The Day Alex Left for College

If you've watched this show since the beginning, it doesn't take much to realize that this show gets better and better with each passing season, or even; episode. The show succeeds at the situational comedy and the brilliant writing, due to the cast's unpalatable chemistry, through season 1, all the way to season 6, we feel like we're watching an actual family. I'm writing this review at a time when the second episode of the seventh season hasn't come out yet, but I know it's going to be great, this show has the best chemistry since Breaking Bad. That was a joke regarding the cast's ability to get along together, and the fact that Breaking Bad also had great characters, and great scientific explanations, specifically; chemistry. It's funny I mention Breaking Bad, because Bryan Cranston directed 2 episodes of Modern Family; Election Day (2012) and The Old Man and The Tree (2013). Anyway, I stray too much, so anyway; WATCH THIS SHOW!

After the applaudable attempt of "Summer Lovin'" to start the seventh season off, things get back on track with a fresh episode here, however while the main storyline of Lily's soccer game and the gang's attempt at getting out of it is a fun time, the two side plots of Haley taking Alex to college and Phil taking Luke to an unsellable house is undone in Ariel Winter's Alex and Nolan Gould's Luke, with both characters being severely unlikeable here making their scenes a chore. Credit is due to Sarah Hyland but mostly Ty Burrell in bringing heart to the scenes, with Phil's recounting of his days at his father's work poignant, Burrell a true standout in the role of Phil as the emotional centre of the family. While shaky in the side plots, "The Day Alex Left for College" sticks the landing for an emotional close and a adequate episode.