Modern Times

Take a Colombian babe, Al Bundy from 'Married with Children', his gay son, his high-maintenance  'Soccer Mom' daughter, the three family units they're part of and you have the nuts and bolts of a 'Modern Family' (SKY One), an eponymous tale of family life told with affection, humour and sharp observation. It's a cosy, relaxing evening's viewing and always leaves 'thetvreviewguy' comfortable in the knowledge that all families are dysfunctional, especially the ones on television. 'Modern Family' is a move away from 'Blue Collar ' Comedy at a time when recession/depression is making a thematic return to the mainstream; the three families are well-off by Irish standards; indeed, they're positively Cosby-esque in their lifestyles. But 'thetvreviewguy' isn't judging them on their household income but on the quality of the writing and 'Modern Family' doesn't disappoint. Characterisation is key and the writers don't invent zany, ludicrous behaviours out of character with the dramatis personae; every plot line has a reason and the lack of a studio audience makes this feel very un-sit com like. And, if like 'thetvreviewguy', you're reaching mid-life, well, it provides a wry view on life's quirks and mishaps. To paraphrase Homer Simpson, Modern Family is an excellent portrait of 'whatever year it is we're in now'. It's also effortless comedy and is another welcome addition to 'thetvreviewguy's' increasingly long list of Sunday evening wind-down TV.