Modern Family was a transformative show for television. It showed off different family dynamics between the Delgado-Pritchetts. Dunphys, and Tucker-Pritchetts, all of which were surrounded by love. Like every family, the sitcom showed the woes of parenting, hardships of teenagehood, and battles of relationships.
After 11 seasons, however, Modern Family was ready to end the show and send our favorite characters off on new adventures. But as relatable and transparent as Modern Family, not everything made sense...
Claire's Ability To Do A Better Job As CEO Than Jay
After being a stay-at-home mom for 18+ years, Claire was itching to get back into the workforce but didn't know how. When Jay offered her a position at his company, she hesitantly took it in season five. Claire eventually found her way around Pritchett's Closets and enjoyed the work but two seasons later, Jay shockingly thought she was ready for her biggest job yet: CEO.
As freaked out by the job as Claire was, she shockingly did an even better job at it than Jay. Fans found that impossible considering she had zero experience in the closet business, didn't know the clientele, and barely mingled with the employees or knew what they did. More surprisingly is the fact that Jay was so willing to give the job to Claire in the first place.
Why Did Haley Take Steps Backward?
When a show lasts for 11 seasons, it's bound to have its characters grow and evolve. When Andy Bailey came on the series in season five, he had the same personality as Phil Dunphy. This was a big reason why Haley had a soft spot for Andy (even though he annoyed her in the beginning).
When Andy left in season seven, it was largely unpopular with fans because Andy helped Haley grow. The two helped each other prepare for their respective jobs and became grounded when they started dating. Haley no longer wanted to party and stay out late when she was with Andy. She became the woman her parents had hoped for. Sadly, as soon as the two broke up Haley went back to her old ways. She started acting "dumb" again and didn't have the same drive she had before. Why the regression?
Did Claire Really Go To College?
As likable as a character as Claire is, there are a few intercessions when it comes to Claire's backstory. For starters, it's assumed Claire went to college because she got a great job with Starcrest Hotels as an account manager early on before giving it up to be a full-time mom. However, one fan pointed out that in one episode it was said that Claire and Phil found out they were pregnant when they were wrapping up school. If that's the case then when did Claire work at the hotel between graduating from school and getting pregnant with Haley?
Was Phil In Real Estate Or Construction When Haley Was Born?
Phil Dunphy loves his job as a realtor and really did become a man Claire and the kids could depend on. In one episode, Phil was hoping Haley would end up being a realtor because she used to help him with open houses when she was younger.
There was even a throw-back photo of the two outside his sign. In another throwback scene, Phil was a guest on a talk show and told the host he was an "estate agent" and wanted to give a shoutout to his "baby girl." As sweet as that is, in the episode "Crying Out Loud," Phil told the kids he helped build the movie theater when he worked in construction when the kids were young... So which one is it?
How Old Is Alex?
Unlike Haley, Alex has had quite the transformation over the years. She really came into her own and became confident in her body and mind. As brilliant as Alex is though, there does seem to be some confusion around her again. A fan on Quora noted that in the first season, Alex Dunphy was 13 years old but she miraculously turned 15 four seasons later. By the 10th season, Alex is around 21 years old but that still doesn't add up with the timeline from the first season.
Jay's Middle Name
Jay Pritchett is the patriarch of the family. He's the father of Claire and Mitch and the voice of reason for the entire clan. (He's also the one with the most money and hosts many of the get-togethers.) And while there are 11 fulfilling seasons of Modern Family, Jay hasn't always been the warmest of characters. He's also not the most transparent. In one episode, viewers learned that Jay's middle name was Francis after reading an old card he wrote to his mother. But in another episode, Gloria yells Jay's full name: Jay Kennedy Pritchett. Were the writers careless or does Gloria have it wrong?
Does Phil Know Spanish Or Not?
As hilarious and charming as Phil is, he sometimes gives off the wrong impression without realizing it. We see this in the episode where Alex graduates middle school. Phil and Claire are running late and have no way to make it to the graduation on time. Phil stops a landscaping truck and shockingly speaks to them in Spanish. Claire is shocked by Phil's second language and is impressed with her husband. But after that moment, that was the last we saw of Phil's Spanish attempts. One would think that he would speak more Spanish with Gloria if he really did understand the language. Especially after Gloria said "Excellente" in one episode and Phil had no idea what she was saying. Did he forget it that quickly?
How Did Alex & Sanjay Tie For Valedictorian?
In the episode "Patriot Games," Alex and Sanjay are stunned when they find out they tied for valedictorian. Their parents were also equally upset. However, although the two are both bright it doesn't make sense that the two tied. Throughout the seasons, fans noticed that Alex was constantly bringing home academic awards and coming in the top place for different competitions. If she's constantly coming out on top and winning everything, how is it possible that Sanjay tied with her?
Phil & Claire's Wedding
Phil and Claire have talked about their love story a few times throughout the series; more notably their wedding. As great as this couple is, they absolutely have their downfalls.
When the family goes to Hawaii, Phil plans a secret wedding for the pair as an anniversary gift. He tells the cameras they never had a real wedding, they just went down to the courthouse because of Claire's pregnancy. However, in another episode, Phil said he sang "If You Leave" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at their wedding... Did he forget they didn't have a bigger wedding?
Where Were Joe, Lily & Alex In "Wine Weekend"?
Another strange thing that happened in Modern Family without as much as an explanation is in the episode "Wine Weekend." Haley's boss lets her and her family stay at her home for a wine weekend extravaganza. Oddly enough, Alex, Lily, and Joe are nowhere in sight. Now, Lily and Joe don't need to be there because it's a wine weekend but where was Alex? And who was watching Joe and Lily if it wasn't Alex? The episode carried on without telling fans where other main family members were.