This is going to sound odd, but I never laugh out loud to television.  Give me any sitcom and I’ll enjoy them but somehow, my inner enthusiasm never translates to actual laughter.  Only on rare occasions does an episode catch me so off guard that I laugh, and the latest Modern Family did that to me not one, not twice, but three times.  One of my favorite debuts this season just aired the best episode yet.

Dysfunctioner

Modern Family banks on the idea that their family is stranger than yours, and this episode proves that point ever so gallantly.  From figure skating to fencing to baseball to home films, these characters will take any hobby and turn it into an escapade.  The Office has had a few episodes that are more awkward (‘The Dinner Party’ for one), but ‘En Garde’ definitely moves towards the top of the heap in terms of pure weirdness.

Unconditional Love

Since the entire cast belongs to one family, the show has the advantage of displaying cheesy unconditional love and support without making it seem out of place.  It also means the episodes don’t have to try very hard to have their touching moments.  As a result, they’re not as precious, but they give you that heartwarming feeling nevertheless.  Jay’s voiceover monologue at the end of every episode is growing on me.  In this respect, Modern Family sets itself apart from other mockumentary sitcoms in that every episode is constructed around a theme.

The Uber Children

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the younger cast of Modern Family is the best on television.  Normally, writers avoid child characters altogether due to the difficulties of finding competent child actors, not to mention ones that can measure up to the adults.  With four highly believable and hilarious actors playing the children on the show, Modern Family feels that much more unique.  Seriously, Alex is becoming one of my favorite characters.

With favorable reception and handsome viewership, it’s refreshing to find a popular show that actually deserves the success (come on, celebrities doing mediocre dancing, ugh).  Modern Family is remaining consistent through and through.

Rating: 9.2/10

Popularity: 4% [?]