Modern Family 1x06

It’s the first day of school for our modern family. It’s all nervous energy as Clair is preparing breakfast and lunch, Haley is worried her friends are going to think she is dating a 40-year old who’s not even cute if her driving instructor is going to pick her up from school, Luke never made his summer assignment, and Alex has trouble dragging all her things to school. She explains that cellists are in more demand in university orchestras. “You know what’s not in demand?” Haley chides, “Girls in university orchestras.” For his part, Phil believes he knows it all: first day of school is tough for stay at home moms, with the kids gone, the nest is empty. But Phil listens, with his mind. So he took the day off to keep her company, although she just wants to catch up on some reading. “If you listen,” Phil explains,” women will tell you what they want by telling you the opposite of what they want.” Wise words, indeed. Before you know it he feels Clair is challenging him for a 2-mile run. “You think I can’t keep up with you?” – “I think you can’t keep up with this conversation.” And it’s on! As expected, Phil has a hard time keeping up with Clair – and then she realizes the first day of school is hard for all her kids, including the one she married. She lets him win and right when he’s basking in his glory, Haley slams her driving instructor’s car into her father, making him fly over the car. “I’m good. I’m good!” Phil shouts, while Haley looks on in horror.

Meanwhile, Manny wants to wear his traditional Colombian poncho to school to show the kids he is proud of his cultural heritage. After Jay returns from dropping him off, Gloria notices the poncho’s still in the car. She convinces Jay to go back and support Manny. Then Manny pulls out his pan-flute – and Gloria begs Jay to break the flute. “The poncho by itself is fine,” she says, “The poncho plus the flute plus the stupid dance? My son will die a virgin.” Little Lily of course is too young for school, but Cameron is dressing her up as various pop icons for his photo shoots. Mitchell’s more concerned about baby-proofing all the pointy objects around the house. Cameron tells his to stop worrying and just dance with their baby. But when he does, Mitchell bumps Lily’s head on the door jam. Much comedy ensues in their panic. Plus there’s a nice guest bit for Suzy Nakamura. Actually, unless it’s the alcohol talking, I thought this episode was quite hilarious. No, seriously, I watched it three times.