It is a nice relief for Modern Family to eschew a Halloween special for its last October episode (the next one airs in two weeks, on Nov. 13). The three plots this week are all developed and full with interesting twists. With this episode, from director Jim Hensz and screenwriter Danny Zuker, the show begins returning to some of the its strengths: sharp to-the-camera confessionals, wryly performed misunderstandings full of double entendres and an atmosphere where the characters are not constantly aiming to snipe at each other.
Both the pacing of the jokes and the nimbleness of the camera are quicker this week and seem to be naturally in harmony with each other. This is Hensz’s second episode (after season four’s “Career Day”) and he knows how to set up a joke, frame a sequence and find the priceless reaction shot. The show’s highlight is another misunderstanding that turns out to be comic gold. The date that Frank meets turns out to have a rather, well, sultry identity and Claire mistakes her for the therapist she wanted Frank to see. Between Claire’s nervous energy and Phil and the other woman’s embarrassed reaction, the scene works wonderfully.
Another welcome touch is the guest stars that make their mark in their respective storylines without racking too much focus (like, say, Dana Powell as Cam’s sister two weeks ago). Nathan Lane has a theatricality in each performance he gives, but despite his character’s more flamboyant intentions here, he does not become overbearing – nor does his partner, Ronaldo, who actor Christian Barillas gives a spice that manages to go just right with Pepper Saltzman (oh, that name!) Moreover, Adam DeVine is a real catch, a delightfully buoyant entry into the normally conniving Pritchett household. Let us hope he becomes a recurring character and not just a one-episode wonder. Both Fred Willard and Peri Gilpin, wry and sexy as the uninvited guest into the Dunphy household, also sell their character’s anxieties without relying too much on mugging.
Peppered with spicy one-liners, some terrific guest stars and one of the best misunderstandings in Modern Family history (which features the superb comic timing of Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell, the show’s power couple), The Help is a much-needed boost to the show’s inconsistent fifth season. Enjoy it while it lasts. In three weeks, we have an odd-numbered episode that is probably going to suck.
