Modern Family Review: Dead on a Rival (Season 11 Episode 12)

It turns out there’s been a Josh Gad-sized hole on Wednesday night TV, and Modern Family Season 11 Episode 12, “Dead on a Rival,” just filled it with his bear hugs and manshakes. 

Josh Gad’s Kenneth is smart, generous, affectionate (but knows how not to cross any lines), openly shows his fears—he’s everything we wish tech founders would be. His scenes are the highlight of the episode for sure, as his over-the-top performance complements the Dunphy family so well. 

At first, it does seem a bit random to introduce his character out of nowhere as someone who’s considered Phil a rock and a mentor—but, in a way, it’s not random at all. For as charismatic and caring as Phil is, it makes total sense that he’s been a source of inspiration and guidance to someone (and probably so many others). 

While the Kenneth storyline stands out mainly because of Gad’s captivating on-screen presence, it doesn’t totally overshadow the rest of the episode, which goes to show how strong the episode is as a whole—even if the scenes don’t necessarily connect. 

The Delgado-Prichett family escapades are great fun, with Manny’s one-man show being simultaneously terrible and, dare I say, poignant. And Benjamin Bratt is always a welcome guest star as Gloria’s ex/Manny’s dad. 

But it’s Gloria and her youngest son, Joe, who reign supreme with their fiery comebacks and same-wavelength interactions. A cute kid who can hold his own against [appropriate] adult humor is always welcome in my book.

Manny: Please stop taking hot shots at his expense. 

Gloria: Hot shots are the only thing we can take at his expense. 

Manny: I mean it, Mom. You’ve even poisoned Joe.

Joe: You mean with her cookies? 

Gloria: Hey, we’re only making fun of Javier. 

I know child labor laws prevent young actors from working so many hours and the writers are trying to accommodate a large main cast, but let’s get this kid some more screen time, am I right?

When considering the rest of the episode, I’m reminded that Modern Family is not The Good Place. What I mean is that it’s not here to teach us ethics and philosophy and morals.

You’re not going to leave the episode with some profound ideas about the world/afterlife or a desire to look up Immanuel Kant at your local library.

As a true sitcom, Modern Family‘s purpose is to entertain—to make us laugh and forget about our problems for 30 minutes (or 22 if watching on Hulu the next day, as so many of us do). And so we’re presented with situations where lessons include taking the low road or “hiring the hot one.”

While I wouldn’t suggest putting laxatives in my peanut butter at work or sending religious groups to a childhood enemy’s house or making a hiring decision based on someone’s attractiveness, this kind of pettiness does make for entertaining TV. 

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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