"The One That Got Away" Or Did It?

Hi Guys! Last night was the season finale of Modern Family.  This episode, entitled “The One That Got Away”, utilizes contradictions by characters in the show to make comments about how lucky some families are without knowing it.

“The One That Got Away” focuses on the actions surrounding Jay’s birthday party.  As Phil and Gloria are shopping for the party, Phil runs into his college nemesis, Glenn Whipple.  He tries to one-up him by acting as if Gloria is his wife.  He then realizes that Glenn really liked Claire instead and was jealous when thinking that Phil would end up with Gloria.  While trying to one-up his nemesis, Phil forgot how lucky he was to have Claire.  The writers used this example to show how some people believe that they need to have a better family in order to be perfect, while in fact their family is closer to perfect as is.

The next contradiction comes with Jay saying that all he wants for his birthday is a relaxing, peaceful, quiet day of fishing on the lake.  Jay’s birthday turns out to be anything but peaceful when shenanigans ensue and Jay needs to help his family.  The party ends up being a little lack luster until Manny surprises Jay with his gift.  Manny gives Jay a night of “fishing” in the family pool.  Even though this is not what Jay originally wanted, he accepts the gift graciously and notices once again how lucky he is to have his family around him.  The viewers of Modern Family know that times with family can be hectic and all we may wish for is some peace and quiet.  The writers remind us that although we may want peace and quiet, these times with family are precious and we can find as much, if not more joy when we are with our family than without them.

The last and possibly most important contradiction in the episode comes from Cam and Mitchell.  In the beginning of the episode, the couple cannot believe why they ever wanted a child.  This sentiment occurs when Cam and Mitchell have a hard time getting Lily ready in the morning because she is being fussy.  After realizing how special children are and the importance of having a sibling, Cam and Mitchell decide that they want to have another child.  This contradiction is meant especially for the viewers that are parents.  Modern Family explains that it is normal to question your reasons behind wanting children every once in awhile, but that it is hard to escape the fact that having children was probably the right decision for you. 

“The One That Got Away” can be seen as a contradiction in itself.  In each scenario there is a moment when the character thinks that things could have gone better if the events went differently.  In fact, Modern Family tells us the opposite and states that we are lucky to have our family around us to support us and share our lives with.   I really enjoyed this episode and recommend it to anyone that hasn’t seen it yet!