Bixby's Back

Last updated
"Bixby's Back"
Modern Family episode
Episode no.Season 2
Episode 14
Directed by Chris Koch
Written by Danny Zuker
Production code2ARG16
Original air dateFebruary 9, 2011 (2011-02-09) [1]
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Caught in the Act"		Next →
"Princess Party"
Modern Family season 2
List of episodes

"Bixby's Back" is the 14th episode of the second season of the American comedy television series, Modern Family and the 38th episode overall. It originally aired February 9, 2011 on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The episode was written by Danny Zuker, and directed by Chris Koch.

Contents

In the episode, Claire and Phil decide to reprise their role-playing adventure from the previous Valentine's Day episode, "My Funky Valentine". Jay's elaborate Valentine's surprise for Gloria keeps getting held up. An admirer comes between Cameron and Mitchell.

"Bixby's Back" received generally mixed reviews from critics with many saying it was an inadequate sequel to "My Funky Valentine". Despite the mixed reviews, the episode was viewed by 13.16 million households, according to the Nielsen Media Research, and received a 5.1 rating among adults between the ages of 18 and 49, tying the spot for highest-rated episode of the series at that time with "The Old Wagon" and "Halloween". It later became the most viewed scripted program of the week among 18- to 49-year-old adults.

Plot

At the Dunphy house, Phil (Ty Burrell) and Claire (Julie Bowen) decide to have a small dinner for Valentine's Day in order to avoid the disastrous results of the events of last year. Since they only could get a very early dinner reservation, Claire realizes that all the couples are elderly so she decides to bring back their characters from last year, Clive Bixby and Julianna. Julianna has Clive ditch his wife and meet her at their hotel. At the bar, Claire gives Phil the key to her room. While watching Claire walk way, Phil takes the wrong room key belonging to an older woman who was arranging her purse. He enters the wrong room, sprinkles rose petals on the bed, undresses, and waits on the bed with a bottle of champagne. The older woman then walks in after coming back from the bar. Back at the house, Phil and Claire decide to just act like themselves.

Haley's (Sarah Hyland) boyfriend David blows her off to study for a big exam. Manny (Rico Rodriguez) expects to profit from Haley being free from both David and Dylan (Reid Ewing) and manages to convince Haley to send David a break-up email. She feels liberated for a brief moment but then her ex-boyfriend Dylan shows up with his band on a flatbed of a truck and he sings a love song to her. Haley rushes into Dylan's arms and thus Manny's hopes of wooing Haley are dashed.

Meanwhile, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) suspects Mitchell's new assistant, Broderick (Jeremy Rowley), has a crush on Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), which he denies but secretly affirms. His suspicion is soon proven wrong when Broderick hugs Cameron in an elevator revealing that he is the real object of his desire. While eating dinner together, Cameron reveals this to Mitchell, who still believes Broderick has a crush on him. To see which one is right, the two go to Broderick's house, but after getting a text from Broderick which says he is quitting, the two decide it would be best if they never knew which one of them Broderick liked.

Jay (Ed O'Neill) plans out a perfect Valentine's surprise for Gloria (Sofía Vergara). He hires a chef to prepare her a luxurious meal at their house, but must keep Gloria away while the chef is setting up. Jay takes Gloria to a great restaurant that she loves, with the intent to leave after pretending to find that his secretary had forgotten to make a reservation. Unfortunately his plan goes awry; at the restaurant there really is a reservation for two under the name Pritchett, so they have to stay much to Gloria's delight and Jay's flabbergasted anguish. Later, the reservation turns out to have been for Cameron and Mitchell, so the relieved and elated Jay and furious Gloria have to leave again.

Back at their house, the two have a fight and Gloria refuses to go inside. She is so angry she wants to get in her car and take a drive to cool down. Jay has no choice but to carry the screaming Gloria into the house for her surprise dinner. When the two finally go into the house, however, Jay is stunned to find the house empty. Gloria goes to the garage to take her car out for her drive with Jay following. As the garage door opens we see the romantic surprise dinner is, for some reason, taking place in the garage. Gloria reveals that she had figured out Jay's secret plan, moved it to the garage, and bought him a new motorcycle which sits beside the dinner table.

Production

"Bixby's Back" was written by Danny Zuker, his sixth writing credit for the series. [1] The episode was directed by Chris Koch, his third credit for the series. [1] The episode is considered a sequel to the first season episode, "My Funky Valentine". [2] [3]

Many plots of the episode were revealed before the episode's airdate by TV Guide writers Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams. [4] [5] It originally aired on February 9, 2011 on the American Broadcasting Company. [1] "Bixby's Back" was filmed between January 5, [6] and January 17, 2011. [7]

The episode also featured the return of Reid Ewing's character, Dylan, after he broke up with Haley. [8] Julie Bowen said in an interview with TV Guide at the 17th Screen Actors Guild Awards that, "This year's Valentine's Day episode is pretty insane, It's different than last year's. Clive and Julianna are back, but Clive is in the more compromising position this time instead of Julianna." [9]

Reception

Ratings

In its original American broadcast, "Bixby's Back" was viewed by an estimated 13.16 million viewers according to the Nielsen Media Research, and received a 5.1 rating/13% share among adults between the ages of 18 and 49. [10] This means that it was seen by 5.1% of all 18- to 49-year-olds, and 13% of all 18- to 49-year-olds watching television at the time of the broadcast. This episode of Modern Family saw an increase of 9 percent from the previous episode, "Caught in the Act". [11] [12] The episode became the highest-rated episode of the series, tying with "The Old Wagon" and "Halloween". [13] [14] [15] The episode also ranked first in its timeslot and became the second highest-rated program on Wednesday after American Idol . [11] "Bixby's Back" was the most-watched scripted show for the week of broadcast among adults aged 18–49, and the ninth most-watched show among all viewers. [16]

Reviews

Ty Burrell's performance received praise from multiple critics. Ty Burrell 2014.jpg
Ty Burrell's performance received praise from multiple critics.

"Bixby's Back" received mixed reviews from critics with many critics saying it didn't live up to its predecessor, "My Funky Valentine".

The A.V. Club writer John Teti gave the episode a mixed review calling it "fine". Teti wrote that he felt like the producers "was doing Valentine’s Day [episode] out of obligation" and that the writers did not have a "great idea" for this episode like "My Funky Valentine". He ultimately gave the episode a B−. [2] Entertainment Weekly writer Lesley Savage gave the episode a more positive review saying the cast "proved why they truly deserved the award in tonight's Valentine's Day themed episode." [17]

Rachael Maddux of New York magazine said the episode was a great sequel to "My Funky Valentine" calling it "a solid episode, start to finish". [3]

Meredith Blake of the Los Angeles Times said the episode was below the show's usual quality writing that "it didn't quite have the usual zing". [18] CNN writer Henry Hanks gave the episode a more positive review and praised Ty Burrell's performance calling him the "MVP of the week". He later went on to criticize Mitchell and Cameron's sub-plot calling it "another sub-par storyline". [19]

Despite the mixed reviews, many praised Ty Burrell's performance. [17] [19] Teti praised both the writing and the acting in the bar scene writing that "There is a fantastic run of writing during Clive and Juliana’s rendezvous at the bar, as every smooth Clive Bixby utterance stumbles out of Phil’s mouth with just the right amount of awkwardness". [2] Maddux called his performance "comedic mastery". [3]

Related Research Articles

"Pilot" is the first episode of the American family sitcom television series Modern Family. Written by series creators Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd and directed by Jason Winer, it premiered on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 23, 2009. The episode introduces viewers to three sets of people who make up a single family. The episode is shot in a mockumentary style, with a cameraman following the characters around their everyday lives and interviewing them at various intervals. It cuts between the experiences of the three separate units before they all come together at the end of the episode.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Funky Valentine</span> 15th episode of the 1st season of Modern Family

"My Funky Valentine" is the fifteenth episode of first season of the American family sitcom television series Modern Family and the fifteenth episode of the series overall. It premiered on ABC on February 10, 2010. The episode was written by Jerry Collins and directed by Michael Spiller.

Hawaii (<i>Modern Family</i>) 23rd episode of the 1st season of Modern Family

"Hawaii" is the twenty-third episode of Modern Family on the first season and the twenty-third episode of the series overall. It originally premiered on May 12, 2010, on ABC. The episode was written by Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh and directed by series co-creator Steven Levitan.

"Earthquake" is the third episode of the second season of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) American sitcom, Modern Family and the 27th episode overall. The episode originally aired October 6, 2010. It was written by Paul Corrigan & Brad Walsh and directed by Michael Spiller. It guest starred Nathan Lane as Pepper Saltzman and Vic Polizos as a plumber.

Unplugged (<i>Modern Family</i>) 5th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Unplugged" is the fifth episode of the second season of the ABC sitcom, Modern Family, and the 29th episode of the series overall. The episode originally aired October 20, 2010. It was written by series co-creator Steven Levitan and directed by Michael Spiller.

"Chirp" is the seventh episode of the second season of Modern Family and the 31st episode overall. It originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on November 3, 2010. The episode was written by Dan O'Shannon and directed by season two's main director, Michael Spiller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manny Get Your Gun</span> 8th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Manny Get Your Gun" is the eighth episode of the second season of the sitcom, Modern Family and the 32nd overall. It originally aired November 17, 2010 on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The episode was written by Danny Zuker, from a story by Modern Family co-creator, Christopher Lloyd and was directed by Michael Spiller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Our Children, Ourselves</span> 12th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Our Children, Ourselves" is the 12th episode of the second season of the American television comedy series, Modern Family and the 36th overall episode of the series. Executive producers Dan O'Shannon & Bill Wrubel wrote the episode, and Adam Shankman directed it. The episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on January 12, 2011. It featured guest star Mary Lynn Rajskub as Mitchell's ex-girlfriend.

Caught in the Act (<i>Modern Family</i>) 13th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Caught in the Act" is the 13th episode of the second season of the American television comedy series, Modern Family and the 37th overall episode of the series. Co-creator Steven Levitan & Jeffrey Richman wrote the episode and Michael Spiller directed it. The episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on January 19, 2011. It featured guest star Rachael Harris as restaurant owner, Amelia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Princess Party</span> 15th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Princess Party" is the 15th episode of the American comedy television series, Modern Family's second season and the 39th overall. It originally aired on February 16, 2011, on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The episode was written by Elaine Ko and was directed by Michael Spiller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regrets Only</span> 16th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Regrets Only" is the 16th episode of the second season of the American sitcom Modern Family, and the series' 40th episode overall. It aired on February 23, 2011, on ABC. The episode was written by Abraham Higginbotham and directed by Dean Parisot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Two Monkeys and a Panda</span> 17th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Two Monkeys and a Panda" is the 17th episode of the second season of the American comedy television series Modern Family and the 41st episode overall. It was originally aired on March 2, 2011. The episode was written by Carol Leifer and directed by Beth McCarthy-Miller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys' Night</span> 18th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Boys' Night" is the 18th episode of the American comedy television series, Modern Family's second season and the 42nd episode overall. It was originally aired on March 23, 2011. The episode was written by series co-creator Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman, and was directed by Chris Koch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Someone to Watch Over Lily</span> 20th episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Someone to Watch Over Lily" is the 20th episode of the American comedy television series Modern Family's second season, and the 44th episode overall. It was originally aired on April 20, 2011. The episode was written by Bill Wrubel and directed by Michael Spiller.

Mothers Day (<i>Modern Family</i>) 21st episode of the 2nd season of Modern Family

"Mother's Day" is the 21st episode of the American comedy television series, Modern Family's second season and the 45th episode overall of the series. It originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on May 4, 2011. The episode was written by Dan O'Shannon & Ilana Wernick and was directed by Michael Spiller.

"Go Bullfrogs!" is the sixth episode of the third season of the American sitcom Modern Family, and the series' 54th episode overall. "Go Bullfrogs!" first aired on October 19, 2011, on ABC. The episode was written by Abraham Higginbotham and was directed by Scott Ellis. It featured guest star Gilles Marini as Julian.

Treehouse (<i>Modern Family</i>) 7th episode of the 3rd season of Modern Family

"Treehouse" is the seventh episode of the third season of the American sitcom Modern Family, and the series' 55th episode overall. It aired on November 2, 2011. The episode was written by series co-creator Steven Levitan and was directed by Jason Winer. It featured guest appearances from Jennifer Tilly and Leslie Mann, and the second guest appearance of Chazz Palminteri.

Punkin Chunkin (<i>Modern Family</i>) 9th episode of the 3rd season of Modern Family

"Punkin Chunkin" is the ninth episode of the third season of the American sitcom Modern Family, and the series' 57th episode overall. It aired on November 23, 2011. The episode was written by Ben Karlin and directed by Michael Spiller.

"Heart Broken" is the 15th episode of the fourth season of the American sitcom Modern Family, and the series' 87th episode overall. It aired February 13, 2013. The episode was written by Danny Zuker and directed by Beth McCarthy-Miller.

"Valentine's Day 4: Twisted Sister" is the fourteenth episode of the sixth season of the American sitcom Modern Family, and the series' 134th episode overall. It originally aired on February 11, 2015. The episode was written by Jeffrey Richman and directed by Fred Savage.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Daily News Releases". Abcmedianet.com. Retrieved 2011-01-27.[ dead link ]
  2. 1 2 3 Teti, John (February 9, 2011). "Modern Family: "Bixby's Back"". The A.V. Club . Retrieved 2011-02-10.
  3. 1 2 3 Maddux, Rachael (February 10, 2011). "Modern Family Recap: Missed Connections". New York . Retrieved 2011-02-10.
  4. ↑ "Mega Buzz: A Castle Proposal, More Death on Diaries, and a Modern Love Triangle - Today's News: Our Take". TV Guide . 2010-12-21. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  5. ↑ "Mega Buzz: Five-0's New Face, Modern Sexpionage, and a Blue Bloods Shooting - Today's News: Our Take". TVGuide.com. 2011-01-04. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  6. ↑ "Asset Display". ABC Medianet. 2011-01-05. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  7. ↑ "Asset Display". ABC Medianet. 2011-01-07. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  8. ↑ Rizzo, Carizzo (August 26, 2010). "More Manny for Modern Family's Second Season". TV Guide . Retrieved 2010-08-26.
  9. ↑ "9 Favorite Scenes: Modern Family's Sexcapades and Glee's Girl-on-Girl - Today's News: Our Take". TV Guide . 2008-10-01. Retrieved 2011-02-03.
  10. ↑ Seidman, Robert (2007-08-28). "Wednesday Final Ratings: 'Blue Bloods,' 'Human Target' Adjusted Down, 'Modern Family,' 'Better with You' Up". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on 2011-02-13. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
  11. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (February 10, 2011). "TV Ratings Wednesday: 'American Idol' Slips, But Still Strong; 'Mr. Sunshine' Premieres Well, 'Modern Family' Up". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on February 13, 2011. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
  12. ↑ Gorman, Bill (2007-08-28). "TV Ratings Wednesday: 'American Idol' 10th Season Starts Down, Pushes Competition Lower". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on 2011-01-22. Retrieved 2011-01-20.
  13. ↑ Gorman, Bill (October 28, 2010). "Wednesday Finals: Survivor: Nicaragua, The Middle Adjusted Up; The Whole Truth Down". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on October 30, 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  14. ↑ Seidman, Robert (2007-08-28). "'Mr. Sunshine' Stands as ABC's Highest Rated Midseason Scripted Debut in Over 3 Years". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
  15. ↑ Seidman, Robert (September 23, 2010). "Wednesday Finals: 'The Middle,' 'Modern Family,' 'Cougar Town,' 'Undercovers' All See Small Gains". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on 2010-09-26. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  16. ↑ Seidman, Robert (2007-08-28). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: Grammy Awards, Modern Family, Glee, American Idol, NCIS Top Week 21 Viewing". TV by the Numbers . Archived from the original on 2011-02-17. Retrieved 2011-02-15.
  17. 1 2 Savage, Lesley (February 10, 2011). "'Modern Family' recap: Grand Gestures". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 2011-02-10.
  18. ↑ Blake, Meredith (February 10, 2011). "'Modern Family' recap: 'You can't win Valentine's Day'". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  19. 1 2 Hanks, Henry (February 10, 2011). "Best laid plans on 'Modern Family'". CNN . Archived from the original on 2012-10-22. Retrieved 2011-02-14.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.