Modern Family Season 7 Episode 10 Review: Playdates
Carissa Pavlica
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Thank you Pritchett and Dunphy families for continuing to make us laugh.
It seems you're never too old for a playdate, and on Modern Family Season 7 Episode 10 we got to witness all kinds of them.
For me, it's been ages since I've checked in with the family other than in reruns, so it's great to know that no matter how old they get (and really, as a result of their aging process) the family as a whole remains hysterical.
Thankfully, they made it really easy for me to review with four completely separate storylines running throughout, all with merit.
Lily's First Crush
Cam was so excited to be there for Lily's first crush that he kind of forgot to ask one of the most important questions of all – who do you like? Maybe he found Monty to be a better catch than Rob. Now we know Lily doesn't share his taste in men.
Cam [giving Lily dating advice]: Definitely compliment his outfit, laugh at his jokes...
Lily: What if they aren't funny?
Cam: Oh honey, the cute ones rarely are. God doesn't give with both hands.
Lily is absolutely adorable, and watching her flirt with Monty's father Rob like a little lady to Cam's growing horror was awesome. Aubrey Anderson-Emmons has been learning from the women on set, because she couldn't have looked more adult if she tried.
That goes right down to her over-reaction to learning she wasn't allowed to flirt with the man of her choice by jamming a pillow into her face. The way Cam handled it was perfect. It's just inappropriate. Moving on! And so will we.
Who Pays the Check?
It's not as if the situation in which Claire and Phil found themselves wasn't irksome enough for all of us to have feelings on the matter, but when we learned the restaurant was going on it's second waiter change and still – nobody had paid the check – it became obvious there was something bigger at play.
Claire: You can't just roll over on someone because it makes you uncomfortable!
Phil: Whatever you want.
God help those men because eating at their homes will be a fiasco for a while. If I had learned someone had tricked me into eating crickets, even roasted, even months after the fact, I probably would have wretched. Who knows what they'll find in their food as retaliation?
Phil was so excited and patting himself on the back since he lost the bet. Claire had that split second glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe she didn't eat any crickets at all. Nope. She ate three to the other wife's six.
Is that something that would happen in real life, though? Could any of you chomp into an insect and not recognize it's not something you should be eating, even if you were eating exotic foot? I'm hyper vigilant when it comes to food. Blech.
Birthday Fun Day
It's not a Sunday Funday like on You're the Worst, but Haley, Alex and Luke had to do something when Mitchell arrived to claim his certificate. Driving around forever wasn't an option. Well, it was, just not a fun one.
It's getting a little warm in here. Do you mind if we crack a window? Unless I've already done that with my head...
Mitchell [while blindfolded in the backseat of a speeding car]
Who would have guessed that what started out as a relatively terrible idea, a Hail Mary pass, really, would become such a great day out for Mitchell?
Ray Liotta was fantastic in his guest-starring role as a version of himself, and I laughed out loud as the kids had no idea who he was, and Mitchell kept saying both his first and last names, irritating (ahem) Ray. It feels odd to call someone you respect, like a movie star, by their first name!
This line, however, truly got me, and I appreciated Ray being able to poke fun at himself.
When you see my movies later, you're going to realize this is a special moment.
Ray Liotta [while posing for a selfie]
Of course, I immediately thought he agreed to be on the show because he'll be appearing in Shades of Blue with Jennifer Lopez, airing tomorrow night on NBC. Different network, but any exposure is good exposure, especially when he might find the star power he once welded is gone with the younger crowd.
Finishing up Mitchell's day by chatting with Barbara Streisand through her intercom would have made his day if only she had eeked out one bar of Happy Birthday. Ray was a better party guest.
Baby Boomer Problems
As is often the case, Jay and Gloria's problems won the night. Jay has always been a tad sensitive of being the older guy with the hot young wife, but tossing in Marty the octogenarian to get into a virtual pissing contest really set him on fire.
And also inspired in Jay a reason to tell Gloria he knows all the words to Light My Fire, dammit. He's not that old!!
Jay: Let me tell you about a little innovation called Netflix. You'll never miss another movie again.
Marty: Really?
Jay: Hand to God. You pick a film on your computer. Three days later, there's a disc in your mailbox. You gotta stay up with technology, Marty!
Marty: Wow. Thanks... [to his wife] Can you believe he doesn't know about streaming? If I ever get that out of touch? Kill me.
Jay got so into the fact that he hated to be considered old that he forgot he really doesn't give a damn what other people think. He never has. He just does what he wants to do and marches to the beat of his own drummer.
That's what makes Jay Jay. It's not a big deal if he's older than Gloria or an old dad at school. He really doesn't have to compete, and when he does compete, he gets himself into a Netflix situation. And we laugh with him, not at him.
Got a little maudlin there for a minute. Maybe it's because I'm old. BUT I'M NOT A BABY BOOMER! Don't lump me in with Jay. I'm Generation X! Gen X. Seriously. I'm not a boomer. Have you heard of Twitter? Instagram?
What did you guys think? Giggles a go-go? Which storyline resonated with you the most? Drop me a comment!
Don't forget, you can always watch Modern Family online any time for another look.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
