Following the tradition of the kids leaving to college on the 2nd episode of the season, The Long Goodbye centres around Manny departing his family and leaving to college. At his request, he asks his parents not to make a big deal about his leaving, so his classmates won't see him cry, much to Gloria's aversion.
His absence from home only reinforces how much he cared for his family, leaving Jay and Gloria emotional about not having him around. Their final scene culminates in them all hugging and crying, creating an emotional send-off for the latest college-bound Pritchett/Tucker/Dunphy clan.
Elaborating on their heart-warming vein, another storyline focuses on Phil and Claire visiting Alex at college, fearing that she isn't as coping as well as she says. When they arrive, they find Alex thriving, seemingly without a problem. However, when they find her dress thrown out, they begin to suspect that something is wrong. Confronting her in class, Alex berates her parents for trying to solve a problem that simply isn't present. She then reveals the true reason for throwing the dress away, and her parents help her realise that she needs to be brave enough to show her vulnerabilities to others. This helps Phil and Claire realise that their little girl will always need them, in one way or another.
Mitch, Cam, Lily and Pam return home to find their kitchen burned down. This storyline is definitely more humour-based, and features the great chemistry that Jesse and Eric have with each other!
Lastly, Haley and Luke are both working at Jay's country club. Featuring guest-star Vanessa Williams, Haley begins to bond with her and envisions working with her as her personal assistant. In what is one of the most genius visual work, the angel and devil on Haley's shoulders are presented. Luke's ultimate response to Haley confirms the bond these siblings have, despite their fighting and disagreements.
Ultimately, this episode represents the very best of Modern Family; taking real situations and creating hilarious and heartfelt stories from them.
His absence from home only reinforces how much he cared for his family, leaving Jay and Gloria emotional about not having him around. Their final scene culminates in them all hugging and crying, creating an emotional send-off for the latest college-bound Pritchett/Tucker/Dunphy clan.
Elaborating on their heart-warming vein, another storyline focuses on Phil and Claire visiting Alex at college, fearing that she isn't as coping as well as she says. When they arrive, they find Alex thriving, seemingly without a problem. However, when they find her dress thrown out, they begin to suspect that something is wrong. Confronting her in class, Alex berates her parents for trying to solve a problem that simply isn't present. She then reveals the true reason for throwing the dress away, and her parents help her realise that she needs to be brave enough to show her vulnerabilities to others. This helps Phil and Claire realise that their little girl will always need them, in one way or another.
Mitch, Cam, Lily and Pam return home to find their kitchen burned down. This storyline is definitely more humour-based, and features the great chemistry that Jesse and Eric have with each other!
Lastly, Haley and Luke are both working at Jay's country club. Featuring guest-star Vanessa Williams, Haley begins to bond with her and envisions working with her as her personal assistant. In what is one of the most genius visual work, the angel and devil on Haley's shoulders are presented. Luke's ultimate response to Haley confirms the bond these siblings have, despite their fighting and disagreements.
Ultimately, this episode represents the very best of Modern Family; taking real situations and creating hilarious and heartfelt stories from them.
