Ep 4. Sex, Lies & Kickball

The show Modern Family has been an audience favorite for almost a decade now. Season 9 is no exception as we continue to enjoy the hilarious and sometimes heartwarming stories of the Pritchett-Dunphy family. In episode 4 of season 9, titled "Sex, Lies & Kickball," we see the family embroiled in a series of lies and secrets that threaten to upend their household.

The episode begins with a friendly game of kickball between Jay's company team and a rival group. The company team is up by several points when Manny suddenly shows up with a mysterious girl who introduces herself as his girlfriend. The family is taken aback as Manny has never mentioned her before, and they are also shocked that he has been dating someone while away at college. Jay, Gloria, and the rest of the family begin to question Manny about his relationship, but he is evasive and reluctant to share any details.

Meanwhile, Cam and Mitch attend a school fundraiser for Joe's school, which is being held at a local bar. The couple ends up drinking too much, and Mitch accidentally reveals to another parent that Cam is a high school sports coach. Cam is indeed a coach, but he has been keeping it a secret from Mitch as he is embarrassed about the team's poor performance. When Cam finds out that Mitch has let it slip, he is furious and accuses Mitch of being a liar like the rest of his family.

Back at the kickball game, Claire, Phil, and Luke are also dealing with secrets of their own. Phil is feeling guilty about having bought a new car without telling Claire, while Luke is hiding the fact that he has been fired from his summer job. Claire is also preoccupied with the fact that she is losing her competitive edge at work, and she is terrified that she will be passed over for a promotion.

As the day progresses, the family members continue to reveal more secrets and lies. Gloria admits that she has faked an accent in the past to appear more exotic, and Jay reveals that he has been receiving anonymous threatening letters. Manny finally comes clean about his girlfriend, explaining that he has been embarrassed to tell his family that she is a lot older than him. Claire, Phil, and Luke also come clean about their respective secrets, and the family discovers that they are all guilty of keeping things from each other.

The episode ends on a sweet and funny note, with the family coming together to support each other despite their flaws and mistakes. Through the chaos and confusion, they realize that they are still a loving and supportive family, and they end up enjoying a meal together at a diner. The overarching theme of the episode is honesty and the importance of communication in a family, and it is a lesson that the Pritchett-Dunphy clan learns in a humorous and heartwarming way.

In conclusion, Modern Family season 9 episode 4 is a delightful and entertaining story that showcases the show's strengths. The writing is sharp, the comedic timing is spot on, and the performances from the cast are top-notch. The episode is a testament to the enduring appeal of the show, and it is sure to leave fans laughing and smiling.