[Penguin]

This was a sweet episode.

Predictable but pulled off so well.

[Tamanon]

As soon as she said she was getting something for her stomach, I knew the ending. Good episode though.

[Tuck]

Great episode. Lots of laughs.

[RatskyWatsky]

Very good episode. I totally loved the Latin soap opera angle of Cam and Mitchell's adoption storyline. And Gloria is pregnant! :O

[AlphaSnake]

I also thought the hospital soap opera scene was hysterical. All of it. Hahaha

[Crazymoogle]

I also thought the hospital soap opera scene was hysterical. All of it. Hahaha

Gotta admit I cracked up when the "twist" came in english and they patiently waited for Gloria to translate it back to spanish. :lol

(Also loved the end bit, with basically the entire season coming right back at them via the old mails)

[megashock5]

"Now one with flash" totally got me.

[RatskyWatsky]

"Now one with flash" totally got me.

Alex's gay prom date was hilarious! I loved how he complimented her on the color of her dress and how it matched her skin tone. lol

[AlphaSnake]

Everything about the episode was just spot on. The gay date had me roaring.

Poor Alex. It was a bit unbelievable though, because by all accounts, Alex is actually a very pretty girl. In real life, she's more likely to be popular with the boys, as opposed to her character on the show. In that sense, the casting of the actor is a little out of whack...though perhaps it's one of those ugly duckling turned swan setups where over the next few seasons we see a change in her as she finishes high school.

[Ignatz Mouse]

Everything about the episode was just spot on. The gay date had me roaring. Poor Alex. It was a bit unbelievable though, because by all accounts, Alex is actually a very pretty girl. In real life, she's more likely to be popular with the boys, as opposed to her character on the show. In that sense, the casting of the actor is a little out of whack...though perhaps it's one of those ugly duckling turned swan setups where over the next few seasons we see a change in her as she finishes high school.

Personaility cannot be discounted. She's a nerd and she's superior and correcting.

[AlphaSnake]

Personaility cannot be discounted. She's a nerd and she's superior and correcting.

While true, when I was in junior high and high school, one of the prettiest girls was also the smartest and had a similar personality. She ended up in Yale, Harvard, and then living in Paris for free academically. Hahaha

She's still pretty too. :p

[AwakenedCloud]

Great season finale! The hospital scene was super entertaining because I could understand it before Gloria translated.

Spanish soap operas are hilarious.

[mantidor]

Nice finale, the soap opera thing was very funny.

and is it just me or is Gloria forcing the accent even more now? I actually have never mind that accent but what gets me is the vocabulary jokes, there's no way you can know a word like "hooves" and not know how to say "helicopter".

[big ander]

yea I'm done. show really has transformed from "family sitcom dealing with some occasionally modern issues" to a full-on 80s-like return to traditionalism. Alex is a nerd so she'd HAVE to have a gay date! silly phil talks about his prom date to his wife! it is funny that jay watches a soaped opera!

ugh. Fallen so far.

[3N16MA]

yea I'm done. show really has transformed from "family sitcom dealing with some occasionally modern issues" to a full-on 80s-like return to traditionalism. Alex is a nerd so she'd HAVE to have a gay date! silly phil talks about his prom date to his wife! it is funny that jay watches a soaped opera! ugh. Fallen so far.

Alex has always been a nerd and has done the "typical" nerd stuff on the show. Phil always likes to look back on his high school/college years and is oblivious that he was considered a nerd. Jay has always tried to protect his tough guy image even though he is a big softy.

Nothing has changed.

[big ander]

Alex has always been a nerd and has done the "typical" nerd stuff on the show. Phil always likes to look back on his high school/college years and is oblivious that he was considered a nerd. Jay has always tried to protect his tough guy image even though he is a big softy. Nothing has changed.

But before the show tried to show different dimensions of the characters, or it spun tropes in different ways, or growth was a possibility.

Three years of static trite personalities and Family Circus-level humor has worn thin as thin gets.

[3N16MA]

But before the show tried to show different dimensions of the characters, or it spun tropes in different ways, or growth was a possibility. Three years of static trite personalities and Family Circus-level humor has worn thin as thin gets.

When the show started everything was fresh and new, we got to learn the characters personalities and see how they interact with one another. However it's not possible to have all the character continue to grow and show different dimensions as that is not how people are. How many people do you know that continue to show you a new side of them? The freshness of the show has worn off and now it has settled in which is the norm for pretty much all sitcoms. However to me it's still one of the best sitcoms on television.

[big ander]

When the show started everything was fresh and new, we got to learn the characters personalities and see how they interact with one another. However it's not possible to have all the character continue to grow and show different dimensions as that is not how people are. How many people do you know that continue to show you a new side of them? The freshness of the show has worn off and now it has settled in which is the norm for pretty much all sitcoms. However to me it's still one of the best sitcoms on television.

You're just saying some flat-out wrong stuff here. It IS possible to have characters grow and it's the goal of anyone who makes TV. Even if that growth is simply coming to terms with ones unchanging flaws. That is the idea that everyone who makes TV has. Your goal is to tell an extended story.

How many people do I know who constantly show me a new side of them? Um, pretty much everyone. I learn new crap about my family on a regular basis. I frequently find out that a longtime friend is a bit different from my idea of them. That's normal. Do you seriously find that everyone you know in your life is exactly the same as they were three years ago? That's sad.

Settling is the norm for bad sitcoms. Good sitcoms find ways to reinvent and evolve and find new subjects.

[3N16MA]

You're just saying some flat-out wrong stuff here. It IS possible to have characters grow and it's the goal of anyone who makes TV. Even if that growth is simply coming to terms with ones unchanging flaws. That is the idea that everyone who makes TV has. Your goal is to tell an extended story. How many people do I know who constantly show me a new side of them? Um, pretty much everyone. I learn new crap about my family on a regular basis. I frequently find out that a longtime friend is a bit different from my idea of them. That's normal. Do you seriously find that everyone you know in your life is exactly the same as they were three years ago? That's sad. Settling is the norm for bad sitcoms. Good sitcoms find ways to reinvent and evolve and find new subjects.

Learning a new bit of info about someone is not seeing a new side of them or a new dimension. You're expecting too much in terms of growth from the characters (lets reinvent and change everything for the sake of change). Hey, I found out my sister likes sushi! I guess she has grown as a person and I now see her in a new light. This show just finished it's third season and has not even hit 80 episodes yet and you're are screaming for it to reinvent itself and magically grow.

It's great to scream for change without having to provide any suggestions yourself. What exactly do you want to see?

[3N16MA]

I should also point out that when I say "settled" I mean it's found it's groove rather than it's settling for crap. No matter what a show does it's almost impossible to capture the freshness that is present from the 1st season and MF was/is a breath of fresh air in the family sitcom world.

[big ander]

Learning a new bit of info about someone is not seeing a new side of them or a new dimension. You're expecting too much in terms of growth from the characters (lets reinvent and change everything for the sake of change). Hey, I found out my sister likes sushi! I guess she has grown as a person and I now see her in a new light. This show just finished it's third season and has not even hit 80 episodes yet and you're are screaming for it to reinvent itself and magically grow. It's great to scream for change without having to provide any suggestions yourself. What exactly do you want to see?

Learning a new bit of info about someone IS seeing a new dimension of them, even if that dimension is small. You want a real-life example? A week after I got back home from school a package came to our door for my brother. Two books about mysteries of the universe. One by Carl Sagan. I'd never known him to be anything of an academic. He never seemed very inquisitive or interested in stuff like that. He's been devouring the books. This is a guy I've known for his entire life, and I only just learned is interested in galaxies and space travel and the relative size and importance of humanity. That's not a new dimension?

That stuff happens all the time, big or small. All over.

Where in the freezing hell did I say I wanted change for the sake of change? I want change for the sake of realism. For the same of making the show compelling. Do you understand the degree of change I'm talking about? I'm talking, maybe, Jay realizing how conscious he now is of his effeminate side and deciding to be more open about it. Maybe that'd lead to him learning to check that side of himself, maybe it'd lead him to different interests and being more open about his sensitive side. That's change. Right now he's the same as he was in S1E1. That's terrible. I'm not asking for magical growth, which you're pulling out of your ass. I'm asking for realistic growth.

Screaming? We're on the internet. I'm really not screaming. Talked with my friend who loves the show earlier and said a lot of the stuff I said here, with a perfectly calm disposition. She said she got what I was saying but still enjoyed the show. That was the extent of our discussion. No one got angry then, and I'm not angry now.

And finally, you call for me to come up with examples for ways the show could change, saying that my criticisms aren't valid unless I can write the show myself. Think that's where I'll end the discussion, because that's you demonstrating a fundamental lack of knowledge of what criticism is. Critics do not have to know how to create the media they are evaluating.

[Meier]

"Now one with flash" totally got me.

Amazing.

This was a really, really solid season that was an absolute return to form. Season 2 was very underwhelming although still enjoyable enough, but this season it was really firing on all cylinders. Can't wait for season 4.

[3N16MA]

Learning a new bit of info about someone IS seeing a new dimension of them, even if that dimension is small. You want a real-life example? A week after I got back home from school a package came to our door for my brother. Two books about mysteries of the universe. One by Carl Sagan. I'd never known him to be anything of an academic. He never seemed very inquisitive or interested in stuff like that. He's been devouring the books. This is a guy I've known for his entire life, and I only just learned is interested in galaxies and space travel and the relative size and importance of humanity. That's not a new dimension? That stuff happens all the time, big or small. All over. Where in the freezing hell did I say I wanted change for the sake of change? I want change for the sake of realism. For the same of making the show compelling. Do you understand the degree of change I'm talking about? I'm talking, maybe, Jay realizing how conscious he now is of his effeminate side and deciding to be more open about it. Maybe that'd lead to him learning to check that side of himself, maybe it'd lead him to different interests and being more open about his sensitive side. That's change. Right now he's the same as he was in S1E1. That's terrible. I'm not asking for magical growth, which you're pulling out of your ass. I'm asking for realistic growth. Screaming? We're on the internet. I'm really not screaming. Talked with my friend who loves the show earlier and said a lot of the stuff I said here, with a perfectly calm disposition. She said she got what I was saying but still enjoyed the show. That was the extent of our discussion. No one got angry then, and I'm not angry now. And finally, you call for me to come up with examples for ways the show could change, saying that my criticisms aren't valid unless I can write the show myself. Think that's where I'll end the discussion, because that's you demonstrating a fundamental lack of knowledge of what criticism is. Critics do not have to know how to create the media they are evaluating.

I guess you missed the part where Jay dances with Lilly at the recital while it is being recorded by Manny (to be viewed by the whole family). Or when Jay openly cries in front of the whole family. Or how he has become more open to Mitchell and Cam's relationship. Did you miss the part where he and Manny get along for an entire episode after being left alone together? Jay has become more open and sensitive but the guy is not going to make a complete 180. One of the reasons Jay is a great character is that he balances being the head of the family/tough guy while becoming more open and a bit more sensitive.

Anyways I guess we can agree to disagree on the direction of the show.

[Dany M]

This finale was sexy as hell!!

[DanteFox]

Learning a new bit of info about someone IS seeing a new dimension of them, even if that dimension is small. You want a real-life example? A week after I got back home from school a package came to our door for my brother. Two books about mysteries of the universe. One by Carl Sagan. I'd never known him to be anything of an academic. He never seemed very inquisitive or interested in stuff like that. He's been devouring the books. This is a guy I've known for his entire life, and I only just learned is interested in galaxies and space travel and the relative size and importance of humanity. That's not a new dimension? That stuff happens all the time, big or small. All over. Where in the freezing hell did I say I wanted change for the sake of change? I want change for the sake of realism. For the same of making the show compelling. Do you understand the degree of change I'm talking about? I'm talking, maybe, Jay realizing how conscious he now is of his effeminate side and deciding to be more open about it. Maybe that'd lead to him learning to check that side of himself, maybe it'd lead him to different interests and being more open about his sensitive side. That's change. Right now he's the same as he was in S1E1. That's terrible. I'm not asking for magical growth, which you're pulling out of your ass. I'm asking for realistic growth. Screaming? We're on the internet. I'm really not screaming. Talked with my friend who loves the show earlier and said a lot of the stuff I said here, with a perfectly calm disposition. She said she got what I was saying but still enjoyed the show. That was the extent of our discussion. No one got angry then, and I'm not angry now. And finally, you call for me to come up with examples for ways the show could change, saying that my criticisms aren't valid unless I can write the show myself. Think that's where I'll end the discussion, because that's you demonstrating a fundamental lack of knowledge of what criticism is. Critics do not have to know how to create the media they are evaluating.

have you been completely ignoring jay's story archs this entire season?

[big ander]

have you been completely ignoring jay's story archs this entire season?

it's story "arc" and no, I just don't think his development has been all that exciting. I will concede that he's probably the best-written character, but when people like Claire are literally prevented from growing (election subplot) it's a lot more blatant. It could have even been good if losing the election taught her something about herself, but her disposition afterwards was what it had been a dozen episodes ago when she started to be concerned with the subplot. It comes off as such an obvious move to keep her in the home in order to drive well-trodden family subplots.

[DanteFox]

it's story "arc" and no, I just don't think his development has been all that exciting. I will concede that he's probably the best-written character, but when people like Claire are literally prevented from growing (election subplot) it's a lot more blatant. It could have even been good if losing the election taught her something about herself, but her disposition afterwards was what it had been a dozen episodes ago when she started to be concerned with the subplot. It comes off as such an obvious move to keep her in the home in order to drive well-trodden family subplots.

alright dude. It's pretty obvious at this point that you really just want to write your own sitcom.

[big ander]

alright dude. It's pretty obvious at this point that you really just want to write your own sitcom.

this bullshit again? come on, I just finished explaining to the other guy that accusing anyone offering criticism of simply thinking they could make something better is one of the stupidest fallacies out there. it completely botches any understanding of what criticism is. I know I'm not anywhere close to as good a writer as anyone on modern family. I'm someone who's been watching TV and movies for a good time now and has been interested in criticism more than anything for that whole time. Don't even pretend like you know who I am, anonymous butthurt internet fanboy.

[DanteFox]

this bullshit again? come on, I just finished explaining to the other guy that accusing anyone offering criticism of simply thinking they could make something better is one of the stupidest fallacies out there. it completely botches any understanding of what criticism is. I know I'm not anywhere close to as good a writer as anyone on modern family. I'm someone who's been watching TV and movies for a good time now and has been interested in criticism more than anything for that whole time. Don't even pretend like you know who I am, anonymous butthurt internet fanboy.

i'm serious. You're really just nitpicking.

[big ander]

i'm serious. You're really just nitpicking.

Growing tired of every character, finding every joke lazy and uninspired, and finding the stories to be repetitive and boring and then backing up those opinions with examples of specific plots is nitpicking?

k

[bigboss370]

just caught up with last couple episodes, that was awesome!!

i love this show, i really do. its consistent, funny, and always leaves you with a feel good feeling. was scared haley was gonna move out, but they ended that well too. surprise at the end was great, didn't see it coming at all o_O

also, is alex graduating too? why is she going to prom?

Growing tired of every character, finding every joke lazy and uninspired, and finding the stories to be repetitive and boring and then backing up those opinions with examples of specific plots is nitpicking? k

it seems you want a different show than what we've been getting for 3 seasons.

[123rl]

"Now one with flash" totally got me.

Best line of the episode. Funny episode but this line really got me

[Babalu.]

the episode was pretty good.

But does anyone else think gloria and jay being pregnent is a horrible direction the writers went towards. I just dont see how this can turn out good comedy-wise.

[3N16MA]

Jay hasn't had to deal with a baby in ages. Manny was 10 when Jay and Gloria got married and he does not act his age. Also it's the most unusual of the three scenarios that they could of gone with when trying to introduce a new baby. Mitchell and Cam have already done it and adding to their family would be a little overkill after Lily (story wise). Phil and Claire could have another child but no one would be surprised at that (would still be hilarious to see Phil in that situation).

Jay and Gloria are the ones that are going to have things change with a new baby (mostly because of Jay). Manny getting jealous is going to happen considering how much attention Gloria gives him.

[Korey]

This was probably the best episode of the season.

All of the stories were really interesting so it seemed longer than the 30 minutes.

- The telenova thing was fucking hilarious. They foreshadowed it all throughout the episode and it still caught me off guard. So brilliant.

- Dylan was amazing this episode. "His name is me." "You stay, I'll leave." "Close the door." "They're gonna be huge. Also, medium and small." Doublebreasted tux "So am I." rofl

[WoodenLung]

I missed Dylan so much.

[marvelharvey]

Totally off topic, but I only just found out Ed O'Neill has a black belt in Jiu Jitsu.

[ivysaur12]

I would really challenge the notion of their being any legitimate character arcs on the show. Some plot arcs, yes, but it's mostly stagnation on tropes and archetypes. Which is fine, to a point. Sitcoms don't necessarily require season long character transformations, but if they're going to do serialized storytelling, they better make me care about it. I was sort of embarrassed about how little I cared about Jay and Mitch's adoption. The first season was pretty great, but it's very hard for me to care anymore. It's not even close to a top-tier sitcom. Not even one of the best on ABC. I'll still watch, but, eh.

That being said, the hospital telenovela was pretty incredible. The best part is that there have been a few hints here or there of Jay and his Spanish soaps this season. Glad it came to fruition in the end, it was worth it.

[Korey]

I would really challenge the notion of their being any legitimate character arcs on the stow. Some plot arcs, yes, but it's mostly stagnation on tropes and archetypes. Which is fine, to a point. Sitcoms don't necessarily require season long character transformations, but if they're going to do serialized storytelling, they better make me care about it. I was sort of embarrassed about how little I cared about Jay and Mitch's adoption. The first season was pretty great, but it's very hard for me to care anymore. It's not even close to a top-tier sitcom. Not even one of the best on ABC. I'll still watch, but, eh. That being said, the hospital telenovela was pretty incredible. The best part is that there have been a few hints here or there of Jay and his Spanish soaps this season. Glad it came to fruition in the end, it was worth it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primeti...y_Series#2010s

Maybe you just have horrible taste in TV shows.

[ivysaur12]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primeti...y_Series#2010s Maybe you just have horrible taste in TV shows.

You know what? It's possible to levy legitimate criticism against any show, especially once that's gotten as lazy as this. So fuck you.

[Korey]

You know what? It's possible to levy legitimate criticism against any show, especially once that's gotten as lazy as this. So fuck you.

It is, and I have my own gripes about MF season 3, but saying it's "not even close to a top-tier sitcom" when it's won the emmy every year since it's been out, including beating the winner(s) of the previous four emmys each of those years, is just wrong.

[mantidor]

stoplikingwhatidontlike.jpg

I do agree that there are real criticisms to mention about MF, but sometimes it almost feel like nitpicking, because overall the show is very good, clever and entertaining without being stale, specially compared to the average shows.

[big ander]

It is, and I have my own gripes about MF season 3, but saying it's "not even close to a top-tier sitcom" when it's won the emmy every year since it's been out, including beating the winner(s) of the previous four emmys each of those years, is just wrong.

It's not wrong because Emmys aren't absolutely indicative of quality. Not even close.

stoplikingwhatidontlike.jpg I do agree that there are real criticisms to mention about MF, but sometimes it almost feel like nitpicking, because overall the show is very good, clever and entertaining without being stale, specially compared to the average shows.

That's where people differ: I find the show massively stale and not clever. And I watch a lot of other shows and each and every one of them feels more fresh and entertaining. So it's far below average for me.

[ivysaur12]

It is, and I have my own gripes about MF season 3, but saying it's "not even close to a top-tier sitcom" when it's won the emmy every year since it's been out, including beating the winner(s) of the previous four emmys each of those years, is just wrong.

Really, the same organization that gave Jim Parsons an award for acting in The Big Bang Theory as the best lead actor in any sitcom on television? It's in no way indicative of quality. At all.

I watch (probably way) too much television, and Modern Family has become stale to the point where I never feel the need to watch it. It's never the first sitcom I jump to on my DVR. It's not even the first ABC sitcom I jump to on my DVR. So, yes, despite what the Emmys might say, I don't think it's a top-tier sitcom. I think it can be good, not great. The real problem is that it was one of my favorite shows on television. And now it's not.

Maybe all shows should act like they're bubble shows.

stoplikingwhatidontlike.jpg I do agree that there are real criticisms to mention about MF, but sometimes it almost feel like nitpicking, because overall the show is very good, clever and entertaining without being stale, specially compared to the average shows.

That's funny because I find it lazy and stale and a pretty average show.

[Socreges]

Just saw the episode with the porsche and Jay/Gloria heading to Pebble Beach.

They were fucking TROLLING Al Bundy and MWC fans there. Jay mentions how he was a football legend... and then tells us how he was on the bench the entire time. What the fuck? What the fuck is this?

[mantidor]

Really, the same organization that gave Jim Parsons an award for acting in The Big Bang Theory as the best lead actor in any sitcom on television? It's in no way indicative of quality. At all.

No matter your opinion on the show, and I do agree all awards from the emmys to the oscars are rubbish, Jim Parsons acting is excellent and deserving of any award, so you take that back. He probably gets on your nerves and seems really annoying, guess what? thats exactly the character he is portraying.

Just saw the episode with the porsche and Jay/Gloria heading to Pebble Beach. They were fucking TROLLING Al Bundy and MWC fans there. Jay mentions how he was a football legend... and then tells us how he was on the bench the entire time. What the fuck? What the fuck is this?

Oh haha! I never realized, you are right!

[Divvy]

Really, the same organization that gave Jim Parsons an award for acting in The Big Bang Theory as the best lead actor in any sitcom on television? It's in no way indicative of quality. At all. I watch (probably way) too much television, and Modern Family has become stale to the point where I never feel the need to watch it. It's never the first sitcom I jump to on my DVR. It's not even the first ABC sitcom I jump to on my DVR. So, yes, despite what the Emmys might say, I don't think it's a top-tier sitcom. I think it can be good, not great. The real problem is that it was one of my favorite shows on television. And now it's not. Maybe all shows should act like they're bubble shows. That's funny because I find it lazy and stale and a pretty average show.

I'd have to agree with your criticisms too. I really liked this show in season one but at this point it's pretty stale. It's still extremely well written and constructed, but it's done so in a way that seems very cookie cutterish. Every episode sort of seems like the exact same thing and revolve around the same basic conflict and resolution. It doesn't help that the majority of the characters are static. It's still a quality show, it's just that the lack of ambition kind of keeps it from being top tier for me.

[ivysaur12]

No matter your opinion on the show, and I do agree all awards from the emmys to the oscars are rubbish, Jim Parsons acting is excellent and deserving of any award, so you take that back. He probably gets on your nerves and seems really annoying, guess what? thats exactly the character he is portraying. Oh haha! I never realized, you are right!

No he doesn't and I won't?

[anaron]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primeti...y_Series#2010s Maybe you just have horrible taste in TV shows.

lol emmys.

[bigboss370]

can't wait to see what Mitch and Sarah think about having a new sibling :P

and hormonal Gloria will be glorious.


the best thing i like about this show? no/little drama.