There are several issues running through tonight's installment of this award winning series about three families that are connected in strange ways with one another, or what passes for normal family units these days.
Claire cannot comprehend why Alex is refusing to get a nice dress for an upcoming wedding. However much she tries, Claire feels she is not getting through to her middle child. It takes a hint to Gloria to get things going. Gloria decides to take her step granddaughter shopping. Things go better than expected as the much older Gloria finds common ground to Alex as they talk openly about almost everything.
Phil has always tried to be closer to Jay, his father-in-law without much success. He knows how the older man loves to go out to fly his precious airplanes. Phil feels honored when Jay invites him along to the field where he runs the small aircraft. After all, Phil, who always tries too hard to have Jay like him, feels he has finally gotten some recognition. Unfortunately, everything goes wrong when Jay asks Phil to hold a hoop high as he directs the plane to fly through it. Instead, the thing lands on Phil's nose, almost breaking it.
Cameron has been trying to get Mitchell, whom he feels is a snob, to go to Cotsco where great prices come at a much lower prices. The only problem is that in order to save, products must be bought in large sizes, something Mitch does not like, but being inside the store changes everything. Mitch finds great bargains he always wanted to have at a fraction of what he would normally pay. That includes Lily's diapers, which Mitch finds are a bargain in comparison to other places. He decides to take four cartons and maybe build a shed to house them.
Manny comes to Claire where he has come for a visit. He likes his step- sister's cookies and he lets her know about it. Claire hates the idea of being a "step" sister, which she believes does not describe her relationship toward the boy. Manny does not bat an eye when he confesses most of the kids in his school are of this variety.
When Jay brings the injured Phil home, he has his son-in-law lay on the sofa. Trying to be friendly, and caring, has Phil put his head on his lap. Cam and Mitch arriving at this moment are surprised of the sudden peaceful scene. Cam, who is in the same situation with Jay, decides to sit on the old man's lap, and Manny joins in.
Directed by Reginal Hudlin, and written by Dan O'Shannon, the episode follows the pattern of the show brilliantly. All of the regulars have a chance to shine, as it is the case here where everyone is involved in one form, or another, resulting in a delightful half hour of fun.
6 out of 8 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
