'Modern Family' Recap: A Fair to Remember

Season 5 of Modern Family has been treating us so well. Episode 7, entitled “A Fair to Remember” managed to maintain the hilarious streak the stunner series has presented thus far.

The main storyline of this week’s episode revolved around Phil and Claire’s 20th Anniversary. Because their anniversary has been covered in previous series the tag referenced back to a memorable moment on the couple’s last anniversary when the kids stumbled in on a sexy time. As Haley, Alex, and Luke ascended the staircase with breakfast in bed they loudly proclaimed their arrival. “I sure hope mom and dad are surprised by this anniversary breakfast we’re bringing them” yelled Haley, Luke followed up, “I’d hate to walk in on them if they’re naked.” Alex then brought the tease home with “Yes that kind of image could haunt someone as they try to fall asleep even years later.”

The hilarious threesome luckily entered the room to a fully clothed Phil and Claire, who both have big plans in the works for their anniversary. Phil was planning to sing a power love ballad to Claire at the fair with the local band “The Dad Beats.”

The large majority of the episode takes place at the fair, where the B and C story lines unfold. Cam is the new coach of the football team but continues to lead the team on a losing streak, when an angry dad approaches him at the fair, his goal of the day is to motivate and unite his team. Typical Cam gets a little crazy, and a whole lot dramatic. This storyline disappears amongst the strong B storyline offered by Jay, Gloria, and Manny.

When Jay, Gloria, and Manny arrive at the fair Jay immediately engages in a parking face off with another stubborn younger dad. To his grave disappointment, Gloria signed Jay up to play “fair police” and the real stinger is that he is partnered with his parking lot foe.

Meanwhile, Manny is excited to win the cake contest with his flawlessly fondant covered Hollywood themed cake. The usually ever supportive Gloria starts to worry that Manny’s off-beat, non-manly hobbies will take a toll on his popularity.

One of my favorite minor parts of the episode takes place in a sort of three-way love triangle between Alex, Luke, and Sienna. Sienna is an uber-cool stylish, worldly girl that Alex is trying extra hard to incorporate into her friend circle. The dashing young Luke also took notice to Sienna’s magnetic personality and was crushing big time. The two of them engage in some sibling rivalry to win the affection and attention of the glorious Sienna. The typical Dunphy kids publicly feud over Sienna revealing their secret obsessions. Sienna was freaked out to say the least.

The big comedy moments in the episode primarily took place within the Claire and Phil storyline. When Claire is locked up for “unlawful sexiness” and “possession of a hot booty” by none other than Jay and his police partner. (Jay refused to recite the persecution for good reason).

Claire is trying her hardest to get Phil home to reveal her anniversary surprise, but Phil is overwhelmed with excitement to perform with the “The Dad Beats.” To Phil’s demise the local pharmacist prequels his performance with a rockstar rendition of “I Want to Know What Love Is.” I can personally vouch that the pharmacist’s performance was killer because I belted out the song out for the remainder of the night and the following day. An embarrassed Phil then refuses to sing, and simply makes a parked car announcement when he is called on stage. His line is priceless, “

Gloria is distraught with the thought of Manny’s unhappiness and sabotages his masterful cake, making him think it was an old lady contestant. To prove himself, Manny completely recreates his cake calling it a Hollywood Earthquake. His adorableness is something I personally have a hard time handling. With a minute to spare, Manny darts across the fair with Gloria behind him carrying the cake, he dodges and pushes the bystanders with great ease.

A devastated and frustrated Cam sees Manny, and ceases the opportunity to recruit him to his football team. Creating a that heartwarming family dynamic the audience melts over.

One of the other delightfully sprinkled in scenes took place back at Gloria and Jay’s house, where Adam DeVine, the “manny” and Haley interact. The banter between the two characters begins over Haley’s plan to booze by the pool. When the “manny” tries to protect the pool deck, the two of them bicker until a beer breaks. When the “manny” takes the fall for Haley’s mistake, it seems as if this storyline might be touched upon in future episodes this season, but we will have to wait and see.

As always, the concluding scene of the episode wrapped my insides in fleece and made me feel like I was being hugged by a Care Bear. Claire is finally able to present her gift to Phil who failed miserably this anniversary. Playing on the “China” theme of the 20th Anniversary, Claire hires a team of Chinese acrobats to perform for Phil. His lit up expression was enough to make me simultaneously laugh and cry. The classic combustion of emotion that takes place at the end of every Modern Family episode.

Modern Family airs on ABC Wednesday nights at 9:00 PM EST.

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