Modern Family: Paris (11x13)

There was nothing about this episode that sucked, really, it just... passed me by without much to grab my attention.

Cons:

That's kind of been true of the whole season, if we're being honest. Where is the emotional resonance supposed to be, here? Am I meant to be moved by Jay realizing that the true purpose of his life is family? I mean sure, that's sweet, but it's the kind of lesson you really hope he's already internalized.

And the other plot threads had some chuckles here and there, but nothing that's going to make me remember this episode in the long-run, you know? I haven't seen an episode of Modern Family that's really stuck in my head like that, in a very long time.

Pros:

But instead of demanding something of this episode that it was never going to give, let's dive in to the stuff that did work.

Cam brings Fizbo to Paris, only to discover that he subconsciously stole Fizbo's name and design from a book he had as a kid. He runs in to the real "Fizbeau" and is crushed to find that he is the impostor. Mitchell cheers him up, though, reminding him that the point of his clown persona is to bring joy, and that it doesn't matter who came up with Fizbo first. I thought it was sweet that Mitchell, who has always had such disdain for this hobby of Cam's, was able to provide him some comfort here.

I also thought Mitchell's little subplot where he attempts to seem authentically French was really funny. When he finally caves and decides to out himself as an American, the payoff was pretty silly and adorable. I loved how all of the random Parisians instantly pegged him as a tourist and before he can even ask a question, just start pointing him towards the McDonald's and the most tourist-y destinations.

Meanwhile, Claire runs in to an old flame from her college days, interrupting Phil's romantic surprise date. Although Phil is disgruntled as the two old lovers reminisce, he is then excited when he learns that Guy, Claire's ex, is a magician. Claire then becomes the third wheel as the two men bond over magic and go to a museum together. I love the subverted expectations here, that what could have been a tired story about Phil getting jealous, instead turned into something silly. Phil and Guy part with heavy hearts, planning on meeting up in another thirty years at "their cafe." So fun!

While I found Jay's story a bit lacking in emotional resonance, I do like a good silly caper, where Gloria has to get Jay out of the way to make sure he doesn't find out that his rival is getting an award instead of him. And Manny's knowledge of French screwing them over was also pretty funny!

I think that's all I've got to say. I really wish this last season wasn't so devoid of Haley, Dylan, and the twins. I thought they'd provide a shot in the arm to this aging TV show, but instead they're almost entirely absent!

7/10