The Day We Almost Died 

Modern Family is perceived by many to be in a decline at the moment. Whilst I believe the show is still holding strong, it's difficult to watch an episode from the first two seasons, and compare it to a recent offering without noticing this difference. I feel this is mostly because Modern Family almost always plays it safe and rarely experiments within its own formula. That is, until, The Day We Almost Died.

This episode shakes up the formula that Modern Family has become accustomed to. Rather than have three simple stories interwoven across the twenty minutes, we have a base event, which then spirals outwards, having increasingly hilarious outcomes on the family. Certain characters don't appear in the first act at all; Gloria only enters the screen at the mid point, whilst Cam makes his first appearance in the final quarter.

But not only is this an interesting and original story, but it manages to stay in-keeping with Modern Family's brilliant touch for smart humour. We have tie-ins to previous episodes, some great use of word play, and a handful of visual gags that keep the episode as light as we've come to expect from this show. So, whilst Modern Family may be in a decline over the last three years, I can't help but find Season Six a step up from the last two seasons. The Day We Almost Died is innovative, entertaining, and down right fun. Great TV.