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Modern Family: Playdates (2016)
Playdates - S07E10
In a rather bizarre turn of events, while previous episodes featuring guest stars have been reserved and utilized the actor's strengths, this time around three of the storylines feature a famous guest star in each, a move that makes the episode feel forced as the show relies on recognisable faces to garner attention. While the interaction with Mitch and the three Dunphy kids is a fun match-up, and the Dunphy adults' dinner date is a wonderful play out, the rest of the episode is a chore to get through as the stories take a backseat to showcasing the names they can draw.
Keegan-Michael Key is an absolute joy as his Tom bounces off Burrell's Phil effortlessly, and this is an interaction that would be welcomed back wholeheartedly, while the ham fisted utilization of Orson Bean and Ray Liotta in other stories is a low point for the series.
After several strong episodes the bubble was obviously going to burst and despite a strong segment with the Dunphy dinner date, "Playdates" is a severe misfire for the show and s worrying thought that this might be what the showrunners think will be interesting.
Modern Family: White Christmas (2015)
White Christmas - S07E09
Continuing the recent trend of strong episodes, this Christmas-themed episode centred around a log cabin brings the gang together for fun moments and revelations such as the climax of the Haley-Andy relationship and Jay's big announcement. While the ending to one of these stories whimps out at the last second, the rest of the run time is an absolute riot with all characters in fine form.
But it's not just the main characters as the supporting acts also bring their A-game as DeVine is a perfect accompaniment to Phil's out of context lines as well as Andrea Martin's unfiltered Fig and lastly Laura Ashley Samuels' Final outing as Beth.
As far as Christmas-themed episodes go, "White Christmas" is one of the strongest, not just for Modern Family but in general; the big twists that impact characters' lives, moments of utter hilarity as well as the homage to The Shining. Another strong outing for the show.
Modern Family: Clean Out Your Junk Drawer (2015)
Clean Out Your Junk Drawer - S07E08
In another partial bottle episode, the show creates another masterful storyline of humour and emotion with the adults participating in a couples therapy session in the Dunphy house while Haley and Alex get some much needed time with each other as they discuss their own personal problems, both storylines bringing out big laughs and some very intriguing progressions for some of the characters.
Part of Modern Family's strength is its masterful use of guest stars, opting for credible actors rather than just famous faces, and it's here where Catherine O'Hara shines as the therapist conducting the session, her rapport with O'Neill's Jay perfectly timed, while Ferguson also excels here as Mitch breaks down in a rare outlandish performance from him.
Once again, the show works better when it strips back and allows the characters to breath, and "Clean Out Your Junk Drawer" is another fantastically crafted episode that keeps the show a worthwhile watch.
Modern Family: The More You Ignore Me (2015)
The More You Ignore Me - S07E06
It's charming to see the subtlety in the similarities between Jay and Phil, and why the chemistry between Phil and Claire is so strong. In this episode we see Jay reminisce about how he became a successful businessman, carefully orchestrating events to get people what they want without forcing them into it, and the parallels of Phil as a younger version of Jay fighting to prove the naysayers wrong.
While O'Neill is excellent in his overseeing role, it is once again Burrell in a scene stealing turn as Phil that keeps the interest as the episode progresses.
Another strong episode, "The More You Ignore Me" is a fitting insight into the inner workings of the family and, despite how much the characters may disagree, how alike they can be at times.
Modern Family: The Verdict (2015)
The Verdict - S07E05
A fun throwaway episode, there's a nice disperse for the characters with Burrell's Phil interacting with both Luke and Manny, while Bowen's Claire spends her time with Haley and Alex and the playful time spent with Vegara's Gloria and Cam and Mitch in amongst the running theme of the people in charge for the day feeling the need to prove themselves to their family.
The best interaction is in O'Neill's Jay quietly combatting with Vicki Lewis' Erica, the dynamic of the two working well as Jay is taken well outside of his comfort zone.
While by no means a standout episode, "The Verdict" is a successful time spent with the characters, each of which are paired up with people they don't often have stories centred around.
Modern Family: She Crazy (2015)
She Crazy - S07E04
Wackier and a return to form after a slow start to the season, this episode is centred around all three storylines having a build-up to a wild scene that is a change of pace from the more reflective episodes so far this season. While there is nothing that truly stands out about the episode, it is just gratifying to know that the series still has the means to produce interesting and funny episodes after the dour start.
Eric Stonestreet gets the chance to flex in a funny Cam story, while Sofia Vergara also is more livid in Gloria's starstruck breakdown for the best parts of the episode.
A gratifying recovery from the series, "She Crazy" may lack the heart of other episodes, but is incredibly engaging and humorous.
Modern Family: The Closet Case (2015)
The Closet Case - S07E03
Rather disappointingly this third episode not only continues the running mediocrity of this seventh season but also fills entirely skippable. The main story of Mitch taking a case for Jay's nemesis has bright moments to it, and the side plots of Dylan living at the Dunphy house as well as Luke and Manny trying to get lucky at Alex's college oblivious to her troubles is heartwarming come the end, but the storylines feel half-baked and not to their true potential.
Ty Burrell once again shines as Phil is conflicted by the shenanigans of his daughter and live-in boyfriend, and the kicker at the end of the storyline is a surprisingly fun twist.
Overall, "The Closet Case" is yet another underwhelming addition to the series wherein the shining parts, especially the coda, are conflicted with some entirely uninteresting segments in between.
Modern Family: The Day Alex Left for College (2015)
The Day Alex Left for College - S07E02
After the applaudable attempt of "Summer Lovin'" to start the seventh season off, things get back on track with a fresh episode here, however while the main storyline of Lily's soccer game and the gang's attempt at getting out of it is a fun time, the two side plots of Haley taking Alex to college and Phil taking Luke to an unsellable house is undone in Ariel Winter's Alex and Nolan Gould's Luke, with both characters being severely unlikeable here making their scenes a chore.
Credit is due to Sarah Hyland but mostly Ty Burrell in bringing heart to the scenes, with Phil's recounting of his days at his father's work poignant, Burrell a true standout in the role of Phil as the emotional centre of the family.
While shaky in the side plots, "The Day Alex Left for College" sticks the landing for an emotional close and a adequate episode.
Modern Family: Summer Lovin' (2015)
Summer Lovin' - S07E01
Picking up right where season six closer "American Skyper" left off, this uniquely told continuing narrative spanning three months deals with each house's leftover storyline from the previous season, however the extended period the narrative takes place across leaves each story feeling lacking as they can't be delved deeper into before another time jump. While an intriguing premise, this style of storytelling feels odd for the platform of this sitcom.
Adam DeVine shines in the scenes he's in, however the return of Reid Ewing's Dylan feels a tired trope for this series, especially for a season premiere.
While not necessarily bad, "Summer Lovin'" is an underwhelming start for this seventh season of the long-running series.