Fall TV Review: ABC’s “Modern Family”
The funniest new comedy this year is definitely Modern Family, which premiered last night on ABC. It follows three different families: Phil & Claire are the “traditional” mom and dad, with two daughters and a son; Cameron and Mitchell are a gay couple that has just adopted a baby girl from Vietnam; and hot Colombian mom Gloria has married the much-older Jay.
Since Mitchell never told his family about the baby, Cameron decides to invite them all over for dinner for the big announcement – and that’s when we realize how everyone is connected: Mitchell’s sister is Claire, and their father is Jay. In probably the pilot’s funniest moment, Cameron dims the lights, turns on “Circle of Life” from The Lion King and presents Lily to the family Simba-style by raising her up in the air.
Another highlight is when Phil’s and Claire’s son Luke accidentally shoots his sister Alex with a plastic BB and the family has to schedule his punishment (Phil shooting Luke). Naturally, the bumbling Phil ends up shooting Luke, himself, and Dylan, the suspicious senior that his eldest daughter Haley has invited over to hang out.
The show has a mockumentary element which might be unnecessary, but the testimonial segments aren’t as exhausting as those featured in the pilot of The Office. Overall, the show sets up a lot of fun relationships and a wacky tone that promises for a fun first season.
