Ep 21. Planes, Train and Cars

In Modern Family season 3 episode 21, titled "Planes, Train and Cars," the Dunphy family is planning a road trip to attend Alex's graduation from middle school. However, their plans hit a snag when Phil's attempts to spice up their travel plans with a luxury RV rental fall through, leaving them with a cramped and outdated camper. Meanwhile, Cam and Mitchell are dealing with their own dilemma of how to transport their daughter's pet frog to a family wedding, which leads to a series of comical mishaps involving trains and planes.

As the Dunphy's hit the road, things quickly spiral out of control and tensions rise as the family members struggle to deal with the cramped quarters. Phil, determined to make the most of the trip, is convinced that he can fix the RV's various issues and begins tinkering with the vehicle, much to the frustration of his family. Meanwhile, Claire is struggling to deal with her teenage daughter's newfound independence and clashes with Alex over her decision to skip college and travel abroad.

As the Dunphy's make their way towards Alex's graduation, the race is on to save her from a potentially embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Meanwhile, Cam and Mitchell's plans to travel with their daughter's frog take a turn for the worse when they accidentally board a freight train instead of a passenger train, leading to a hilarious adventure involving angry conductors and slippery frogs.

Throughout the episode, the families face a variety of challenges and setbacks, from mechanical failures to emotional conflicts, but in the end, they come together and celebrate Alex's achievement together. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about communication, teamwork, and the importance of family.

"Planes, Train and Cars" is a classic Modern Family episode that showcases the show's trademark humor and heart. The episode is full of hilarious moments and unexpected twists, but also has deeper themes that resonate with viewers of all ages. The Dunphy's road trip may not go according to plan, but in the end, they learn that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.