Modern Family Review: Alone Time (Season 8 Episode 21)

Modern Family Season 8 Episode 21, “Alone Time,” has some tender moments, plenty of laughs, and unlikely character pairings, all of which makes it a very successful episode.

Considering the dreadfulness of “All Things Being Equal,” this episode is a solid lead-up to the Season 8 finale.

There is always too much going on in any given episode of Modern Family; however, “Alone Time” cuts through some of the garbage and gives us two funny storylines. But “Alone Time” is far from perfect with some truly unintended cringeworthy moments.

Phil and Claire celebrate an empty house with a “pre-recorded seduction” from Phil. It’s just as dorky and as un-sexy as you’d expect, but how great is it to see how much Claire is embracing it?

For such a long time, it seemed like Claire only tolerated Phil and if she hadn’t been pregnant with Haley, who knows if they’d still be together. Season 8 though, has shown a more united front between Claire and Phil.

It’s hilarious to see them both run away from home after their kids destroy their planned evening. They have an honest conversation about how they thought their lives at their age would be different. As much as we love to see Phil act silly or Claire be neurotic, it’s refreshing to see them both as relatable people without the shtick.

What didn’t work with the Dunphy storyline is the return of Dylan. So…he’s married and has step-kids? And this causes Haley to lose it?

Haley isn’t that much older than Alex. She has to be about twenty-two or twenty-three? Why is she freaking out about Dylan being her back-up? The writers of Modern Family actually have no idea what to do with Haley or Alex.

Haley started Season 8 with her own online business, but then Rainer was introduced and bye-bye business. Rainer was then dismissed so now Haley thinks she’s going to be alone forever because Dylan has moved on?

Ridiculous.

Alex’s big contribution to “Alone Time” is sticking a pen cap up her nose. So, there’s that.

The best storyline of “Alone Time” belongs to Jay and Mitch. They are an unlikely pairing because we don’t see too many one-on-one plots with just Mitch and Jay.

Mitch tells Jay that he is desperate to get away for just one night so that he can get a massage, read a book, and eat a steak. But Cam is too needy for that to happen. But alas, a wounded Cam tells Mitch that he should go.

Of course, Jay shows up at the same hotel because Mitch had painted such a relaxing picture.

There are some very funny bits as Jay and Mitch try to avoid one another. They have a more contentious relationship, so there is always the possibility of things going south.

Eventually, they do end up sitting together at the hotel restaurant and Jay and Mitch realize though that they are both turning into one another as they grow older. We have seen how Jay and Claire are alike but we haven’t seen this much with Mitch and Jay.

It is an earned realization which also makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s moments like this that make Modern Family worth watching deep into the tired Season 8.

Lastly, Cam can’t be on his own for one night, so he drops in on Gloria, Manny, and Joe. The unlikely pairing here has potential to be funny but it’s all pretty forgettable as Gloria has the flu, Joe’s superhero cape is damaged, and Manny is studying with a pretty girl.

There are a couple of laughs, but really, anything to do with Manny is just annoying.

How awkward is it when the girl agrees to go out with Manny as she wears one of Gloria’s dresses? It’s all wrong and then Manny makes a comment about having to go to therapy. Manny’s mommy issues are creepy.

There is a sweet moment though between Cam and Joe which nearly redeems the plot.

Overall, “Alone Time” is a very good episode. It’s enjoyable and has some very funny moments as well as those tender bits that made Modern Family must-see TV in the past. Why can’t we have more episodes like this?

Quick Bits:

• It’s just been announced that Modern Family has been renewed for two more seasons. Thoughts?
• I know Alex doesn’t have anything to do but her biting lines are some of my favorites.
  

  Luke: It’s for an epic senior prank.

  Alex: Don’t make it too epic. How will you top it next year?

• Even though Phil seems like Dad of the Year, it’s hilarious when he has those sobering moments like, “We planned for Luke. But we didn’t plan for Luke.”

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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