Modern Family

When I was first recommended Modern Family, I assumed it was nothing more than a generic, Network friendly sitcom with predictable laughter cues, inoffensive dialogue and a schmaltzy conclusion to each episode.

Only one of those was correct.

A first-time viewer of Modern Family would be right in thinking the show was indeed all of the above. It has a gloss to it, a certain polish that only seems to accompany big-budget Primetime Network programmes, and when you realise this particular production was owned by 20th Century Fox, you immediately understand why it looks the way it does.

But arguably Modern Family's greatest asset is its ability to disguise itself as a by the numbers entry, whereas underneath the surface lies a fantastic ensemble cast, a group of characters that bounce off one another with veritable ease, and in amongst that family of comic actors lives arguably the best comedy character on television.

Phil Dunphy, played by Ty Burrell (of Dawn of the Dead remake fame), is a masterfully idiotic character who manages to encompass a level of humiliation and clown-like aloofness which places him on-par with the likes of Homer Simpson. Whilst many saw Hal from Malcolm in the Middle (brought to life by Bryan Cranston) as the real-life Homer, Phil manages to seemingly best him in every department, other than the former being more willing to go all out for physical gags.

Whilst the rest of the characters work so well with each other, and quite literally create this sense of hysteria, calamity and silliness that only a fictional family could, Phil stands tall. His look to camera as he accidentally angers his wife (Julie Bown, of 'Ed' fame), his constantly tripping up the stairs, never seemingly learn from his previous mistakes, his awkward yet wholesome relationship with his unnervingly frisky father. It's in his delivery that Ty Burrell really comes into his own as Mr Dunphy. His sheepish and almost childlike enthusiasm when boasting to the camera about his worklife, his kids and wife all demonstrate his ability, but arguably his greatest moment was when he received an iPad on his Birthday. Words can't do justice to that particular episode (Game Changer, season 1 episode 19), so I'll let you see for yourself.

Enjoy.