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“Halloween” is the 30th episode of Modern Family, an American comedy that centers on a diverse family living in the suburbs of Los Angeles. The beginning of “Halloween” takes place the morning of trick-or treat night, in the kitchen of the Dunphy household. In an interview-style shot, Claire reveals her love for Halloween and all things scary, revealing a theme of communication throughout the episode. Claire makes a clear expression to the camera to say that Phil clearly does not enjoy scary movies, yet Phil sits beside her enthusiastically. The interview-style of scenes throughout the episode shows how the characters are able to be more honest when they are alone. This could relate to outside pressures in society and how said various factors influence people’s behaviors. The personal interviews with the characters act almost as a self-analysis of the actions of the characters and the characters themselves, since often times what is said in interviews conflicts with their actions. The fact that the characters are aware of the camera gives the show an extra dimension where the audience can feel like both an observer and a part of the family. Characters acknowledging a camera could highlight the show’s embracement of technology and using it to make a lasting and personal impact on the viewer.

Going along with the previous idea of communication, another major part of the episode is Gloria’s broken English. Jay received a box of baby Jesus when Gloria thought she ordered Jay a box of baby cheeses. Because Gloria is a Columbian woman, she is often teased for her habits that conflict with American culture. This could be taken as the kind of dominance and intolerance America has for those non-native born citizens. Halfway through the episode, Gloria decides to use her best English accent. Her action of trying to conform to American culture represents the daily struggles of trying to fit in to the social norms to avoid being mocked. Gloria is also dressed in revealing tops and other tight clothing, and she is married to a man significantly older than herself. This marriage between Jay and Gloria plays on the idea of Gloria as a “gold-digger”, yet the love in the marriage is apparent by the end of the episode, criticizing the idea that marriage is a “one-size fits all” deal.

Another important theme is that of masculinity versus femininity. The beginning of this episode plays on Phil’s masculinity and obliviousness. Phil represents the husband that attempts to be the man of the house but always messes up and is overshadowed by his wife, who is a strong female presence. Phil is the kind of person that tries to be a hero, but ultimately is almost never taken seriously. Claire’s love of Halloween also plays on the idea of a woman being mentally stronger than a man. Throughout this episode, Claire is constantly decorating, checking on her husband and children, and making sure everything is in order for her haunted house. Claire claims Halloween to be her holiday, asserting her dominance and proving that women are able to have power when delegating effectively. Phil is very sensitive to Claire’s every response after he learns that the neighbors are getting a divorce. The example of divorce in this episode might criticize the accepted idea of marriage. Phil thinks of reasons why a marriage would fail, such as abuse, or alcoholism. Phil’s imagined reasons for divorce could be commenting on how marriages fail because of various outside factors rather than taking responsibility for the situation, and ultimately how easily marriages fail today. Phil is so concerned about his own marriage that he over-analyzes Claire’s responses and does not think about his own actions. This could be a comment on outside pressures playing on mental stability, and to what extent the circumstances of others affect one’s perception on a similar situation.

In Modern Family, Mitchell and Cam are the gay couple. Mitchell is dressed in a Spider-Man suit, which squeaks when he walks, and Mitchell describes how it makes him feel sexy. Mitchell’s self-proclaimed masculinity makes him out to be the husband, making money at his new job. Cam is portrayed as the more feminine, or the wife, as seen when Mitchell calls Cam for help. Cam reminds and criticizes Mitchell on the phone while simultaneously getting their daughter ready in her costume, also poking fun of the tasks that women are often associated with doing. This could also be seen as a switch of gender roles, in that a man is just as capable to stay at home with a child. In an opposing view, this may be a criticism of how gay couples are viewed, because Mitchell and Cam as a couple are clearly considered to be composed of one masculine partner and one feminine partner. In a sense, the fact that Cam and Mitchell are clearly stereotyped as a gay couple might be an attempt to show the audience that those stereotypes can be false, once again proving marriage can be redefined in American society.

The theme of age versus maturity is also relevant throughout the episode. Alex, Phil and Claire’s middle child, is studious and mature unlike Claire who criticizes her for studying instead of creating a costume. Typically parents are seen as role models for guidance, yet this situation clearly shows how the adult’s priorities might be misplaced. The situation comments on the capabilities of young adults, saying often times kids have the answers but might not be given the appropriate opportunities to let their voice be heard. Meanwhile the oldest daughter, Haley, shows off her seductive costumes to her family. Haley, although older than Alex, is more focused on showing off her body and partying. This situation is a criticism of America’s current generation of teenagers, implying that teens are egocentric and over-sexualized. Haley can be seen as the young adult who is rushing into adulthood and responsibility, commenting on the concept that age does not necessarily reflect responsible decision-making or maturity.

After analyzing this episode, I would like to research the following questions: How does the extent to which something is communicated impact the message it is trying to portray? How have the views of marriage and gender roles/equality changed in America over the last 100 years? To what extent can outside pressures influence one’s decisions? How does a person’s action differ from when there is an audience?