Modern Family: “Open House of Horrors” (Episode 4.04)

I don’t know what’s wrong with the kids in this California town. Claire Dunphy not only dresses up to the nines to give out candy, but she also seems to have an endless supply of candy and pulls the ultimate tricks on guests. Isn’t that what Halloween’s about? Apparently the guy she gave an actual heart attack to last year doesn’t agree.

For this year’s night of trick or treats, Claire is banned by the neighborhood association from doing anything scary. As she’s complaining about it, Phil mentions that she’s not that scary and “the type of person who can be twice as scary without wearing any makeup.” Just what every woman wants to hear.

“Open House of Horrors” was a good episode simply because this comment fueled Claire’s competitiveness, which is when these two are at their best. Overall the episode wasn’t particularly humorous, and this running gag wasn’t overtly hilarious, but it was a solid storyline.

Cam and Mitchell are throwing a Halloween party to show off Cam’s 32.4 weight loss. But when the costume shop sends over the bull costume instead of the matador costume in his size, he resorts to flashing his guests because, as he says, “No one’s going to see my bod in this bulky bull costume.” It is mildly funny, but what steals the show at this party is Lily thinking her mom is a drag queen princess. In a flashback we learn Mitchell told her that her mom was a princess to get her to go to sleep once. When Cam finds out, it gives them both the opportunity to have the real adoption talk.