Modern Family: The Best and Worst of “Ringmaster Keifth” (Season 8 Episode 10)
It’s New Year’s Day on Modern Family Season 8 Episode 10, “Ringmaster Keifth,” and our favorite characters are gathered at Jay and Gloria’s. The episode does some things right and then misses the mark other ways. Check out the best and worst of “Ringmaster Keifth” and see if you agree.
The Best
Guest Stars
Fred Willard reappears as Phil’s dad, Frank, and Kelsey Grammar guests as the title character, Ringmaster Keifth, a former flame of Cam’s. Modern Family doesn’t always know what to do with guest stars but, thankfully, with these two, they do.
Frank is not only funny, but his interactions with Phil have an emotional payoff. Frank is always a welcome sight on Modern Family and so are his corny jokes.
This is the first episode we hear about Ringmaster Keifth, the former circus ringleader, who left Cam in the middle of the night without a goodbye. Apparently, he is one of the reasons why Cam has abandonment issues.
It’s fun to see Kelsey Grammar in the role, and he plays the former ringmaster with exaggerated but elegant flair. You can see why Cam was taken with him.
Cam and Mitch
Cam and Mitch are killing it this season. Their storylines have been heavily featured in each episode, and they have been really well-written and funny. “Ringmaster Keifth” is no exception.
Modern Family has been good recently about continuity, and this episode proves it again by remembering that Cam ruined Thanksgiving dinner. Cam once again destroys dinner, but thankfully, Mitch uses his “concierge” gift card to get a personal butler to bring a new pig to roast. Enter, Ringmaster Keifth.
The running jokes in the episode are the best whether it’s Mitch’s inability to pronounce “Keifth” correctly or Cam’s cow print apron, a gift from Jay and Gloria, which reads, “Cam and get it,” complete with cow bells.
Cam and Mitch’s storyline is so rewarding because they don’t fall into the same plot traps as usual. There is no fighting, no eye-rolling. If anything, Mitch is supportive of Cam and tries his best to get Cam to speak to Keifth for closure.
It’s actually great to see Mitch step in when Cam and Keifth start reminiscing about their past. We don’t see Mitch jealous often.
The Emotional Payoff
Sometimes, Modern Family tries to tug on the heartstrings, but it’s not always earned. It can be too rushed in an overstuffed episode, and, therefore, the emotional stuff doesn’t connect. But when Modern Family succeeds with tender moments, it soars.
Phil and Frank don’t ever have serious talks together; everything is a bit. Frank even told Phil in a “knock knock” joke that his grandmother had died. So, when Frank visits with a woman (Phil’s old babysitter), Phil doesn’t know how to react.
He doesn’t know if Frank always had feelings for this woman, even when Phil’s mom was around. He’s also scared that what Frank and the babysitter have is serious. So, what does Phil do? Hide, of course.
Phil is still not able to have a deep conversation with his dad, but at least he’s able to express his feelings. It is a well-timed, great scene. Modern Family deserves more of these earned moments.
Although we can always count on Phil to be the best at physical comedy and to be silly, it’s a pleasure watching Serious Phil, because it’s unexpected. He really shines in this episode.
The Worst
Jay and Gloria
Although there are some funny gags with Jay and Gloria, their story is a bore, and it doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the episode.
Mitch wants them to get their affairs in order because nothing has been updated in years, like who will raise Joe should they not be around to raise him themselves.
While discussing finances, Gloria tells Jay and Mitch that she saved up money for Manny to attend college but that it’s not in a bank. Surely, Jay must know this already and therefore, the dialogue seems expository.
Predictably, Gloria can’t remember where she hid the money.
Between the videotape Jay finds with Gloria framing him should she ever disappear, to the missing bag that Haley takes to a festival, it is all so contrived. The plot seems like filler in an otherwise solid episode.
There is a good bit with Manny at the end of the episode, but that is the only rewarding part of Jay and Gloria’s story. It’s disappointing.
Alex
Alex’s storyline this season is—surprise—that she doesn’t have one! There is an opportunity for comedy between Haley and Alex, but Modern Family dismisses it.
We also find out Alex is allergic to nuts. Character development?
Quick Bits
- Seeing Claire swilling wine just brings me joy.
- Haley calling the peacock a blue turkey is gold.
- Where is Lily? Her wry looks are severely missed.
- How can Cam not love his apron? That is such a Cam gift.
What did you think of this episode of Modern Family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on ABC.
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Nora Williamson
Nora is pop-culture obsessed and has been since she was six years old-- writing stories about going to Hollywood premieres and dating Christian Slater. Her current favorite shows include House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, The Walking Dead and black-ish. She is a sucker for TV shows with forbidden love, bad boys and of course, a Big Bad. Nora may also be the only person on the planet who loves Fear the Walking Dead.