"Spoiler alert!" How frequently do we find ourselves invoking this precautionary note for an installment of "Modern Family"? Throughout its run, and notably in its third season, the series was characterized by its self-contained episodes and a scarcity of genuine surprises (Claire's predictable defeat in the town council election barely merits a mention). Last night's season finale, however, served as a refreshing deviation from the norm. Events unfolded with vigor; some moments were harsh, others overly exaggerated and downright silly. Yet, some developments have us on edge for season four (Gloria's pregnancy hormones, we are watching you closely). In a season that often felt narrow-scoped and repetitive (despite the uniformly stellar cast, their characters were often portrayed more as cartoons than fully fleshed-out individuals), we welcomed the slight jolt to our sensibilities.
Here are some profound insights we gleaned:
1. Cameron and Mitchell do not welcome their bundle of joy.
If we had to pinpoint one major grievance about season three, it would be the show's drift away from subtle, relatable narratives in favor of a broader, more in-your-face comedic style. Initially, the inclusion of a telenovela-inspired storyline in Cam and Mitchell's adoption journey seemed to obscure the genuine heartache inherent in the experience. That's not to say humor was misplaced; it is, after all, a sitcom. Gloria's role as translator amidst the hospital drama was undeniably hilarious and exquisitely executed. And if we're to embrace over-the-top caricatures, the sexy priest, the saucy nurse, and the noble, not-so-dead ranch hand certainly fit the bill.
Yet, when we learn that the baby's grandmother intends to raise him and that Cam and Mitchell's frenetic journey to Calexico to claim their new son was all in vain, it's time for a subtler form of humor to take center stage. "Modern Family" has featured its share of poignant scenes before, but when Mitchell strays from the gas station to lie on the ground, it feels like one of the show's most authentic moments. Mitchell is exhausted; he's reached his limit. Cam concurs, suggesting they take a break and halt the adoption process. They had to miss Lily's dance recital for this wild chase, and enough was truly enough. The last we see of Cam and Mitchell is them lying on the grass, hearts heavy, spirits crushed, holding hands (with just the perfect amount of physical intimacy). It's heart-wrenching yet endearing, and it instills hope that their break together will transcend mere squabbling and one-upmanship.
2. After all, "Modern Family" will soon welcome a Hispanic bundle of joy. Remember that carsickness Gloria battled during their journey to Calexico, riding in that Prius (subtle product placement alert for those who missed it)? Turns out, it was morning sickness all along. As we eagerly anticipate where season four will take us, we can picture Gloria donning an array of sultry maternity wear or enticing onesies. Either scenario promises to keep her spirits high. Meanwhile, Jay will undoubtedly grapple with the mixed emotions of becoming a father anew just as his grandchildren are stepping into high school graduation. Fortunately, this episode provided Jay with some valuable fatherly practice. While Cam, Mitchell, and interpreter Gloria dashed off to Calexico, Jay was left in charge of getting Lily to her dance recital. Unlike Manny, who has always been more into gourmet snacks than childish antics, Lily poses a real challenge: she's passionate about dancing, inquisitive, and, at times, exasperating. When Lily was struck by stage fright, Jay stepped up to give her an inspiring pep talk, despite his preference for a round of golf. Even though performing a solo with her grandfather at her age might not exactly scream character strength, it was a heartwarming moment, signifying that Jay is prepared to unveil his gentler side to this brand-new addition to the family.
3. Haley is off to college, and Dylan has somewhat matured (complete with a double-breasted look). "Modern Family" cleverly played a little trick on us with this plot twist. The promos for the previous night's episode had us convinced that Haley and Dylan would move in together after graduation (considering their reunion at Disneyland, it seemed like a foregone conclusion). Instead of attending prom ("Proms are lame; they're just an excuse for dressed-up geeks to ride in limos and hook up"), Haley planned a cozy evening at home for her parents, Dylan, and Luke. She landed a job at the mall, enrolled in community college, and went grocery shopping to prepare ingredients for a family dinner. Her mature demeanor and uncharacteristic behavior left Claire wondering if they had adopted a new daughter, much like her brother was rumored to have a new son.
But then Haley dropped the bombshell about moving in with Dylan ("Are you guys gonna have sex?" Luke asked innocently), prompting Claire and Phil to envision dire consequences for Haley if she went through with it — pregnancy, acne, nuclear codes, and robot wars among them. Enter Luke, the hero of the day, who revealed that he had stolen a letter from the college where Haley had been waitlisted — she got in! Despite Claire's disdain for Dylan, rivaling only Luke's aversion to Lily, they all agreed on what was best for Haley: she needed to go to college. But first, a memorable prom night with Dylan, clad in borrowed clothes from Phil and Claire. Aww. Burning questions linger: Will we ever catch a glimpse of Dylan again? And how much screen time will Haley get in season four?
4. Alex's performance with the gentlemen leaves much to be desired, contrary to what we were initially led to believe. Remember those quirky individuals who eagerly anticipated donning their finest and indulging in prom-night antics? Well, this year, we were convinced that Alex, despite her lackluster dance skills, belonged to their ranks. Throughout this season, we've witnessed Alex's transition into adulthood and her exploration of the opposite sex. It all began with her passionate lip-lock with a fellow ranch guest in Wyoming. She then managed to ensnare the neighborhood bullies who harassed Luke, making them dance to her tune. And at Disneyland, it seemed she might even steal the heart of a charming college boy right out from under Haley's nose. So, when Alex descended the stairs for her prom date with a bad boy (looking, in our humble opinion, like a delightful blend of "adorable" and "super sexy," thanks to Claire and Phil's styling), we had no qualms believing their undeniable chemistry. And they certainly had it. It's just that he was oblivious to his homosexuality (being on "Modern Family," the rest of us caught on instantly). Alex is the pre-beard, the stubble of romantic endeavors. Oh, sister, we feel your pain. And yes, "Modern Family" adores a good gay joke, but Alex's date's reaction to photographer Phil's quip, "This time with flash," had us doubling over in laughter. It was delightful to see Alex come through for her gay friend, but we eagerly anticipate whether next season will introduce a love interest who truly appreciates her quirky, girl power charm.
5. Claire and Phil remain... well, Claire and Phil. Cheers to Claire and Phil! Their children are all doing well. Haley is heading to college. Alex is blossoming and venturing into the world of dating. Luke may have hoarded an entire season's worth of mail (a fantastic callback in the show's final minute), but his recent theft demonstrated his capacity for showing affection towards his sister. The Dunphys are thriving. Perhaps the greatest challenge for season four is finding something meaningful for Claire to do beyond worrying about her kids (we yearn to see more of the Claire who once cruised to the beach in her husband's sleek new car, soaking up the sun with relish). Will Claire's aspirations finally steer her towards pursuits beyond the confines of the Dunphy household? That would be a delightful and welcome surprise.
