Modern Family Review: Perfect Pairs (Season 11 Episode 3)
What are families for if not for using each other when you need help?
Each of the Dunphys takes a turn babysitting Haley and Dylan’s twins to further their own agenda in Modern Family Season 11 Episode 3, “Perfect Pairs.” It’s creative, but not quite laugh-out-loud funny.
We’ve seen iterations of this scenario in TV and movies before—borrowing someone else’s baby or puppy for a selfish reason. Props to Modern Family for using this trope for something other than a guy picking up women at a park or mall.
For Claire’s turn with the kids, I don’t get why she decides to pretend the twins are hers during the mommy-and-me yoga class. I’m sure Cheryl McCray would still respect her as a busy grandma spending time with her grandkids.
Assuming their after-class lunch went well, the truth is going to come out eventually. Maybe that’s a plot point for a future episode.
Moving on to other things we don’t understand… anyone else not sure what to make of Luke’s new girlfriend, Janice?
So far, we’ve only seen her pulling a Winnie the Pooh (shirt, no bottoms) during the most awkward (and, yet, weirdly normal) interaction with Claire. Sure, the family is a little more progressive (dare I say, modern?) than the average family, but this was odd.
This episode, she’s only mentioned as Luke’s reason to buy wine underage—and I assume he’s successful in this. Side note: wouldn’t it be way easier to just ask one of your siblings, Luke?
Perhaps, your potential space-exploring sister? Thank you, writers, for giving our girl Alex some hope with a potential NASA job! This is the kind of win we’ve been hoping for this season. Let’s hope—given all the trouble she goes through to apply—that this wasn’t a one-off mention.
And thank you for answering my lifelong question of whether or not babies count toward the “two or more persons per vehicle” carpool requirement. FYI: I did some light research on this, and it seems having no age limit is the norm for carpool lanes.
The episode also gives us the ~magic~ that is Phil doing magic.
It’s so on brand for his character and one of the better running motifs throughout the whole series. I appreciate that he gets to excel at it this instead of resorting to making it an embarrassing gag (well, except for that one mishap).
What I love even more is how supportive the realtor community is of his magic show. Also, who knew realtors had so much fun? Banquets, dedicated bars where talented realtors get free drinks, talent shows of some sort?
And, while Phil isn’t entirely upfront about using the babies for his own personal gain (he does admit it, but only after trying to guilt Haley with the usual parental tactic), at least his babysitting turn benefits a whole audience of people and not just himself.
Speaking of babysitting… Considering no one is ever available to watch the twins for them, why do Haley or Dylan need a hidden camera on their baby’s person?
How did they have the foresight to plant a camera before these spur-of-the-moment baby handoffs? And is this the new nanny cam?
Additional Thoughts:
- Was that Christopher Gorham (aka the adorable Henry from Ugly Betty) playing Cam and Mitch’s new tenant?
- “You’re only as happy as your least happy child” seems like solid advice, Jay.
- If Janice is going to stick around, let’s get to know her a little bit.
And I’ll just leave you with this gem for good measure:
What did you think of this episode of Modern Family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on ABC.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Kaitlin Willow
Kaitlin is an aspiring novelist who works in digital marketing. When she's not writing, you can find her snuggled on the couch with her poodle-terrier mix Benny—either reading a book or rewatching New Girl for the 17th time.