Let’s be real: Modern Family lost its spark seasons ago.
Sure, there have been a few funny episodes here and there, but for the most part, the shine is off the apple. But there is still one character who continues to entertain: Haley Dunphy.
While the rest of her family seems stuck in the mud, Haley continues to grow. She has a real career and now — spoiler alert — she’s pregnant! And with non-other than Dylan, by the way. Sarah Hyland (Haley) and Reid Ewing (Dylan) have always had a great chemistry together since season 1. And although I terrible miss Andy, Dylan is really the perfect match for Haley.
With Haley’s brand-new life underway, it really feels like the perfect time for her character to break up and start a chapter of her own. Black-ish did it last year with the amazing Yara Shahidi and her new show Grown-ish and it’s been a massive success. Isn’t it time ABC gave it a go with Sarah Hyland at the helm?
As for the rest of the Pritchett/Dunphy family, it definitely feels like their time in the sun has ended. Although the creator Steven Levitan originally planned to end the show after its current season (season 10), there are still whispers of a possible 11th season.
But, frankly, in 2018, Modern Family makes little sense. When it first started, the show was considered groundbreaking. A gay couple, a mixed marriage between an older white man and a vibrant Columbian woman, and an adopted baby were all elements that made critics take a second look at the show to begin with.
But now, all of those things seem like old news. Perhaps the most dated part of the show is Mitch and Cam. It’s no longer revolutionary to see a gay couple onscreen together, let alone a gay couple who never kisses! (C’mon, it’s 2018 and they can’t even have a gay couple embrace? Lame.).
And worst of all, Modern Family has not only lost its sense of relevancy but also its sense of humor. When did they last air an episode that made you laugh out loud? I can remember moments early on that felt genius. Phil jumping on top of their station wagon as it rolls off into the abyss? Amazing. Claire yelling at cars to “slow down your neighbors”? Brilliant. I dare you to name even a single episode from last season that made you laugh just as much.
It’s truly time to say goodbye to the Dunphy family, but I’ll never be ready to say goodbye to Haley. Between Sarah Hyland’s charm and the character’s continued metamorphosis, Haley Dunphy could easily have a future of her own on TV. The question will be, will ABC give her the chance?
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Photo: ABC/John Fleenor
