Modern Family tells the story of three very different, small families that are somehow related to each other and are unique in their own way. This show is an authentic and hilarious representation of a modern American family. A brilliantly written and amazingly acted, light hearted, beautiful portrayal of family life and the differences and challenges every family overcomes.The show is filmed as a mockumentary , with some of the same sly camera looks that made "The Office" so popular 6 seasons ago. Its main focus is the relationship and dynamic of the Pritchett-Dunphy family, with a single camera crew capturing intimate and hilarious moments alike. The show was conceived and brought to us by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan and is comprised of a series of well crafted and wonderfully casted, group of characters. Every person on this show has a reason to be there and makes an enormous contribution to the success and likeability of the show. Even the children matter; how often do you find that on Prime Time TV?
Gloria Delgado-Pritchett"I don't want to be the spit in your face, but the wind in your back. It sounds much better in Spanish."
One of the most surprising parts of this show is its originality. Never before has the topic of the stereotypical "Gold Digger sexy Colombian wife" been explored on TV so openly and not to mention so accurately. I find it difficult to imagine any other person playing the role of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett then that of former Victoria's Secret Model and actual Colombian, Sophia Vergara.
I myself am Colombian and find her character a sad, yet accurate representation of many of the women I've met throughout my life. And yet instead of being offended, I celebrate in the fact that finally someone is making fun of the stereotype that only Colombian, and other Hispanic women, brought upon themselves. Everything about her character is solid and refreshing; from her relationship with her son, her accent, the things she says, the way she dresses and even her interaction with the other characters on the show.
Meet Cameron, Mitchell and Lily"Look at that baby with those cream puffs"
Another aspect of this show that is original and deserves praise is its portrayal of gay couple Cameron and Mitchell and their journey as the proud new parents of an adopted Vietnamese baby, Lily. It's amazing how this show has been able to make this gay couple likeable to everyone that watches.
Just the other day, I watched the show with a group of 30 year old men-who I would generally regard as homophobic. I cringed as the episode started expecting to hear a slur of homophobic remarks and instead heard nothing but laughter, literal knee slaps and what seemed to be silences that showed understanding of the situations the couple found themselves in.
This show is single handedly ushering a gay couple, audiences can love, into our lives and into our homes, every week. And perhaps without saying it directly, these three characters and this show, are educating Americans. And they're doing it by making gay likeable and normal. Cameron and Mitchell, fall into a new category for television characters as normal, young, educated, gay men who share their differences from the past and future, with the cameras. I appreciate and respect the fact that they are not portrayed as horny and obnoxious gay guys like Jack from "Will and Grace" or confused and bewildered gay guys like Jack from "Dawson's Creek". This show is doing an amazing job at showing a partnership in respectable terms; they're showing parenting doubts and frustrations. They show all the same problems that every straight couple has, but the writing of this show is making it possible for straight people of all cultures and demographics to feel comfortable watching it. What an amazing accomplishment. This is something that not only straight people need to see, but also gay people. Gay people need to see themselves portrayed as normal on television, so that they can also grow and accept homosexuality outside of their lives and personal relationships. And seeing truly is believing. A couple like this is essential on a show called "Modern Family" because obviously our society is much more accepting today of our gay family members than ever before.
Phil Dunphy"I'm the cool dad, that's my thang."
And then there's cool dad Phil, a real estate agent and father of three, who is as clueless about life and connecting with his kids as he looks. He is absolutely hysterical and is one of the main focuses of the shows comedic moments. Which usually involves him saying or doing something incredibly awkward and also incredibly funny. He is the patriarch of the Dunphy family who shares little to nothing in common with his family- including his wife's father, but yet the show is almost a diary of his efforts to be a part of his family and find that connection with them. He's a sweet and gentle man and father and his cluelessness leads into the majority of the shows sweetest moments; which is another element of surprise and a welcomed relief from all the other crap shows on TV at the moment.
Closing Moments
Each show ends with a closing statement from one of the characters on how they feel regarding family, sacrifices and understanding differences. The show always wraps with a feel-good moment that is truly touching, because what they say is truly relatable, unique and it sums up the episode in just a few short words. This show is not only a wonderful concept that has finally come to life, but it's a show that has the potential to shape our country and our societies views on a variety of subjects. In addition to the creators, writers, actors and crew, I believe praise is in line to the ABC network for taking a chance on a show that 10 years ago would have been canned immediately; especially following the aftermath of Ellen DeGeneres' coming out episode on her sitcom, her career and life's downfall, thereafter. Well done ABC and the American audience for showing that as a people we are becoming more comfortable with real Modern Families.
Cheers Always,
Nita Alexander
