Even when you're doing everything right, there is usually still room for improvement. After all, if you quit looking for ways to grow you are doomed to regress, no matter your field of endeavor. The same holds true for our favorite television shows, and the dawn of 2012 gives us reason to stop and reflect on how the stories could be more interesting, the stars could be shinier, and the laughs could be heartier. Here are a few New Year's resolutions for ABC's "Modern Family."
More Projects for Phil
"Modern Family" is at its absolute best when it plays to the strengths of its major characters, and nothing is funnier than Phil Dunphy immersing himself in another impossible project. From home repair to technical gadgetry to family bonding experiments, Phil just can't help himself when it comes to tinkering with both the mundane and the grand in his life. Unfortunately for him, he is inept in most of these endeavors. Fortunately for us, he keeps plugging away regardless, and it would be great to see more of his bumbling in the New Year.
More Guest Stars
It's true that the typical sitcom resorts to a regular diet of guest stars once its highest point and biggest laughs are already behind it, but "Modern Family" has built a comedic architecture that nicely supports cameos from all directions. From the very beginning, the show has sported regular guest appearances by a host of celebrities and has used its ensemble format and deft writing to blend the multiple personalities into a cohesive fabric that is a pleasure to behold. For the New Year, how about digging up some bones from the long history of television sitcoms and giving a little air time to the likes of Betty White, Bob Newhart and Dick van Dyke?
Fewer Reruns
The worst moments for "Modern Family" fans is when we have to watch reruns of our favorite sitcom during prime time. Sure, most episodes are worthy of a second look, but that is what syndication is for. In the new year, "Modern Family" should run from January through the May sweeps with a royal flush of only new episodes.
Longer Season
While we're dreaming big, wouldn't it be great if "Modern Family" could extend their run past Memorial Day and begin anew in the fall sometime before Labor Day? Then the show truly would be the gift that gives (almost) all year long!
