| "Hawaii" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Family episode | |||
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 23 |
||
| Directed by | Steven Levitan | ||
| Written by | Bill Wrubel & Dan O'Shannon[1] | ||
| Production code | 1ARG23 | ||
| Original air date | May 12, 2010[2] | ||
| Season 1 episodes | |||
|
|||
| Episode chronology | |||
|
|||
"Hawaii" is the twenty-third episode of Modern Family on the first season. The episode originally premiered on May 12, 2010 on American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
In the episode, Jay's plans to do nothing but relax on vacation are interrupted by an unwelcome reality check. Meanwhile, Phil (Ty Burrell) tries to make the trip romantic for Claire (Julie Bowen), Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) disagree on whether they should go sight-seeing, and the kids get themselves into trouble. Also Luke (Nolan Gould) and Manny (Rico Rodriguez) live together in the same room like The Odd Couple.
The episode was written by Bill Wrubel and Dan O'Shannon and directed by series co-creator Steven Levitan. "Hawaii" received positive reviews from critics, with most praising Phil and Claire renewing their vows, and was viewed by 10.335 million viewers and becoming the highest rated episode of the series according to Nielsen Media Research.
Contents |
Continuing from the previous episode, the Pritchett family arrives in Hawaii. Phil wants to turn the vacation into a honeymoon with his wife, as they never got to have a proper one before (or even a proper wedding, due to the unexpected pregnancy with Haley). Claire is concerned that due to their kids, this won't be possible, but Phil tries nonetheless. Phil takes Claire to a private pool, abandoning their kids with Mitchell and Cameron. Enjoying their private time, Haley interrupts them by saying she is going to hang out with some older boys. Claire is obviously concerned, but Phil manages to convince her to not worry about it. Later, however, Claire learns from Alex that Haley had tried alcohol and was throwing up in the bathroom. Claire consoles her and tries to say that this would happen every time she tried alcohol. Later, Phil surprises Claire by having a wedding ceremony prepared, allowing them to have the wedding they deserved.
Mitchell is trying to get Cameron to come sight-seeing with him, though Cameron just wishes to relax. Cameron pretends to want to come, though he finally decides not to go on one of his tours. Mitchell ends up going alone, and then returns to relax with Cameron; Mitchell apologizes for wanting Cameron to go with him. Later, Mitchell and Cameron lose Lily by accidentally leaving her in the elevator, though she is eventually found by Gloria. Later, Mitchell and Cameron go to a banana plantation, though they end up losing Lily again.
Jay is eager to relax and eat fatty foods, though a call from his brother reminds him how his father had died at 63 due to his poor health. Jay is inspired to take better care of himself, prompting him to spend the vacation working out and being more active, annoying Gloria who had just wished to relax. At the end of the day, Jay ends up having his back give way, resting in a hammock and being late for his birthday dinner. Phil goes to find him, leading to an awkward moment where Phil ends up lying on top of Jay. Phil helps him back to the party, where Jay reveals to Gloria why he is being more active and that he doesn't want to end up like his dad. Afterwards, Jay gives in and relaxes with Gloria, ordering fatty foods as well.
The episode, "Hawaii" was written by Bill Wrubel & Paul Corrigan and directed by series co-creator, Steven Levitan. It is Bill Wrubel's fourth writing credit after "The Bicycle Thief", "Moon Landing", and "Airport 2010" (co-written with Dan O'Shannon). It is also Paul Corrigan's fourth writing credit after "Run for Your Wife", "Fizbo", and "Travels with Scout" (all three with Brad Walsh). It was also the first directing credit of Steven Levitan who co-created the show with Christopher Lloyd. This episode follows a two episode story arc which was started in the previous episode, "Airport 2010" of the all three families going on a trip to Hawaii to celebrate Jay's Birthday.[3] The episode was initially filmed two months from the air date on the week of March 1–7, 2010 and was the last episode filmed for the season.[3]
Manny and Luke act like the main characters from The Odd Couple.[4] When Mitchell gets his massage he says "Sweet Lady Gaga".[4] One of the locals at the wedding sings "Eye of the Tiger".[5] When Phil is trying to help Jay out of the hammock, Phil references the Scorpions song "Rock You Like a Hurricane".
In its original American broadcast, "Hawaii" was viewed by an estimated 10.335 million households with a 4.3 rating/11% share in the 18-49 demographic making it the highest rated episode of the series.[6] The episode also came second in its timeslot after American Idol.[7] It was also the best performance against American Idol both in viewers and ratings.[7] The show also beat American Idol for the first time in the Men 18-35 demographic and became the top rated scripted program for the 11th consecutive week and became the second-most viewed episode of the series after "Pilot".[8] The episode ranked sixth in the weekly 18-49 ratings becoming for the first time the highest rated of ABC and ranked 23rd in total viewers becoming the 5th highest viewed ABC show.[9]
The episode received positive reviews from critics. Robert Canning of IGN gave the episode an 8.8 saying it was "Great" and "While "Hawaii" was not as fantastic as its predecessor and did have a few shortcomings, it was still a funny episode that was fun to watch".[4] Jason Hughes of TV Squad wrote "thanks a lot 'Modern Family' for showing us such a beautiful looking and relaxing family vacation." he also said the Phil surprising Claire with the renewal of their vows was perfect.[5] Donna Bowman of A.V. Club gave the episode a A saying "The writing is inventive, the timing is crisp, and all three nodes of the extended family get their laughs in".[10] Emily Paxton of Entertainment Weekly said ". For me, relaxing means kicking back with an A+ episode of Modern Family" she also said the remarriage was almost as sweet as The Office episode "Niagara"'s moment when Jim gave Pam her surprise.[11]
TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4.8/5 and remarked that "There was true sentiment at the heart of Phil and Claire's vow renewal, as Modern Family manages to deliver both laughs and emotion on a weekly basis"[12] BuddyTV gave the episode a positive review writing " although the family may have been on vacation, it's clear the writers were hard at work--creating one of the season's best half-hours.".[13] Matt Roush of TV Guide gave the episode a positive review writing ". Plenty of comedies amuse me, but few move me the way this does.".[14]
The ending of the episode was praised by most critics. Donna Bowman of A.V. Club said "It's a moment that indicates the potential Modern Family has for heart to go along with its demonstrated expertise in comedy.".[10] Robert Canning said "It was a sweet way to end the family trip.".[4] Emily Paxton compared it to "Niagara" (The Office episode).[3] Matt Roush called it "a genuinely sweet wedding ceremony".[14]
|
|||||||||||||||||