This week’s episode of Modern Family continued their series long winning streak. “ClosetCon” was an especially fun episode because we got to see some of our favorite family members interact within different circles. The main storyline of “ClosetCon” took place at a closet convention that Claire and Jay were attending for work.

Luckily, with this ABC hit every storyline and character circle is equally entertaining. I was ecstatic that the show finally brought city-slicker Mitchell to Cameron’s family farm in Missouri. Mitchell reacted as expected, in talking head he complains in pun stating “Missouri, misery.” Lily and Cam meanwhile are letting their farm side shine. Cameron treats us with a hog call that is ridiculously enjoyable.

At home, Phil and Gloria are planning a nice dinner with the kids that of course goes terribly wrong. The family never even makes it to the restaurant because of Phil’s curious antics. The childlike man that he is, Phil discovers the “secret room” off of Jay and Gloria’s kitchen is unlocked. In talking head, Phil reveals “I’ve spent countless hours imagining that room is a house of treasures, a palace of ceaseless wonder.” When he opens the door, his eyes widen with wonder as he finds Jay’s collection of model cars, airplanes, and above all a miniature Apollo 13.

Phil takes a chance and brings the precious collectors item out of it’s shrine. Naturally, the spacecraft plummets to it’s demise, and Phil, Luke, and Manny’s mission is to repair the artifact. A minor storyline also occurs between Alex and Haley who are in competition over the cute pizza delivery boy, Chuck.

Though the episode is titled “ClosetCon” I found the main storyline took a second in comedic relief in comparison to the other two. (Probably because the two most serious characters were combined). When Jay and his old friend Rita are planning an age old prank for the “rookie” Claire, called the “Skeleton in the Closet” prank, Claire assumes they are rekindling a love affair.

Back in “Misery,” Mitch finally comes around and surprises Cam, donning a pair of his sisters overalls and even gets a “chewing stick.” Mitchell is surprisingly excited about the farm life, but his dreams are dashed when Cam forces him to pretend to be a “farm hand” named Bud. This is because, Cameron’s Gram unexpectedly shows up and is unaware that Cam is gay, let alone engaged. This storyline is especially interesting because the two openly loving couple is forced to hide their relationship, which creates a new tension that the audience hasn’t experienced before.

The Anxiety is high at the Pritchett household as Phil engages in a serious Skype session with his Dad who is guiding him as he attempts to reassemble the Apollo 13. Haley and Alex are at each other’s throats when they get their heads stuck together in a hairy propellor entanglement with one of Jay’s planes. Gloria plans to teach them a lesson as they argue about the pizza boy, stating “Sisters before Misters.”

On the farm, Mitchell’s patience is wearing thin with his role as “Bud.” When Cameron’s Gram starts fawning over Lily, saying how she would love to spoil a granddaughter Cameron and Mitch cease the opportunity to announce their engagement. Gram does not take the news well, and reveals that she will only attend the wedding if she is standing outside with a sign. Cam describes her stance as “baby-steps.”

The Mitchell and Cameron storyline explores a societal issue that many couples are facing during this time. I think this was a necessary move by the writers, revealing the less accepting viewpoints of our older generations.

A dramatic scene unfolds at the Pritchett household when Phil is putting the last piece of the Apollo in place. The scene mocks a NASA operation as Phil’s dad watched from the computer screen, and Gloria and the kids anxiously view the process from the security camera. When the mission is accomplished everyone joyfully celebrates and Phil runs to the family embracing. The scene reminisces a past episode when Phil starts shouting “I Love it! I-Love-it!” as the model plane smashes him in the face. This was a treat for long time fans who remember the same scenario taking place a few seasons prior in a field with Jay.

The sentimental moments in the episode were secondary to the comedic relief. A rare moment of sisterhood took place between Haley and Alex when they were attached by the head which was nothing short of heartwarming. The two accidentally complimented each other when they admitted their jealousy of one another.

At the “ClosetCon” Claire and Jay clear up their discrepancy when they have the classic miscommunication conversation. In the conversation, Jay accidentally reveals that he attempted to get rid of Phil by setting up a job offer with Rita twenty years prior. Claire on the other side thought she was uncovering a scandal.

The title of episode 8 was a bit deceiving of the important story lines. This hilarious edition to season 5 was ruled by the B and C story lines. Modern Family does an exceptional job addressing familial and societal issues while providing relatable comedic relief. As the season progresses, my anticipation for the glorious Mitchell and Cameron wedding only grows.

Image ABC