of course, in true Modern Family fashion, by the end of the episode, apologies are exchanged and bonds are strengthened. The last scene is touching and it’s just proof how masterfully the writers uniquely balance wickedly sharp comedy with moving sentimental moments.

Best moment of the night? The scene where Gloria is showing Phil all the nice things Jay bought her, including an multitude of underwear in every color imaginable - which she ends up throwing at him - definitely had me cracking up. Phil's reaction is absolutely priceless, as is most of his inappropriate affection for Gloria. The two of them also tie for Funniest Family Member of the Week.