tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post3423972314418065587..comments2024-03-28T18:01:28.997-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Modern Family, "En Garde": The cutting edgeAlan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-7719242596009027102009-11-09T00:59:52.630-05:002009-11-09T00:59:52.630-05:00Late comment because I didn't get to this unti...Late comment because I didn't get to this until this evening. I'm a terrible consumer.<br /><br />I'd like to point out a great directing beat from Randall Einhorn, who's also both shot and directed a bunch of episodes of <i>The Office</i>.<br /><br />During the first fencing match, Ed O'Neill gets in his trophy joke about Gloria and squeezed Phil's leg hard for two jokes. Behind them, we see Mitchell's reaction shot about, in his mind, being a failure to his father. Three jokes in the span of about four seconds, all spawned from one line. That's great work.<br /><br />I wish Phil were less of a screw-up but if the show keeps plugging along as it is, I'll still be happy to follow.R.A. Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14851961356321735388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-52258629876453733972009-11-07T00:27:02.077-05:002009-11-07T00:27:02.077-05:00Still originalStill originalAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-34212582756170906072009-11-06T12:14:55.407-05:002009-11-06T12:14:55.407-05:00I also totally loved that Ed O'Neil had a pict...I also totally loved that Ed O'Neil had a picture of the kids in their skating outfits on his table of proud mementos. They built him up as having been mortified by his son's skating, but in the end you see that he was proud of that, too, even if it wasn't what he had personally wanted for his son. And they didn't beat you over the head with it. It just there on the table, and the camera panned by it so fast that you could have missed it. <br /><br />That was maybe the sweetest thing in any episode so far, and I loved it.Schmokerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03985960616299425129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-12118149100326191372009-11-06T12:11:19.527-05:002009-11-06T12:11:19.527-05:00I just buy into everything that Ed O'Neil says...I just buy into everything that Ed O'Neil says, so when he's the one giving the tag at the end, it has always worked for me. He makes it all seem plausible and appropriate.<br /><br />I also think that it's actually cool that they have the sweet codas. In a world where almost no comedies (or at least quality comedies) can go the sweet and tender route, it's great that this one can and does. The setup allows for it, I believe, and it's worked for me every time so far. I especially loved the jumping in the pool bit in a previous episode. <br /><br />I feel they earn those sweet tags with all the great snide and awkward moments they nail time and time again during the main body of each episode. If the family was only what we see when they are being funny, then they would not be a family that ever spends much time with each other.Schmokerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03985960616299425129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-50797886280667995062009-11-06T00:23:39.157-05:002009-11-06T00:23:39.157-05:00I love the performances by Rico Rodriguez II. I t...I love the performances by Rico Rodriguez II. I think there should be serious consideration given to him for an Emmy nomination.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-28680983326761480062009-11-05T22:22:46.386-05:002009-11-05T22:22:46.386-05:00I love this show but today I have to eat some crow...I love this show but today I have to eat some crow. In the past I ahve argued that Phil was very different from Michael Scott but not in this episode. I also was sure using his son was a set up but nope.srpadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-28084046775493364492009-11-05T22:11:42.828-05:002009-11-05T22:11:42.828-05:00My favorite bit: the look on Phil's face as hi...My favorite bit: the look on Phil's face as his wife and Gloria hugged. Oh the thoughts that were going through that horny little brain....<br /><br />I'm dying to know what Cam's vision was. Damn those wheeled cribs!Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15582136184196524214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-2896464708160342662009-11-05T20:13:13.301-05:002009-11-05T20:13:13.301-05:00Forgot to mention that women rule what goes on tv....Forgot to mention that women rule what goes on tv. Especially ABC (Greys, Desperate, Betty, Practice, Cougar, Dancing, etc etc). And from a lot of your readers, I think you can see what middle aged women want. Sappy crap they can smile at. Sucks cuz its what keeps this show from being truly great. But what do I know? Im not a middle aged housewife who looks to her tv to make up for whats lacking.Mongonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-31505140547461329652009-11-05T20:07:15.761-05:002009-11-05T20:07:15.761-05:00Alan,
The obligatory sentimental endings were obv...Alan,<br /><br />The obligatory sentimental endings were obvious from the very first episode. It's 100% intentional, and I doubt going anywhere.<br /><br />My mom watches the show and thats the part of it she loves. And I'm sure many other mothers and grandmothers and women equally smile during those moments. And if the show didn't give them to them, they wouldn't continue to watch. It's the show runners' sad desperate (but sadly neccesary in this country) attempt to not become another Arrested Development or Better Off Ted. The sappy endings have bothered me from the start. I understand them. But they annoy me. And I fear they're just going to get worse.Mongonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-68227843925152106212009-11-05T19:13:34.706-05:002009-11-05T19:13:34.706-05:00Forgot to mention my favorite part of the ep: Cam ...Forgot to mention my favorite part of the ep: Cam running toward Mitchell so Mitchell could hoist him up the same way he did Claire in the screen cap you used. I loved the cutaway right before the moment of impact so all we got was the noise made. Just perfect :-)deznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-86446589930373907962009-11-05T17:03:17.031-05:002009-11-05T17:03:17.031-05:00I have to keep posting to say:
ANOTHER SOLID EPISO...I have to keep posting to say:<br />ANOTHER SOLID EPISODE. Hilarious.<br />I'm incredibly grateful to be able to rewatch online. I miss SO many things.<br /><br />--Mitch and Claire BOTH dated their high school quarterbacks. CANT WAIT for more episodes on this.<br /><br />--I dont get why the hate for Claire/Phil's relationship. Theyre both very attractive, athletic people who love (already made clear) each other! And I HAVE to assume that Phil is a very smart and successful guy based on the lifestyle they seem to enjoy! <br /><br />-- The ABC's of real estate!! Brilliant!<br />THANKS FOR LETTING US COMMENT ALAN!JERRYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-53246379505160024572009-11-05T16:16:23.896-05:002009-11-05T16:16:23.896-05:00I haven't watched network sitcoms in a long ti...I haven't watched network sitcoms in a long time, so it's a shock to see how short this show is! I love the show, but the time limit makes it seem so slight. <br /><br />Here's my gratuitous wish list: <br /><br />That it move to HBO or SHO and/or go to an hour and turn into a dramedy. I love the punchlines, but there's little time left over, between commercials, to do much more than that. <br /><br />That Cam gets his own spinoff show at some point. He's comedy gold.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-92180451418251276662009-11-05T16:04:56.305-05:002009-11-05T16:04:56.305-05:00I've decided...This is now my favorite show!
...I've decided...This is now my favorite show!<br /><br />- I don't see the Michael Scott comparison to Phil. I agree Phil is dorky/goofy but I don't see the social awkwardness that Michael S. displays so often. MS is oblivious when he's offending people. I don't see Phil offending anyone. He's just kind of dopey and really wants people to like him.<br /><br />- I missed a few shows, did they ever explain what they were doing with the mock-doc? Or are we supposed to assume that what they're doing? I had the same problem with The Office, I missed a few shows at the beginning and never heard any explanation for the off-camera camera crew.<br /><br />- I never watched Arrested Development so I don't have any comparison or complaints about how the 2 shows are alike/different.DeeTVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-72994555832195681882009-11-05T15:50:28.416-05:002009-11-05T15:50:28.416-05:00Wow, Alan is getting killed on his comedy critique...Wow, Alan is getting killed on his comedy critiques today. Hang in there, buddy.<br /><br />@LA, yeah, that's probably true, or it's the creators' deliberate intent to be so saccharine, but my theory amuses me more and shelters me from the potential cold reality of the other two. Denial rules!Hatfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184680741873873714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-55341955888461239382009-11-05T15:26:44.111-05:002009-11-05T15:26:44.111-05:00100% agree with Alan's review.
My only quibb...100% agree with Alan's review. <br /><br />My only quibble is having a storyline about someone's ability to videotape people while their whole lives are being professionally filmed by the documentary crew is odd.Tyrocnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-69265679792107291732009-11-05T15:09:14.516-05:002009-11-05T15:09:14.516-05:00I'm not nearly as irritate by Phil as others a...I'm not nearly as irritate by Phil as others are. He's a goof, but he's generally a likable guy. <br />His biggest fault is he tries too hard.Indeednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-62370882928847682792009-11-05T14:33:39.118-05:002009-11-05T14:33:39.118-05:00I just like how Alex is so much smarter than her s...I just like how Alex is so much smarter than her siblings so she goes around getting them to do stupid stuff. She needs more things to do on the show.<br /><br />I absolutely loved the small, almost imperceptible in-joke of Claire wearing the "Claire and Present Danger" shirt.<br /><br />I actually think Phil is less of a goofball in this episode than in past ones. That whole talking head with Claire and how they admit they dropped the ball on Luke worked because Phil seemed so human to admit his faults as a parent. I loved his pained, "Why, Claire?!" when Jay slapped him on the back. It's clear Phil still tries to bond with the guy but just can't get through. If the writers could learn to tone down his Michael Scott-like tendencies, there wouldn't be this backlash against the character.Henrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-85340478931090922052009-11-05T14:32:11.542-05:002009-11-05T14:32:11.542-05:00I'm all for the voiceover so long as they keep...I'm all for the voiceover so long as they keep burying awesome jokes and callbacks there. Last night's was "There's nothing like that golden moment in the sun", over the part when the family gathers around Cam in his yellow shirt that makes him look like "the sun", as Mitchell said. Amazing. Didn't catch it until the second viewing, and THAT'S worth whatever else comes with the voiceovers.Amynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-7207875981764674322009-11-05T14:07:35.724-05:002009-11-05T14:07:35.724-05:00Like others, I laughed the hardest at the milkshak...Like others, I laughed the hardest at the milkshake line and the T-shirts. <br />I guess it's where my life is now, but I'm consistently laughing my ass off at The Middle. MF is good, but I just can't stomach Cougar Town.Willnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-2328424174212101122009-11-05T13:30:06.080-05:002009-11-05T13:30:06.080-05:00@Anon 1:06, I agree with you.
And for a lot of us...@Anon 1:06, I agree with you.<br /><br />And for a lot of us, The Office is not the end of be all of comedy (I know...I'm preparing for someone to shoot me). I find it amusing, but don't find it particularly warm, except PB&J. It's a show I could take or leave. <br /><br />I loved AD as well, but also thought it wasn't particularly warm. That's something MF has that I think those shows are lacking, and I like it.<br /><br />What MF does, it does really well. I'm also not really bothered by the VO's, but i wouldn't be surprised if it was note from the network. There's enough vinegar to make up for the sugary sweetness. For the most part, the show seems real to me, and that's also something I can't say for a lot of other comedies (past and present) out there.erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16186483042206438665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47355928376119820132009-11-05T13:27:53.999-05:002009-11-05T13:27:53.999-05:00But Cam kills it for me, every time, regardless of...<i>But Cam kills it for me, every time, regardless of how the episode was.</i><br /><br />Cam is my fave character in the show. I was dying watching him run around with the FILM camera. Manny and his very proper manners is a close second for fave.<br /><br />I'm going out on a limb and saying that Claire fell for Phil because of his innate sweetness. He's goofy as hell, but he's also kind, which is probably what attracted her. I'm not tired of him being a dork yet, either, and the voiceovers at the end don't bother me.<br /><br />I also really, really liked HUNG and loved AD, FWIW.deznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-76473237694839446762009-11-05T13:06:26.235-05:002009-11-05T13:06:26.235-05:00I think you're too picky Alan. You say 30 Rock...I think you're too picky Alan. You say 30 Rock has laughs but doesn't have enough emotional connection, then you complain that Modern Family has the exact opposite problem. I think both shows are fine as they are. Not every sitcom can strike the balance that The Office has. And thankfully, neither MF or 30 Rock is trying to do that.<br /><br />Have I mentioned Arrested Development in this comment yet? OK, here is the obligatory mention. Blah blah blah this show is sort of like Arrested Development blah blah blah but sort of different and not as funny blah blah bob lob law. <br /><br />(Let it go people!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-50639956511258804222009-11-05T12:58:19.171-05:002009-11-05T12:58:19.171-05:00Hatfield - I'm laying odds that the origin of ...Hatfield - I'm laying odds that the origin of the voiceovers is a note from the network.LAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04868479477550590056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-62031684175128571772009-11-05T12:57:24.837-05:002009-11-05T12:57:24.837-05:00Am I crazy, or did the whole "Luke slipping o...Am I crazy, or did the whole "Luke slipping on a slippery staircase" thing already happen in another episode?David Glasserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01927128078035245970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-86130659579405026542009-11-05T12:52:36.479-05:002009-11-05T12:52:36.479-05:00I agree with it not being a funny episode, but the...I agree with it not being a funny episode, but the voice-overs don't bother me at all, I like the sweet side of the show, it is after all about modern families, and as crazy and retarded as they may be, people still care, so there's that.Manjuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17664015554742289195noreply@blogger.com