Modern Family Review: Frank’s Wedding (Season 8 Episode 19)

The cold open of Modern Family Season 8 Episode 19 “Frank’s Wedding” is better than the whole episode of last week’s, “Five Minutes.”

Thank goodness.

Now, “Frank’s Wedding” is not a great episode, but it certainly has its moments. It’s one of those Modern Family episodes that is full exaggerated reactions and predictable outcomes but is still sweet and tender.

The Dunphy clan head to Frank’s wedding in full “Roaring 20s” apparel and when they arrive, of course, they are the only ones dressed up like extras out of The Great Gatsby. Phil fails to disclose that dressing up is optional.

Normally, the Dunphys simply roll their eyes at Phil but follow along without complaint. This time, the family gets fed up at Phil for embarrassing them once again, and for putting them in situations they don’t want to be in. They give examples, but Alex’s is the best when she mentions Phil wore stilts to her science fair.

Phil: Your exhibit was on daddy long-legs. I had no choice.

Considering the episode is called “Frank’s Wedding,” the actual wedding doesn’t dominate the episode. There is a nice moment between Frank and Phil where Frank tells him all of the pranks he has lined up for the wedding ceremony.

Phil and Frank are two peas in a pod, but Phil doesn’t want Lorraine to get annoyed with Frank the way Claire does with Phil. Both Phil and Frank decide to cool it.

But what is a wedding without puns?

Lorraine tells Claire that she loves Frank because he is fun and that Claire is one of the lucky ones too. It’s a sweet moment.

It’s not surprising that the Dunphys liven up the ceremony by incorporating the pranks Frank wanted, but it’s still funny and definitely a highlight of the episode. Straight-laced, serious Phil is just not fun.

Also not fun: Mitch and Cam’s plot.

It is the weakest of the episode because it feels stale and just isn’t very funny. It’s too bad because earlier in the season, Cam and Mitch’s plots were the best. It doesn’t help that Cam’s annoying sister, Pam, has returned.

It’s also too bad that Lily is pretty much absent again this episode. She probably has plenty of snarky things to say about Pam. Pam, by the way, has shown up unexpectedly for an indeterminable amount of time to pursue “regular people” modeling.

Ugh.

It’s the exact type of plot that just feels so ridiculous and designed specifically to create laughs. Sadly, the laughs don’t come.

It is slightly entertaining to watch how Mitch acts completely open-minded about Pam’s visit, although Cam is the one who is annoyed. Apparently, Cam wants Pam to respect him and later in the episode, it’s revealed that Pam doesn’t want to be looked at as the screw-up. She looks up to Cam.

Oh, and Pam is nine months pregnant.

And goes into labor on Cam and Mitch’s floor.

The whole situation is ridiculous, although the actual outcome of the plot is not. Cam pushes aside all of his issues with Pam because she needs his help. Family is family and Cam will always support family. By the end of the episode, it’s decided that Pam and the baby are going to live upstairs for a while.

Does this mean Pam is going to be on Modern Family more regularly? Probably not, considering Lily is Mitch and Cam’s daughter and we barely see her. So a sister no one cares about? Nah.

The other B-plot revolves around the Pritchett-Delgados. Manny is mercifully more tolerable than in previous episodes and Jay has mastered the art of saying no. He can do this because he’s nearly seventy and is allowed to.

This plot is enjoyable and definitely delivers some solid laughs. It’s also great when Jay turns out to be one big softie by the end of the episode. This can be a recycled storyline, but man, Jay just tugs at the heartstrings when he is vulnerable.

Modern Family is at its best when a final voice-over pulls everyone together and evokes emotions that have been earned. And when it’s Jay delivering it, it’s hard not to get a little misty-eyed.

Overall, “Frank’s Wedding” is a good episode with some funny and sweet moments. Modern Family is back on track to end Season 8 on a high note.

Quick Bits:

• What or who was Alex supposed to be in her 20s outfit?
• Can we please see an episode where Phil pretends he has rabies with the canned whipped cream?
• The look on Claire’s face is priceless when Phil mentions prohibition.
• Manny’s punishment for breaking curfew is that he can’t go to a David Sedaris reading–ha!
• Also, shouldn’t Jay and Gloria be happy that Manny is breaking curfew?

What did you think of this episode of Modern Family? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on ABC.

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