Modern Family Season 10 Episode 1 Review: I Love a Parade

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On Modern Family Season 10 Episode 1, it's the 4th of July, which is a weird choice for a September premiere, but maybe it was a good way to gel the family's dynamics back together. Question mark?

It's weird to watch a show centered around the 4th when it's not anywhere near the 4th, and we're not watching a re-run. While this was a strange choice for the setting of the premiere, it did have the feel of a family that was missing on Modern Family Season 9.

Grand Marshal - Modern Family

Maybe that was the goal. It was a way to get the band back together. In any case, we'll go with it.

We're back with the couples on the couch which is where the characters pitch some of their funniest lines. 

Also noticeable was the relationship between Jay and Gloria which was light and fun. Although Gloria was pretty dumb with shooting off the cannon at the parade, Jay was back to his confident self, and Gloria wasn't mean. 

Hey. You there? We're having some trouble getting these bad boys down.

Phil

That means we're off to a good start.

The storyline included just about everybody, including the elusive Lily. Even though she was mean, it wasn't surprising. They've got to give her character something, so she's the sarcastic, mean girl using insults to motivate.

Joe Holds his Ears - Modern Family Season 10 Episode 1

Considering she used to threaten to kill any baby Mitch and Cam brought home and stayed up to bust the tooth fairy; it fits her.

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Speaking of a new baby, it looks like Cal is it. Why would they need to adopt another baby when they can raise Cam's sister's kid while she's in the slammer? The couple gets another child without the added pain and drama of trying to adopt.

A little one is good for Mitch and Cam, so Cal should bring more excitement to their household, and give them more exciting storylines. Nice move.

The biggest issue with last season was the whole family dynamic. Ever since the Dunphy kids, Lily, and Manny all grew up, the show had a hard time with its flow.

But if you're always telling yourself how lucky you are, it's probably because you're afraid to ask yourself how happy you are. Right?

Dylan

There was little consistency between characters; it seemed like the parents didn't know what to do with themselves, and the grown kids were all over the place. It was not a good thing.

Maybe that happens when the kids grow, and the adults get lost in "What the hell do we do now?" mode. That may have been what they were trying to convey on Modern Family Season 9. Maybe it happened organically.

Claire and Jay at the Parade - Modern Family Season 10 Episode 1

However it happened, it was not working, and Modern Family suffered.

It looks like they've recognized that, and so are focusing on the families again by bringing everyone back together.

Related: Modern Family Killing Off 'Significant Character'

Less drama, more funny stuff. This show is a comedy, people.

Can you scratch my nose? I feel like you're closer.

Claire

The funny stuff is off to a good start. There was more than one laugh-out-loud moment and some great one-liners that didn't feel forced.

Claire was more chill than usual, and Phil was Phil. He's been the one constant on the show. No matter what happens, Phil is Phil, and we love him for that.

He's all about his kids, full of solid dad advice, and a comedic breath of fresh air.

Jay and Gloria Prep for the Parade - Modern Family Season 10 Episode 1

I have to say that I don't know if I can handle any more of Haley's break-ups. She's not happy with Arvin, and if things go where I think they're going, she might end up back with Dylan.

Phil would be over the moon, and even though Claire hated the pairing in the past, she probably wouldn't mind this time.

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Dylan's getting his life together. He's still a bit of a doofus, but they smartened him up a bit. He's making his way in his life just like Haley is making her way in hers. Maybe it is a good time for them to get together. It would be nice to see her happy again.

Amazing news. The Grand Marshall in today's parade just got #MeToo'd, and they need me to fill in.

Jay

Whatever threw off Modern Family in the past seems to have passed. It may be too soon to tell, but this episode shows the storylines may be back on track.

We are going to need a solid Modern Family base because the show already revealed they're going to be dealing with some serious issues this season. The families need to be strong to be able to weather the coming storms.

How they're going to address weightier issues while keeping the show light remains to be seen. Hopefully, they can pull it off.

Over to you, Modern Family fanatics. Did you think it was strange to open with a July 4th episode? Do you feel like the show is back on a family track? Did you notice Gloria and Claire were less mean? Hit the comments and let us know what you think.

Did you miss tonight's Modern Family, or do you need to catch up? You can watch Modern Family online right here at TV Fanatic.

While you're here, catch up on all your favorites, and join in the conversations about all things TV with other fanatics who love TV as much as you do.

I Love a Parade Review

Editor Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
  • 3.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (62 Votes)

Kim Russell was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in January 2019.

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Modern Family Season 10 Episode 1 Quotes

Amazing news. The Grand Marshall in today's parade just got #MeToo'd, and they need me to fill in.

Jay

Can you scratch my nose? I feel like you're closer.

Claire