Surprise: I Like the Television Show, “Modern Family”

The show “Modern Family” was chosen as the best comedy series at the Emmy Awards last night. This was a slight surprise. A bigger surprise is that “thoroughly not liking modern shows, me,”(not Millie), truly likes this one.

“Modern Family” is not only funny but provides some good messages about sticking together as a family and certainly regarding differences among people.

The writing and the cast are both excellent. Really, they all should be mentioned but I will cite three standouts.

One is Ed O’Neill, who plays dad, grandfather, and husband of a much younger woman. “Jay” is a more mellow, less base character than that of “Al Bundy” whom O’Neill played on “Married… with Children.”

Next is the adorable Julie Bowen as “Claire,” a wife and mother of three. She is so good that I do not mind the ad that runs during each rerun with the real Julie Bowen as a mom getting her son “somewhere” on time. I say somewhere (probably to school) because I do not pay much attention to the ad.

Finally, one of the show’s creators is the incomparable Christopher Lloyd, best known as “Jim” on “Taxi,” and for his role in “The Back to the Future” movies.

The performance of Mr. Lloyd that resonates most with me was as one of the patients in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” With Modern Family, Lloyd continues his fine work.