Modern Family season 11 episode 12 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In an episode filled with dilemmas and humor, a protagonist grapples with hiring decisions, favoring competence over looks. Meanwhile, Cam and Mitchell deal with an elderly man's odd request to die in their home. Phil faces his fears about a space trip offered by a tech-titan neighbor, while Manny is propositioned by his father for a year-long cruise. The episode highlights themes of aging, career challenges, and family dynamics, culminating in a mix of resolutions that satisfy some while leaving others in humorous distress.

Full Episode S11E12 Recap

### Scene 1: Job Interview and Family Interaction - The protagonist is interviewing a Stanford engineering graduate for an assistant position. The candidate is exceptionally attractive, leading to jokes about "hot-shaming." - The protagonist's grandpa returns a belonging to their mom, inquires about the "beefcake" candidate. - They discuss the optics of hiring based on looks and the protagonist's need for a competent assistant. - Grandpa suggests hiring Margaret, his elderly assistant, highlighting her loyalty and reliability despite her age. ### Scene 2: Cam and Mitchell's Home Intrusion - Cam is frustrated over a faculty decision at school and plans revenge. - An elderly man, Murray Clark, arrives, claiming he grew up in their house and wants to "die" there. - Confused and concerned, Cam and Mitchell offer him juice and hospitality. ### Scene 3: Phil and Kenneth's Space Adventure Proposal - Phil eagerly awaits Kenneth, a tech-titan neighbor, who has a surprise for him. - Kenneth offers Phil an opportunity to travel to the International Space Station, leaving Phil ecstatic but internally terrified. ### Scene 4: Manny's Family Dynamics - Manny's mother, Gloria, and stepfather, Jay, discuss Manny's father, Javier, and his unreliable nature. - Javier arrives with a proposition for Manny: a year-long cruise around the world, to Gloria's disapproval. ### Scene 5: Margaret's Incompetence and Desire to Retire - Margaret struggles with modern office tasks, inadvertently adding bourbon to coffee and misunderstanding work terms. - The protagonist is advised to fire Margaret, but they find out she's wanted to retire for years. - Jay reluctantly agrees to let Margaret retire, acknowledging their long history together. ### Scene 6: Reunion Turns Rivalry - Cam and Mitchell introduce Murray to his old friend, Herschel, hoping to uplift Murray. - The reunion turns sour as Murray and Herschel reveal a bitter past, arguing over old grievances. ### Scene 7: Manny's Play and Father-Son Bonding - Manny performs a one-man play, impressing his parents. - Gloria, seeing Manny's potential, encourages him to join Javier on the cruise for life experience. - Jay makes fun of Manny's cruise attire, but in a light-hearted, family dynamic. ### Scene 8: Phil's Reluctance and Kenneth's Real Motivation - Phil reveals his fear of space travel to Claire, who suggests he should decline the offer. - Kenneth admits he doesn't want to go to space either, having succumbed to peer pressure from tech moguls. - They concoct a plan to auction off the space trip for charity, pleasing everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications of the candidate being interviewed for the assistant position?

The candidate is a Stanford engineering graduate and a Rhodes Scholarship offer recipient.

Why is the protagonist hesitant to hire the attractive candidate?

The protagonist is concerned about the optics of hiring someone based on their looks, amidst jokes about "hot-shaming."

Who does the protagonist's grandpa suggest for the assistant position?

The grandpa suggests hiring Margaret, his elderly and loyal assistant.

What is the peculiar request made by Murray Clark at Cam and Mitchell's home?

Murray Clark requests to die in the house he grew up in.

What surprise does Kenneth, the tech-titan neighbor, have for Phil?

Kenneth surprises Phil with tickets to the International Space Station.

What proposition does Javier have for Manny?

Javier proposes a year-long cruise around the world for Manny.

Why does the protagonist consider firing Margaret?

The protagonist considers firing Margaret due to her incompetence in modern office tasks.

What causes the reunion between Murray and Herschel to turn sour?

The reunion turns sour due to their bitter past, involving accusations of betrayal and personal grievances.

What is the theme of Manny's one-man play?

Manny's play explores the theme of disconnected individuals in a café forced to interact when the internet goes out.

How does Phil resolve his reluctance to travel to space?

Phil and Kenneth decide to auction off the space trip for charity, allowing Phil to avoid the journey.

What motivates Gloria to encourage Manny to join the cruise with Javier?

Gloria believes the cruise will provide Manny with real-life experiences that can inspire his writing.

How does Jay react to Manny's cruise attire?

Jay teases Manny about his cruise attire in a light-hearted, family dynamic.

What is Kenneth's real reason for not wanting to go to space?

Kenneth admits he succumbed to peer pressure from tech moguls and didn't genuinely want to go to space.

Modern Family season 11 episode 12

Dead on a Rival