Ep 15. Aunt Mommy
- TVPG
- February 15, 2012
- 21 min
-
8.0 (2,285)
Aunt Mommy is the fifteenth episode of the third season of Modern Family. The episode revolves around the arrival of Phil's sister, Claire's aunt, Stephanie. Stephanie has recently divorced her husband and lost her job and turns to her family for support. The episode follows the family's struggles as they try to help Stephanie out during her difficult time.
The episode begins with Phil and Claire discussing Stephanie's situation. They are worried about the effect Stephanie's presence will have on their kids and their marriage, as Stephanie has a history of being a little too involved in their lives. Claire is also worried about having to take on the role of Stephanie's mom, as she has always been more of a friend than a parent to her.
Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron are preparing for their first night out alone since the birth of their daughter, Lily. They hire a babysitter, but soon realize they have no idea what to do with their newfound freedom and end up exploring the local mall.
Stephanie arrives at the Dunphy household, and tensions immediately arise between her and Claire. Stephanie begins to take over the household, criticizing the decor and parenting methods of her sister-in-law. She spends most of her time with Alex, who is struggling with her first breakup, and Haley, who is struggling with college applications.
Jay and Gloria are dealing with their own family problems. Gloria's sister, Sonia, is staying with them because her husband is in jail. Sonia is loud and obnoxious, and Jay is struggling to find a way to bond with her despite her abrasive personality.
As the episode progresses, the family begins to realize that Stephanie's problems run deeper than just her divorce and loss of a job. She reveals that she is struggling with alcoholism and is in denial about the severity of her problem. The family rallies around her and convinces her to seek help.
The episode ends with Mitchell and Cameron returning home and finding a disaster in their living room. The babysitter, who was supposed to be watching Lily, fell asleep, and Lily is nowhere to be found. The couple frantically searches the house and eventually finds her safe but sitting in a pool of spilled milk.
Overall, Aunt Mommy is a touching episode that deals with serious issues such as alcoholism and family dysfunction in a lighthearted and relatable way. The episode highlights the importance of family support and demonstrates how even the most dysfunctional families can come together in times of crisis. Fans of Modern Family will appreciate the witty humor and heartfelt moments that this episode provides.