Modern Family Review: The Last Thanksgiving (Season 11 Episode 7)
With the help of her siblings, Haley attempts to cook Thanksgiving for the whole fam on Modern Family Season 11 Episode 7, “The Last Thanksgiving.”
Haley reminds us that kindhearted Claire hasn’t been totally erased this season—as she and Phil have been helping their daughter with midnight feedings and bedtime stories.
Even though there are running themes of splitting up and purposely injuring others (some instances more well-intentioned than others; more on the “others” later), the episode is, altogether, warm and delightful.
In other reminders, this episode spotlights the huge generational gap between Jay’s children. Both Claire and Mitch say a version of “You sound like my dad” to Joe, who reminds them that they’re half-siblings with the same snarky retort: “Our dad.”
Can you imagine being a great uncle before you’re even ten years old? Joe’s scenes, albeit short, are a fun peek into his dynamic with other family members outside his nuclear unit (something I’ve been wanting to see more of).
If I’m not mistaken, this is the first episode of the season where we’ve gotten to see the entire family* under one roof—so, by nature, we’re given some more interactions between family members we haven’t gotten to see together as frequently.
*Except for Lily
I appreciate the softening of Jay’s character a bit more this season, especially through his scenes with Phil during this episode. One wouldn’t think to draw parallels between two polar opposite characters—Jay and Phil—but they’re able to find common ground in their love for their daughters.
For Phil, it’s not just Haley, but Alex, too. Not to condone violence, but go Phil for getting that jerk of a chef out of the house!
In a cheeky end scene, we add another generation to the comparison, as Dylan asserts his protectiveness over Poppy when Luke makes a snide comment about his niece. It even puts a new spin on Jay’s name for Dylan (“New Phil”) from Modern Family Season 11 Episode 6, “A Game of Chicken,” paralleling the father-and-son-in-law relationship.
This is what I hope we’ll see continue throughout the final season: establishing new familial relationships, showcasing the lesser featured dynamics a little more, and redefining what this modern family means as a whole and within smaller units.
A few additional thoughts:
- On par with the season so far, the show just casually brings up a serious issue: Manny’s abuse at the hands of his girlfriend (something that will likely not be brought up again—as storyline continuity is also not big this season), only to discourage Claire from taking a job? Not an okay comparison, guys.
- Claire’s declaration, “I’m not good at doing nothing,” is entirely too relatable.
- I would have preferred more family interactions to the friends-choosing-sides-in-the-fake-divorce storyline. Nothing wrong with it, per se—I just don’t think it added much to the episode.
- Not outwardly displaying emotions doesn’t mean someone doesn’t feel them! Poor Mitch.
What did you think of this episode of Modern Family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on ABC.
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Kaitlin Willow
Kaitlin is an aspiring novelist who works in digital marketing. When she's not writing, you can find her snuggled on the couch with her poodle-terrier mix Benny—either reading a book or rewatching New Girl for the 17th time.