In The Night - [s6e9] Strangers

Mitchell’s altruistic side gets the better of him when he invites his distraught coworker, Brenda (played by guest star Kristen Johnston), to stay the night.

The tension peaks as Mitchell and Cam oscillate between trying to be supportive friends and being absolutely terrified that Brenda will ruin the couch. It concludes with a touching, yet predictably messy, moment where Lily reminds them that while they love their "nice things," they chose her —a decidedly messy human—over a perfect living room. Critical Analysis [S6E9] Strangers in the Night

Mitchell and Cam have just purchased a pristine, impossibly white couch—a symbol of their desire for a "mature" and "clean" lifestyle. Mitchell’s altruistic side gets the better of him

Jay (Ed O'Neill) and Gloria (Sofía Vergara) are caught in a tug-of-war between two events they both loathe: a "Bark Mitzvah" for a dog and a Colombian picnic. Critical Analysis Mitchell and Cam have just purchased

When Alex (Ariel Winter) claims she finally has a boyfriend named Alec, Claire and Phil immediately spiral into doubt.

In a classic Modern Family beat, Alec turns out to be very real—and as academically focused as she is. This storyline highlights the Dunphys' own guilt about how hard they push their middle child. The Pritchett Plan: Escape the Party