Modern Family Review: Paris (Season 11 Episode 13)
The first of the show’s final five episodes, Modern Family Season 11 Episode 13, “Paris,” is also the last family vacation of the series. And it’s lovely, but a bit farfetched.
Aside from Manny—whose soul is truly older than any of the adults’ real ages—it’s just the older adults on this trip across the world. A trip whose purpose just feels like an excuse to place the family in Paris.
Unfortunately, Jay’s award is easily the least compelling storyline of the episode. It feels like a stretch that Manny would have been the one responsible for booking the entire trip, no questions asked, and that there are no issues with hotel reservations or any other trip logistics.
Perhaps even more of a stretch is Clarie’s rendezvous with Guy—a.k.a. the French version of Phil—whose name I first heard as “Gil,” which felt clever. Clearly, Claire has a type.
But, I find it hard to believe that, in the age of technology, a man blindly shows up at a café to meet a woman he hasn’t seen in 30 years, without having at least Googled her first.
JULIE BOWEN
Suspending disbelief, however, the moments are sweet. What could have easily turned into a jealous-husband versus ambitious-ex-lover scenario is perfectly tame and sweet. And the promise of another 30-year rendezvous between Guy and Phil doesn’t feel like a forced play.
Don’t worry—even though we’re in the most romantic city in the world on Valentine’s Day, extramarital romance (or intramarital, for that matter) is not in the air. Claire’s one-liner is sure to resonate with some long-married viewers.
Claire: I’m a married woman. There will be no romance on this trip.
Well, there is a bit of romance for Cam and Mitch, on the other hand. But it’s their separate, very contrasting journeys that make for more compelling TV.
While Cam is off trying to stand out as much as possible, Mitch’s solo adventure involves blending in: masquerading as a Parisian. I’m just torn on whether his grunts and nods are problematic or amusing.
Mitch: “All I had to do was look good and have a lot of attitude. Paris was like one big gay bar.”
Are we feeding the stereotype that Parisians are rude and don’t like Americans (lots of assumptions about cheeseburgers), or is this just a silly take? Still undecided.
However, on a fun note: I do think Parisians have a sixth sense for identifying Americans instantly. My friend and I were made before speaking when we visited Paris for a day as well. And I had even bought new clothes beforehand so I wouldn’t look like a tourist—guess Mitch did a better job than I had.
In the end, Jay celebrates his career and his family, Cam gets to fulfill his dream of being Fizbo in Paris, and the couples are happy and well—making this one of the more “normal” family vacations of the series.
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.
One thought on “Modern Family Review: Paris (Season 11 Episode 13)”
Modern family has sucked a lot I use to love this show but not anymore. Not speaking of how selfish and annoying Cam became was hoping he was the one to die and not DeeDee. Here’s hoping Mitch divorces him at the end of the season . Manny oh talentless unhealthy manny it’s awful just awful . Haley was doing so well then they made her dumb and aloof again and brought back Dylan which is even more annoying when we all know her and Andy were meant to be together .
Comments are closed.