"And I Can't Swim The Ocean Like This Forever" (First Impressions - "Pool Party" - Season 11, Episode 4)

The bad news about the press release and promo photos for this episde?  There's no mention/sight of Alex in any of this.  Again.

The (maybe) good news?  There's nothing at all about any of the Dunphys.

So, maybe all isn't lost.  Yet.

And still no sign of Bill.

“Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose” (“New Kids On The Block” Recap)

Well that was quick.   Maybe slightly too quick?

“Don't You Know That The Time Has Arrived”

Weatherwise maybe not so much¹, but in the Modern Family world summer is finally over. The 11th and final season begins tonight with “New Kids On The Block”.  Unfortunately, apparently Alex isn't even an old kid on the block right now – she's in Antarctica (or is she?).

“Fairytales Don't Always Have A Happy Ending, Do They?”

I mentioned earlier this evening that there is a Season 11 preview post on TV Guide's website with an interview with co-creator Christopher Lloyd which among other things, most importantly for Alex fans, clarifies her role for the season a little bit more.

I figured I'd use that as a starting report for my very much tardy annual prediction post.


For those who don't want to read other spoilers about the show, here are the salient points:

“I Must Take The Baby Steps 'Til I'm Full-Grown” (First Impressions - “Perfect Pairs” - Season 11, Episode 3)

I was beginning to wonder if there was even going to be an episode on October 9th, since as of last night Modern Family was the only one of ABC's Wednesday night comedies not to have one posted.  However, this afternoon, I found it.

"This Is Where I Long To Be: La Isla Bonita"

Well. well.   One week before the final season begins, we finally have some idea about what happens with Alex.  Too bad the most likely scenario doesn't bode well.

"Maniac Brainiac" (First Impressions - "Snapped" - Season 11, Episode 2)

Until last year (and the first season), the second episodes of each season have given Alex something interesting to do.   And when I first saw the title of this next episode, I thought maybe we were back to normal, if not necessarily good for Alex (would she be the one to "snap", again).

Unfortunately, last year appears to have been the start of a new trend (OK, that "trend" will only last two seasons, but, still...), based on the press release for this season's second outing - the Dunphy story of the week is Claire wanting everyone out of the house when a business magazine reporter comes to interview her, so as not to embarrass her.  

Although, on the bright side, the chances that Alex will snap are a lot less than the title suggests.

I'd guess Claire is afraid Alex will show her up in some way when this magazine reporter shows up.  That's about the only way I can see Alex make Claire look bad.  Personally, if I were Claire I'd want to have Alex there to show off proudly, but, then again, of course I'm biased.

(There is of course, one other possibility I'd rather not bring up but will - maybe Alex won't even be there?  Yes, it's only the second episode, but...)

One other piece of news (in a pre-season that has been sorely lacking in news):  there will be a Halloween episode in a few weeks - Ariel confirmed it on an Instagram story:

"Don't Worry 'Bout Nothing 'Cause It Won't Take Long" (First Impressions - "New Kids On The Block" - Season 11, Episode 1)

Well, the first press release of the new/final season is out, and, not surprisingly, it is underwhelming.

No sign of Alex (as expected, the Dunphy story is about Haley and the twins - get used to that), and no sign of Bill either (not that that would've guaranteed anything, of course).

So, we're off.  That single step of a final thousand mile journey?  Maybe a centimeter long, I guess.

"'Cause It Don't Feel Like It's Over"

Maybe because it isn't?  This has been one very long summer.

Anyway, here's a couple random things for the (finally!) first day of September: