One of the things that I love about Modern Family is that every episode is funny throughout, but they always build towards a hilarious climax that’s unrivaled in TV right now. “Truth Be Told” was a prime example of that, the show slowly building, as if it was raising its grade throughout. It’s another episode where the three families are completely separate (until the very end), but each plot worked extraordinarily well.
We’ll start with my favorite, the Dunphys. A couple things are going on, with Luke finally getting a good burn on a dumbfounded Alex, Phil reconnecting innocently through Facebook with an ex, Denise (the always great Judy Greer), and Claire being jealous about that, thinking Denise’s intentions are far from innocent. All three weave together as Alex tells Luke that Denise is his real mother, Denise really does want Phil to come to her hotel, and Claire backs off, thinking it all innocent. The incredible blocking of Phil avoiding Denise behind Claire’s back in the kitchen was one of the funniest bits of physical comedy I’ve seen on any show in recent years. It was a great sequence, made all the more better by three actors with incredible comedic instincts.
Over in the Mitchell and Cameron household, Mitchell was struggling with being constantly called into work and missing out on Lily’s growth. He gets especially nervous when he complains about his boss on speakerphone with the windows open at a light next to his boss. Ouch. He and Cam try to recreate the moment at the light, in one of the funnier bits of the night (“A little bit louder now!”), but Mitchell can’t take it anymore and quits his job. He and Cam celebrate at first, then panic, as their source of income is now gone. But things will get better, and they’ll be okay. In the meantime, we’ll inevitably get to see some hilarious panicking.
Lastly, there was Pritchett house, where Manny was lamenting his unsuccessful audition to play Teyve in Fiddler on the Roof (I’ve seen Fiddler dozens of times, but I’d be first in line to see that show). Jay tries cheering him up with an inspirational poster saying “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Of course, when he attempts to hang it up, it falls on Manny’s turtle tank, breaking lamps, and killing his turtle Shel Turtlestein (best turtle name ever!). Rather than own up to it, and risk losing the rapport he’s gained with Manny, he fakes the scene and claims a raccoon came in and attacked the turtle. Gloria figures it out right away, and pressures Jay to tell Manny the truth, but he can’t bring himself to do it during a memorial service for the turtle, instead revealing the truth that night. Manny already knows, and it turns out he had a secret of his own, having scratched Jay’s car. So all’s even, (dead turtle = scratch on car) and things go back to being normal.
All in all, it was an episode that didn’t miss a beat. Like I said, the three households were separated this episode, but it didn’t matter. Every plot was played perfectly, every little joke hitting the mark. Modern Family is justifiably the best new comedy of the year, and is currently tied in my mind with Parks and Rec as the best comedy on TV. This is what a good comedy should be.
Other Notes:
- Phil auditioned as a break dancer for Star Search under the name “O-Zone!”
- Other pet names: Flyza Minnelli and Zsa Zsa Gaboa. How did Jay not know Mitchell was gay?
- “Go around — we’re recreating a faux pas!”
- “I need the ID to make the elevator go down … to freedom!”
Michael’s Score: 98
Tangled Up In Wires Grade: A+
Michael
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