Modern Family Review: Slow Down, Your Neighbors

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Modern Family kicked off 2011 with an unbelievable episode. Sadly, I don't mean that in a good way.

On "Slow Down Your Neighbors," multiple characters acted in ways that were more outlandish than laugh-out-loud funny.

A Teaching Moment

[Photo: ABC]

This show works so well because it typically takes basic situations and sprinkles in the unusual, hilarious tics of various individuals. But Claire driving around like a crazy person? Mitchell and Cam dealing with a drifter actually living in their daughter's dollhouse?

These premises were too over-the-top for my taste. One of them was also wildly inconsistent: In one of the more grounded episodes of the season ("Chirp"), didn't Phil lament that it had been a bad month for real estate? Now, we're expected to believe he's competing for Salesman of the Quarter?

Fortunately, Luke was around to save many scenes. Easily the MVP of the half hour, he shook his head over the indifference of the police; got excited over "laser falcons;" and introduced us to the world's best teacher.

There were other memorable Modern Family quotes, as well. The show is never a complete dud. A few of our favorites are listed here:

Phil: Oh yeah, everybody loves Michael Jordan, but nobody thinks of Scottie Pippin. The only reason I remember him is because he's named after my favorite musical. | permalink
Jay [to Gloria]: There's no reason you should stay upright, but it just works. | permalink
Phil: Luke, I am your father. That's what I said to you when you were coming out of your mom's lady parts. | permalink
Phil: She has to run everyday or she goes crazy, she's like a Border Collie.
Claire: Did you just compare me to a dog?!?
Phil: The smartest in the world! | permalink
Phil: I called the florist and order one dozen Mylar balloons. Good luck staying mad, honey! | permalink

Slow Down Your Neighbors Review

Editor Rating: 3.4 / 5.0
  • 3.4 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (40 Votes)

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.

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Modern Family Season 2 Episode 11 Quotes

Phil: She has to run everyday or she goes crazy, she's like a Border Collie.
Claire: Did you just compare me to a dog?!?
Phil: The smartest in the world!

Cam: There's a stranger in our hot tub.
Mitchell: Who is it?
Cam: You do know what stranger means, don't you?