Modern Family Review: Spuds (Season 11 Episode 14)

There comes a time in every parent’s life when they realize their kid might be a sociopath. No? That’s not a thing?

Regardless, this suspicion that Haley and Dylan have set up for us leads to a hearty dose of nostalgia on Modern Family Season 11 Episode 14, “Spuds.” 

With so few episodes left of the series, the flashbacks definitely serve as a bit of audience pandering. We’re reminded of some of the goofy, heartwarming, and downright strange reasons we fell in love with these family members in the first place.

It’s this bit of pandering that redeems the slow-to-start episode.

How special is it for Haley to have all the parents in her family offering (solicited and welcomed) advice to help her and Dylan realize they’re doing just fine?

One of the best things about this whole family is their willingness to let each other fail — coupled with an even bigger willingness to help each other up if and when they do.

And maybe the ability to forgive and enjoy a nice family meal after getting stood up via lame excuses without much of a scene. 

Family bonding aside, let’s get back to the past, where the heart of this episode lives. Through a number of anecdotes, Haley and Dylan receive the following advice (and we get a taste of what we’re about to say goodbye to in a few weeks): 

Cam: You can read so much about how to parent, you miss out on being one.

Claire: Kids get bonked all the time. Do you know how many tumbles Luke took?

Phil: Haley, you kinda want your kids to get knocked around a little. It toughens them up for things that we all go through in adulthood.

These lessons are perfectly illustrated through memorable (and a few since-forgotten, but no less enjoyable) early-season scenes: Luke running straight through the back door, Haley going through her first breakup, the three Dunphy kids walking in on their parents getting it on, etc.

But, perhaps, nothing quite makes you realize the impact Modern Family has had on your Wednesday nights over the last decade than the flashback of a not-yet-talking baby Lily, contrasted against the present-day pre-teen on her first date.

We’ve been through a lot with this family. 

And in the end, we bring it back to the present with a glimpse of what could be to come for the Pritchett siblings.

Just as Claire and Phil prepare for life as empty-nesters, Cam and Mitch consider a new addition to theirs. After all — they must be doing something right with their first kid, to be thanked for interfering with her first date. 

Other Thoughts:

• Will a clip from your favorite episode be shown in another flashback?
• Do you think Cam and Mitch will end up adopting another baby?
• Are Phil and Claire going to embark on a cross-country road trip in the RV?
• Will the remaining Dunphy kids (and Dylan and grandkids) move out on their own? 
• Is Alex still living the swanky life at The Prescott?

 

What did you think of this episode of Modern Family, and — more importantly — what do you think is coming in the show’s final episodes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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