The Archway

Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Sports

ABC's newest sitcom entices the viewer to pay attention to its subtle jokes. (MCT Campus)

Networks are constantly trying to produce new, successful comedies for the evening line up to keep viewers tuned in to their channel. ABC has most definitely found a gem in their newest hit show Modern Family. This comedy features three somewhat dysfunctional families that do fit the definition of "modern".

The ring leader of the show is Jay, who is played by Ed O'Neill. O'Neill is most famous for his ten year run as Al Bundy on Married… with Children, and his return to network comedy is a strong one. He plays the father of two very different 30-something children, Claire (Julie Bowen) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson). Claire Dunphy, a mother of three, tries to keep her teenage daughter from being a wild child and always gets a kick out of her quirky husband, Phil (Ty Burrell). The Dunphy's face the typical problems a family with middle school aged kids come across. However, Modern Family is able to turn these problems into hilarious situations and Claire's facial expressions are priceless.

Mitchell has been with his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) for five years and recently adopted a new baby girl, Lily. The conversations between Mitchell and Cameron are very witty. Both characters play off of each other perfectly, and you can't help but love their relationship. One of their main goals right now on the show is successfully adjusting to being parents.

Jay is also remarried to a much younger woman, Gloria (Sofia Vergara) who has a son, Manny (Rico Rodriguez), from her previous marriage. The show pokes fun at how Jay is so much older than Gloria and how he struggles to be a father to an eleven year old again. It also brings in a lot of Gloria's Columbian culture and how Jay tries to learn the ways of his new wife. Situations like whether or not Manny should wear a poncho to school shows the hilarity between Manny and his new step-dad, Jay. However, Manny says, "My mother says we are never to use the word 'step' because it means not real, and we are a real family."

Modern Family reminds me a lot of The Office in the sense that it entices you to pay attention and pick up on all of the subtle jokes. Also, the main characters are often interviewed about events that occur throughout the show, which is where the humor is most dominant and unmistakable. If you're looking for a guaranteed laugh and a show that will always leave you in a good mood then Modern Family is for you! Modern Family airs Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. on ABC.

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