It's always a delightful spectacle when the entire 'Modern Family' clan converges, united not by disparate plot twists that segregate the households but by moments where cast members get to intertwine their interactions with a fresh twist. Last night's episode mirrored this serene togetherness, save for one noticeable absence in the ensemble cast: Lily. Honestly, what became of her? Could it be that she's under the care of some fabulous, unseen babysitter? Or perhaps her enchanting toddler days, when she was the epitome of cuteness, came to an end the moment she started talking, leading to her unintended exile?
Beyond this one missing tot, the family's focus was firmly on coming together — a recipe sure to spark an array of misunderstandings, long-awaited revelations, and no fewer than two impeccable "Tube Dude" impersonations. When the unseen Rands, a neighboring family, lost their home and all their belongings in a devastating fire, Claire spearheaded a fundraising drive (Phil, characteristically, wanted to dub it 'Rand-Aid') at the Dunphy residence, drawing the entire clan to volunteer. Cam, in particular, struggled to grapple with the heart-wrenching tragedy. While others might wander aimlessly in their sleep, Cam, under the influence of certain medications, often left Mitchell waking up to find Fizbo snuggled beside him in bed: Cam's sleep-clowning antics. Nevertheless, when Jay strained his back while lifting boxes, Cam was the first to volunteer to drive Jay's truck. He had once maneuvered a tractor to his high school prom ("At least something got plowed that night"), so how challenging could the Pritchett Closets & Blinds truck be?
Jay's agreement to let former massage therapist Phil work on his back was a sure sign of his excruciating pain. Knowing his son-in-law well, Jay feared Phil might overstep boundaries and turn the help into a grand gesture — Phil still couldn't stop raving about the wireless printer he had set up for Jay in season two (cue a montage of Phil's printer-related comments sprinkled through various scenes over the years). Phil's candles, oils, and overarching enthusiasm ("Welcome to Relaxistan") unnerved Jay, and Jay blanched when Phil mounted him like the steed they had ridden together in this season's premiere. But Phil's efforts worked wonders on Jay's back, inspiring Jay to utter three words to Phil that he couldn't retract — an almost post-conjugal "I love you." Jay regretted it instantly, but it was too late: Phil overreacted in the manner Jay had expected. The scene was awkward and cringe-worthy until Jay learned that, amidst his sweet nothings, Phil had received a crucial text: Two colleagues were leaving to start their own agency and wanted Phil to join. Realizing he wasn't adept at making big decisions (cut to a 'Family Guy'-inspired visual gag of Phil holding an alpaca on a leash), Phil sought Jay's advice even before Claire's. Jay encouraged him, "If you want to do it, gamble on yourself. I'd gamble on you." Phil had a new business venture and Jay's genuine seal of approval — an unparalleled victory.
Meanwhile, Claire experiences her own epiphany. Distressed when Mitchell refuses to indulge her in gossip about Gloria, she's stunned to discover that Mitchell and Gloria have been spending time together. To her astonishment, they even have a shopping date lined up to buy "big boy pants"! Jealousy gnaws at Claire, prompting her to accuse Mitchell of having unresolved issues with their mother. However, this time, instead of clinging to their own mother, he's projecting those issues onto Gloria. Amidst her turmoil, Claire processes much of her emotional drama while climbing into bed and cuddling with her dad. Freud, were he alive, would certainly find ample material in the Pritchett family dynamics. Wisely, Jay remains silent throughout Claire's entire monologue, allowing her to realize that her fear of being left out is causing her to see Gloria as her neglectful mother—a disturbing realization since they're the same age. Jay's only response is a succinct, "You're older," a stinging remark indeed! To Claire's credit, she shares her insight with Mitchell and apologizes to Gloria: "I'm sorry, I had this crazy notion that you prefer Mitchell over me." Gloria counters with a frank, "I do like Mitchell better than you," explaining that Claire has never made an effort to get to know her, but she's open to it if Claire would take the initiative. This honest exchange seems to humble Claire, and we couldn't be happier to see this development.
Cam, too, is on the receiving end of some much-needed truthful revelations. Alex and Haley accompany him on his mission to retrieve Jay's truck, and everything goes smoothly until they stop for burgers. The girls' observation that things are going unexpectedly well sets Cam off on a tangent, interpreting it as a gay slur. When they return to the parking lot to find the truck boxed in, Haley innocently offers, "Want us to help guide you out?" Cam confesses, "That question? It felt like a hate crime." After several failed attempts to maneuver out, a increasingly anxious and hysterical Cam admits he doesn't want help because he wants to prove a point—that gay men can do anything straight men can do. The girls respond with a collective "Duh, we know that." They never doubted his driving abilities because he was gay; half the people they know are gay. They doubted him because of who he is—his own quirks and limitations. (And so did we!) Cam apologizes for being overly sensitive to stereotypes, but when the girls enlist the help of a fellow trucker who responds, "Sure thing, sweetie," Cam pouts, "Oh, like she'll actually be able to help us."
The girls, accompanied by Cam, arrive back in the neighborhood at the eleventh hour, just catching a glimpse of Luke and Manny, who had briefly possessed—but unfortunately misplaced—a toy helicopter intended for donation to the Rands. Now, this cherished toy finds itself ensnared in the grasp of a gang of nerdish bullies who proudly declare, "Don't pigeonhole us—we can be both" (a curious blend of intimidation and self-deprecation). In a triumphant moment for girls who embrace their nerdiness, Alex Dunphy lets her hair cascade freely and captivates the stammering gang with her charm, convincing them to return the toy. A bewildered Haley wonders aloud how Alex has become such a heartthrob, prompting Alex to impart some wisdom about life's fans and followers: "You have your fans. I have mine. Someday, your fans will be working for my fans."
Phil turns to Jay with a wry smile, saying, "I think we can both agree we had a happy ending," a comment that doubles as a clever pun to conclude the massage-themed episode and perhaps a subtle nudge for viewers to stick around for the show that follows immediately afterward. All's well that ends well, despite the lingering questions that hover in the air. Is Claire still vying for a position in office? Are Mitchell and Cam still set on adopting a baby boy? Did viewers dislike the new Lily so intensely that she was sent packing back to Vietnam? We eagerly anticipate next week's Thanksgiving episode, hoping it will shed some light on these unresolved matters.