“When my grandaughter’s boyfriend’s band plays an under 21 club with my daughter-in-law’s brother’s gay partner I show up, that’s just how I was raised!”
There you have it “Travels with Scout” was another great episode of ABC’s Modern Family, due in no small part to the fact that the story revolved around Ty Burrell and his character Phil’s dad played by guest starring Fred Willard. Once upon a time these two funny men were on ABC’s short lived Back to You starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton. When Back to You was canceled I immediately missed newcomer Burrell and old standby Willard thankfully Modern Family brought both of these talented actors back to my living room and exposed their greatness to a much larger (spanning beyond the borders of my living room) viewing audience. I like the entire cast of Modern Family but I think I’ve gotta claim Ty Burrell as my favorite. The way he always entertains reminds me of David Cross’ Dr. Tobias Fünke from FOX’s Arrested Development = comic gold. Enough about Modern Family the series and more “Travels with Scout!”
How about some quotes?
“I shoulda told Claire about the dog and I was going to but I was just waiting for her to be in the right mood, actually I did get one right mood a couple of nights ago but I cashed that in for something else.”
“I made the mistake of letting him sleep with me on the road now my sheets look like two Bigfoots did it. Pardon the language.”
Dylan says to Cameron, “I’m not sure we like the same sorts of music.” Cameron replies, ”Oh what, because I’m gay I’m just gonna wanna play show tunes?” Dylan, “No, because you’re old.” Cameron, “Wow. That hurt more, Dylan.”
Cameron plays the drums. Cameron played football. Cameron was a clown. Cameron is not just a gay parent of an adopted Asian child. What else will we learn about Cameron before this season is finished?
Oh wait, Cameron believes “We happen to be a very traditional family.” “Yes, that’s what the disabled lesbian shaman who blessed Lillie’s room said too.” Mitchell sarcastically agrees but which is it- Modern or traditional?
Some Phil quotes to soothe your soul-
“It probably just sounded like he was crying, have you heard the noises he makes when he gets out of a chair?”
“We talk all of the time, he pranks calls me at work like three times a week!”
“My dad isn’t like your dad. There’s nothing deep and dark inside, his hard candy shell is just hiding more candy.”
Al Bundy Ed O’Neill’s Jay makes another poor parenting decision and takes young Manny to a slasher flick, Manny is scarred for life, one thing leads to another and Manny takes first watch standing guard over the homestead with fencing foil in hand- protect that house, Manny.
“I’ll always remember him as the stranger holding my baby. Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a second?” another great line from traditional family man Mitchell Pritchett.
When asked where his recreational vehicle will take him Fred Willard replied, “I’m just gonna drive wherever the wind blows me which is usually into the next lane.” I only hope the wind leads Fred Willard back to many more Modern Family guest appearances.
I’ll close with this Ty Burrell masterpiece- “I always felt bad for people with emotionally distant fathers but it turns out I’m one of them. It’s a miracle I didn’t end up a stripper.”
