Modern Family: I Love a Parade (10x01)

And so the final season of Modern Family begins. As I've discussed quite a bit in my reviews over the last couple of seasons, this is a show that is really showing its age. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to appreciate!

Cons:

What is Alex's whole deal? Her plot thread this episode was that she had a lazy summer and then got back on her feet and studied for school. I get whiplash with her. Is the point that she's lonely, so that's why she's a couch potato? Was this supposed to feel like mother/daughter bonding, what with Claire starting to be lazy too? In fact, Claire's plot thread was just as annoying and uninteresting. She is "off her game" because she can't figure out what is bothering her family members, but then by the end she solves the mystery of why Gloria is upset. Okay... point? Seemingly none.

Pros:

Cam and Mitchell caring for little Cal was pretty funny, I guess. That kid really is cute. And Lily being a snarky little jerk actually helped to make their point pretty well. Maybe Cal isn't the smartest bulb, but he's a genuinely sweet kid. And really freakin' cute. Hugging as a primary skill is also pretty hilarious.

It was an odd idea to set this September premiere at the 4th of July, but I suppose it was this show's only chance to do an Independence Day episode, because of course it doesn't air during the summer. This episode didn't capture the magic of some of Modern Family's big holiday episodes, but there were still quite a few fun moments. I always love it when Jay places such a high level of value on seemingly frivolous things. His participation in this parade would seem like no big deal to most, but for him it was about proving his father wrong and improving his status in society. Even Claire knew how big of a deal this would be for her father. And Gloria's distraction over Manny also makes sense. The end, where the two of them eat apple pie and watch fireworks together via Skype, was just the right amount of sweet.

I almost put Luke and Phil's plot thread in the "cons" section, because it felt really disconnected from the other parade-related plot threads, and the integration could have been a lot better. But if we look at it at face value, there was some good material here. I like that Luke is feeling pressure about community college. The whole "Luke is a dummy" bit only works for so long. He needs to have some measure of growth in order for the end of this show to feel satisfying. And of course Phil is always great with the physical and prop comedy. Just the kind of wackiness we've come to expect.

Haley and Arvin have been having some problems in their relationship. They're not fighting, they're just not... clicking. Turns out, Dylan said something to Haley in the hospital about the innate understanding between two people that makes relationships work, and Haley worries that she doesn't have that with Arvin. Haley actually tracks Dylan down to confront him about this. We'll have to see where this is going, but thus far I really like this. I like Arvin, and I like that they toned down Dylan a little bit. He's still wacky in how dumb he seems, but he's actually going to nursing school and gaining some responsibility. Are they rehabilitating him so that if he and Haley end up together, we're okay with it? Or is Arvin the one for Haley? I'm still Team Andy, but I'm fairly confident that ship has sailed.

So that's that. A perfectly serviceable premiere. I'm glad this show is deciding to bow out after ten seasons. A very respectable, admirable run - and there's no reason to keep going at this point!

8/10