Ep 4. Weathering Heights

As the name suggests, Modern Family season 8 episode 4, titled "Weathering Heights," deals with the challenges that the family members have to face due to harsh climatic conditions. The episode opens with Phil and Jay trying to fix a broken step on the front porch while dealing with high-speed winds and torrential rain. The duo's efforts to repair the porch are comically hampered by the adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Alex and Haley are stuck at the college library, unable to leave due to the storm. The two sisters engage in some sibling rivalry, trying to one-up each other with their study techniques. The situation becomes even more tense when they realize they left a window open in the car, and it's now filled with rain.

Claire, meanwhile, is at home trying to prepare for an important presentation she has to give the next day. She is struggling to concentrate on her work, owing to the constant interruptions by her family members, who are all cooped up at home due to the storm. Claire even has to deal with Gloria's endless chatter, who is trying to get her to try out a new makeup line.

Jay and Gloria's son Joe is fascinated by the storm and wants his parents to take him outside to see it. Gloria, however, is too scared to venture out in such severe weather. She decides to teach Joe how to make Colombian hot chocolate, instead, giving the episode a bit of cultural flair.

Mitchell and Cam are also stuck at home, trying to work out their issues over their kids' Halloween costumes. Cam is unhappy with Mitchell's costume choice for their daughter Lily, and the two end up having a tense argument that only ends when they have to face a power cut.

As the weather worsens, the family members are forced to deal with different challenges. While Phil and Jay have to confront a leak in the living room, Claire has to figure out how to give her presentation without any electricity. Alex and Haley have to brave the weather to rescue their car, and Mitchell and Cam deal with the unexpected arrival of their friend Stephen, who has found refuge in their home from the storm.

Overall, "Weathering Heights" is a hectic and comical episode that showcases the family's ability to come together in adverse situations, even while they grapple with their own issues and quirks. With a bit of Colombian hot chocolate, some sibling rivalry, and a power cut, the family weathers the storm.