Modern Family is Modern Comedy

Modern Family- My Funky Valentine (2/10/10)

'Modern Family' is a minor evolutionary step following shows like 'The Office.' In other words, it's a major network version of the new breed of shows like 'The Office' and 'Arrested Development' with some hints of shows like 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' No laugh track, no obvious or slapsticky jokes unless they're entirely original, and characters which are more like parodies of the demographic they represent.

Ironically, the most recent show contained an appearance by David Brenner doing a cheesy lounge comedy act- completely the opposite of 'Family's' brand of comedy. Further ironically, this is the same reason why 'Cougartown' hasn't struck the same chords as the show right in front of it. 'Cougartown' aims for the same pleasantly smarmy, inside jokes that 'Family' does, but it still wants to prompt the viewer they are there. It's not as well written and seems almost insecure in its joke delivery. The comedy isn't as subtle and while there isn't a laugh track, chuckles from the audience are prompted by a brief music jingle or odd expression from one of the overdone characters.

In 'My Funky Valentine' each of the families stumble through their Valentine's Day experiences. Manny and Cameron & Mitchell's day intersects, while Jay & Gloria and Phil & Claire only overlap briefly at the end of the show. Jay, played by Ed O'Neil is a fantastic curmudgeon with a gentle touch. How he has managed to dodge typecasting after years of playing Al Bundy is a miracle While each character was obviously in different situations, both were matriarchs. It's as if enough time has past that he feels and looks familiar but is still a completely unique character.

While the show didn't do it last night, it's not uncommon for 'Family' to finish with some sort of morale or heartwarming scene. This is a difficult line to walk- it's challenging and often frustrating when shows attempt this. Usually it's bungled and comes off as too on-the-nose and insincere. There's an obvious break in a pattern which proceeds: laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh......sentiment, but Modern Family pulls it off. It'd be easy to think the show would struggle more in attempting this then most because it's so funny. But the humor eases the transition- the laughs are so deep and founded in reality that the after-school-special moment at the end is conveyed naturally.