Cameron and Mitchell are just one of the reasons why fans loved Modern Family. The couple was outgoing and flawed but they were genuine at the same time. Over 11 seasons, viewers saw them adopt two babies, get married, find different jobs, and eventually move from the West Coast to the Midwest. Mitch and Cam have been through a lot over the years but made viewers laugh along with them as they grew.
However, as wonderful as Mitch and Cam were, they also had their misgivings. These two loved each other but they were never really honest with themselves or each other. This created tension in their relationship because they couldn't be forthright until plans A, B, and C came falling down around them. It makes viewers wonder if they had what it took to remain married once they moved in the final season.
Wandering Eyes
The strangest thing about Mitch and Cam was how easy it was for their eyes to wander from their relationship. It's perfectly acceptable if they were in an open and honest relationship but that wasn't the case. Mitch and Cam were highly jealous people and would never allow each other to stray. But that doesn't stop them from making remarks about other men.
Cam seemed to have fallen back in love with his ex-boyfriend Keifth, Mitchell claimed he'd be with the masseuse if he and Cam broke up, Mitchell flirted with the fake police officer who came to "arrest" Dwight, Cam openly came on to Jay's pilot instructor... the list goes on. Did they not think the other was enough?
Lies On Top Of Lies
Mitchell and Cam lie to each other in every episode. It doesn't matter if it's a little white lie to get through the day unscathed or it's a whopper — lying is a big part of their relationship. They have their reasons for not being honest with the other person but it always comes back to bite them in the behind.
Mitch and Cam lied to each other about wanting another baby, their doings in Las Vegas, their birthday party plans, and their jobs... It's a shorter list to talk about times where Mitchell and Cameron didn't lie to each other!
Do They Grow Together Or Apart?
When we look at the character arcs over 11 seasons, most of the characters transformed for the better. Jay was finally an open and accepting father and husband. Gloria proved that she was more than just her good looks and became a career woman. Claire went from being a stay-at-home mom to an impressive CEO. Luke finally went off to college.
But what about Mitch and Cam? Sure, they both improved career-wise but as individuals, they were still petty, untruthful, and judgemental. It's easy to see them growing apart instead of together.
Cameron Hates When Others Choose Mitchell
Another reason why it's easy to see Mitch and Cam growing apart is because of their jealousy over each other. They want to support each other but support is their second reaction. Their first instinct is to be envious.
Cam was jealous of Mitchell when Lily preferred him, when Haley chose Mitchell for high tea, when Luke asked Mitchell for help with his prom... Likewise, Mitchell hated the fact that Lily was closer with Cam or that Cam was seen as the "manly" one in the relationship. For being married, these two are quite spiteful of one another.
The One Thing They Have In Common
As beautiful as it would be to say that the only thing Mitch and Cam have in common is love, that's not the case. The one thing the two have in common that trumps their love for each other is their love of arguing. These two argue in every episode over the smallest of things. For a couple that's been together for 10+ years, it's shocking how many small things they let affect them.
The couple loves the theater, singing, and pageantry but it's hard to appreciate those commonalities when they argue so much over the smallest of things.
Is Cam The Messy One Or Not?
In earlier seasons of Modern Family, Michell scolds Cameron for making a mess of their house. Whenever he cooks or does anything, a mess follows him around and Mitchell is left cleaning it up. And as always, Cameron lies his way out of picking up after himself.
However, in later episodes, Cameron gets annoyed at Gloria for keeping her kitchen in an unorganized fashion. He even went out of his way to clean it up and reorganize it without her consent. Knowing that Cam is the messy one in the family, this didn't fit his character.
Missouri Is Never Going To Work Out
Modern Family fans know that Cam is "farm strong" and hails from Missouri. He loves farm life and always hoped to get back to his roots. Mitchell, on the other hand, loathed the Midwest and hated the man Cam became when he was in his comfort zone.
By the end of the series, Mitchell and Cam move to Missouri when Cam was offered his dream job of coaching football. Mitch bit the bullet and moved for love but it's hard to believe they could last in Missouri. Mitchell would eventually feel neglected when Cam is in his element and spending more time at the field than at home. Mitchell would also need to take time off from work as he looked for a new job and got settled. This would mean he would spend more time doing dad duties, which he never enjoyed very much. Moving to Missouri could be a breaking point for the couple — especially without help from the family.
Their Judgements Over Lily
Mitch and Cam adopt Lily in the series pilot. The couple felt ready for the next step in their relationship and became happy parents. However, fans are quick to point out their questionable parenting skills.
Many felt that they were judgmental of Lily and didn't offer her the support that she needed at times. Instead of allowing Lily to be the star, they took her shine in many situations. They even judged Lily when they found out she was "smart." It was as if they couldn't believe it. Considering how much they wanted a child, their parenting ways appear contradicting.
How Are They Struggling With Money?
It's safe to say that the Dunphys, Delgado-Pritchetts, and Tucker-Pritchetts were all doing reasonably well financially. Jay's household was by far the wealthiest due to Jay's time in the closet industry, and the Dunphy household came in a close second. And while Mitch and Cam were never struggling for money, per se, they always worried about finances and not having enough.
This never sat right with fans because even though Cam was a high school teacher and football coach, he was still contributing to the household. Mitchell was the breadwinner of the household as an esteemed lawyer. As a lawyer in L.A., why were they worried about money so much?
Why Would Cameron Leave?
In one episode, Cam is looking over Lily's adoption paperwork and notices a massive error: Lily's name was Lily Tucker Pritchett instead of Lily Tucker-Pritchett. This made it look like she only had Mitchell's last name. Mitch eventually came clean and told Cam that he did it on purpose ——another lie! — because he was afraid Cam was going to walk out on him and Lily after Lily was born.
Knowing how much Cam wanted to be a dad — and how much he relied on Mitchell — why would Cameron leave the relationship? Cam has abandonment issues from his former partners, but he would have mirrored his exes' behavior when it came time to become a father.