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Planes, Trains and Cars
Original Air Date: May 2, 2012
Wyner C – TwoCents Reviewer
wyner@thetwocentscorp.com
Transportation can be a source of comedy…if you’re the Dunphy’s and Pritchett’s. Planes and trains go to the Pritchett’s and cars to the Dunphy’s. Let’s see the adventures of our favorite crazy family.
At the Dunphy Compound, Phil is persuaded into buying a convertible instead of a practical car. Claire silently fumes and waits for Phil to realize his mistake. Reality hits when Phil needs to drive a client and her family to a listing. He switches cars with Claire on the condition he picks up the kids.
Phil, upset at not driving the convertible, enjoys his time as chauffeur. In his silent disappointment, Phil learns about his kids – someone has a crush on Luke, Haley is on the verge of dumping her boyfriend and Alex knows Chinese (that was unintelligible gibberish but I‘ll roll with it).
During her errand run in the convertible, Claire decides to be irresponsible. She drives up the coast to the beach and enjoys herself – even doing cartwheels. Cartwheels with keys in the pocket = lost keys!
Phil has to drive to the beach to bail Claire out. Claire doesn’t remember the last time they were at the beach – they decide to come monthly together. Phil learns more about his kids in the minivan. They will sell the convertible and have monthly beach outings…awwww.
At the Pritchett Household, Jay, Gloria and Manny are heading to Pebble Beach to see Jay’s old football buddies. Jay is packing his flashiest and most expensive things. When they get to the airport, Gloria refuses to board the private plane. Road trip!!!
The car breaks down in the middle of Creepy-Mechanic-land. The only rental car is unavailable, so creepy mechanic offers up his personal refurbished helicopter (taca-taca-taca as per Gloria). Gloria declines the offer. She’s mad that Jay just wants to see his friends to boast and continue his “top dog” act.
Jay confesses he was a shy bench warmer. He didn’t want to show off the private plane or his flashy watches – he wanted to show off Gloria. Not only is Gloria gorgeous, she’s also a loving wife. Jay will show off his trophy wife if it’s the last thing they do – which might be the case because they board the helicopter.
Cam, Mitchell and Lily ride the train to Chinatown. Cam throws Lily’s favorite doll, Bunny, to Mitchell. Mitchell being Mitchell doesn’t catch Bunny and it ends up on the train. The door closes and Bunny is lost.
Lily can’t sleep and wants Bunny back. Cam and Mitchell post flyers in the subway station for Bunny. Mitchell thinks Lily should learn about loss but Cam disagrees. That’s when Cam spots a homeless man (home-challenged to be politically correct) with Bunny in his arms.
Mitchell goes to ask for Bunny back (not touching the man with his hands). Cam is about to take charge when the homeless man sneeze and coughs on Bunny. Lily is going to get her first lesson in “loss” today.
This was an awesome episode!!! The first 15 minutes had so many one-liners! I don’t know how to choose my favorite. Great episode!! I laughed out loud at least 5 times.
Favorite moments/Things to ponder:
1. If I was Jay, I’d show Gloria off too. I’d leave Manny home, though.
2. Andre is a GREAT addition. Dude had jokes!
Example: “This thing warns you if you deviate from your lane. In my car, that’s my wife.”
3. Vietnam is not China and that hat Cam strapped on his back was just wrong (funny, but wrong)! Also, as per Mitchell, Diversity = Pickpockets! Ha!
4. Family moment:
I would have to give this one to Claire and Phil. They rediscovered each other and learned the virtues of responsibility and letting loose.
5. Quote(s) of the episode:
“He who tossed it, lost it” ~ Mitchell, rhyming so he must be correct
“I’ve heard you sing, I think you’re safe.” ~ Jay to Gloria after she names famous singers that died on private planes
Haley: What? But you’re too old for this. Ugh! It’s just like last year when you wouldn’t take off those skinny jeans.
Alex: Wouldn’t or couldn’t?
~ Haley and Alex to Phil about his tendency to try to be young and rocking it like Colton Dixon
How awesome is Gloria? Would you have printed posters for a lost doll? Why didn’t they buy a new Bunny? Would you want Bunny after it was a sleeping companion to the home-challenged? Did you like the Luke Skywalker in hotpants doll? Did you own one? I didn’t know those existed. Kevin Hart is awesome as Andre – yes/no? (Um, Hell yeah!) Did you expect Jay’s football non-glory past? Discuss away!
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