'Modern Family' Review/Recap: "Marco Polo"
Evan Slead ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Phil (Ty Burrell) has and always will be the quintessential family man. While the rest of his family, with Claire (Julie Bowen) taking the charge, is less than enthused for having to spend three days in tiny motel, Phil is ecstatic to have the close family time. Secretly, Claire gets a separate room from the family, and when Phil discovers her dark secret, he feels utterly betrayed. As with many situations the writers concoct on the show, this “separation” of spouses is played out completely for laughs. Leave it to Modern Family to make the proposition of divorce light hearted and laugh out loud. Phil meets two other men near the motel “buffet” which includes chips and endless wine from a box. He confides in the men over his “separation” which prompts them to suggest he move on to a new woman. Of course, Phil meets a beautiful Nigerian woman…and her family. They play Marco Polo in the pool together, obviously, like any family affair would entail. Eventually, his family comes around and begins and impromptu game of Marco Polo just for him. It’s okay Phil, your family still loves you more than anything.
The final piece of the trio story falls with Mitch and Cam. Cam is on top of the world with his coaching of the school football team. Undefeated and only going upward, Cam relies heavily on his rituals to promote the best amount of good luck possible. Mitch of course finds this all ridiculous and goofy, which he doesn’t mind expressing. Upsetting Cam, Mitch decides to take one for the team and try to be supportive of Cam’s victories. He shows up to the game, only suddenly, the team starts to lose goals. Cam realizes that Mitch’s presence is causing a rift in his perfectly orchestrated mojo ritual. Once again, a great dynamic to play on when someone complains about not receiving support, only to receive it and ultimately reject it. It reveals that comedic and juvenile layer underneath all people when what they think they want turns out to be false. The team does end up dominating which sends Cam into apology onslaught. Overall, a solid episode that does what Modern Family does best. Relating all three stories into one and inviting the audience to sympathize through humor.
Modern Family airs Wednesday’s at 9/8c on ABC.