Modern Family’s writers are smart on many levels

by Debbie McDuffee

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You already know how much I adored the premiere of Modern Family. I have now watched it three times (it’s a sick addiction at this point, and Keith is about to stage an intervention) and each time, I’ve found something new to appreciate and laugh at.

This is a testament to the writing team, and it works on many levels. First of all, viewers really need to pay attention when they watch or they’ll miss stuff. Yes, Modern Family‘s target audience is smart, folks. You cannot enjoy this show if you flip to it during the commercials of Glee, so use your DVR.

If I discovered something new, and even laughed again at the old situations, imagine how ripe this show is for syndication. It’s brimming with quotables, but also subtle situations and quips that translate so well to multiple viewings. This is a step up from According to Jim in every way, and it’s about time the trend of sitcoms started by Arrested Development, How I Met Your Mother and 30 Rock starts to catch on.

Some of my favorites from last night:

“If Haley never wakes up on a beach in Florida half naked, I’ve done my job.” – Claire
“Our job.” – Phil
“Right. I’ve done our job.” – Claire
WTF = Why the face? Yeah, you’re a cool dad, Phil.
And the High School Musical performance, talking “jive” to the boyfriend and subsequently shooting him really solidifies your stance.
Names of the gay couple’s friends
The mural of the dads as “floating fairies”
Jay being mistaken for one of the mall walkers
The subtle dig at Sarah Palin’s family situation … pretend your pregnant daughter has mono and that the baby is yours. You all remember those rumors flying during the campaigning, right?
“May I take your multicolored coat and bejeweled cap?” – Mitchell to Jay
Phil thinking Gloria said “feel,” not “Phil.”
The entire “Circle of Life” scene: “I can’t turn it off, it’s who I am!” – Cameron
“Lily? Isn’t that going to be hard for her to say?” – Phil. Oh, sweet irreverence!
And again: “Let me see the little potsticker.” – Jay, about meeting his adopted Vietnamese granddaughter