Sophie Bennett
Did the Chicken Cross the Road? is the seventh episode of the tenth season of the popular sitcom Modern Family, which aired on November 7, 2018. The episode features a guest appearance by Reid Ewing, who plays Dylan, and explores various storylines that intertwine the lives of the characters. One of the main plots revolves around Cam, who, after forgetting the words to his favourite country song, feels disconnected from his country roots and decides to get a chicken. Meanwhile, Alex, who is up for a prestigious government job, navigates a family interview, and Haley and Dylan contemplate the need to mature. The episode also delves into Luke's newfound interest in psychology, Jay and Gloria's disagreements over Joe's education, and the dynamics between Cam and Mitch as they navigate their feelings about the chicken, affectionately named Hennifer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Episode Number | 7 |
| Season Number | 10 |
| Air Date | November 7, 2018 |
| Guest Stars | Reid Ewing as Dylan and Rosa Blasi |
| Director | N/A |
| Writer | N/A |
| Alex's Plotline | Alex has an interview for a prestigious government job, which she obtains. |
| Cam and Mitch's Plotline | Cam forgets the words to his favourite country song, "I'm a Country Boy", and decides to get a chicken to reconnect with his country roots. However, he ends up hating the chicken, while Mitch secretly loves it. |
| Haley and Dylan's Plotline | Haley and Dylan realise they need to grow up. |
| Jay and Gloria's Plotline | Jay and Gloria disagree over Joe's education. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Alex's job interview
In the Modern Family episode "Did the Chicken Cross the Road?", Alex has an interview for a prestigious government job. The role is so esteemed that it requires a family interview, which causes everyone to overcompensate and jeopardize her chances.
Phil suggests putting the family heirloom—a sketch of Mickey Mouse from 1931, seemingly by Walt Disney himself—in view. Claire, meanwhile, can't stop micromanaging everything. Alex's brother, Luke, helps her vanquish her fears. He has recently started taking psychology classes, and his new expertise causes him to doubt himself and his family. He notices the archetypes found in his family: Alex (all brains, lack of empathy), Claire (obsessive, controlling), Haley (refusal to grow up, "Peter Pan" complex), and Phil (dreamer, gullible).
Despite the family's best efforts, Alex gets the job. She thanks Phil for always believing in her, even when she didn't believe in herself.
Chicken Stuffing: Peanut Allergies a Concern?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cam's forgotten song
In the Modern Family episode "Did the Chicken Cross the Road?", Cam forgets the words to his favourite country song, "I'm a Country Boy", co-written and performed by John Denver. Cam blames his husband, Mitch, for making him lose touch with his country roots. To reconnect with his roots, Cam decides to get a chicken, despite Mitch's protests.
Cam and Mitch give the chicken several names, including Princess Layer, Egg Ryan, Chicki Minaj, Egg Leia, and Chickie Menage. Cam pretends to be happy about the chicken but actually hates it and its smell, and he is eager to get rid of it. On the other hand, Mitch, who usually doesn't feel a connection with animals, surprisingly loves the chicken, whom he calls Hennifer.
When Hennifer goes missing, Cam and Mitch check the security footage, which shows Cam chasing the chicken, despite him claiming that she was attacked by a raccoon. Mitch is upset about losing Hennifer, but the two reconcile when they realise that they have influenced each other, with Cam becoming more "citified" and Mitch adopting some of Cam's country ways.
Dairy Queen Chicken Strip Basket: Carb Count and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Haley and Dylan's realisation
In the Modern Family episode "Did the Chicken Cross the Road?", Haley and Dylan realise that they are the youngest at the play and the oldest at the carnival. This realisation leads them to ditch the play and head to the bumper cars instead.
This moment is significant for Haley and Dylan as it represents their coming to terms with their place in the world and their subsequent decision to grow up. Up until this point, Haley and Dylan have been characterised by their refusal to mature and take on adult responsibilities. However, their realisation at the play and carnival marks a turning point in their character arcs, indicating that they are finally ready to embrace adulthood and all that comes with it.
This realisation also has implications for their relationship with each other. As the youngest and oldest of their social circle, respectively, Haley and Dylan have always relied on each other for support and understanding. Now, as they confront the reality of their ages, they must also confront the possibility that their dynamic may need to change if they are to continue growing and evolving as individuals.
Despite the seriousness of their realisation, Haley and Dylan approach it with their typical light-heartedness and humour. Rather than wallow in self-pity or deny the truth, they accept their place in the world and make a conscious decision to move forward. This maturity, coupled with their playful nature, showcases the complexity of their characters and highlights the growth they have undergone throughout the series.
Overall, Haley and Dylan's realisation in "Did the Chicken Cross the Road?" serves as a pivotal moment in their character development, signalling their transition into adulthood and the potential shifts in their dynamic as a couple.
Storing Raw Chicken: Fridge or Freezer?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Hypocrisy Detected; in a Letter to the Late Firm of Haldane, Ewing, and Co. with a Preface, Containing the Narrative of Mr. James Reid, a Missionary Sent by These Gentlemen to 1812 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Jay and Gloria's disagreement
In the Modern Family episode "Did the Chicken Cross the Road?", Jay and Gloria disagree over Joe's education and his diet. Jay is delighted to have Gloria listen to him during a soccer game that he is umpiring, even though he forgot his whistle and has to call out "whistle" instead. However, Gloria is furious and ends up deflating the soccer ball and chanting in Spanish. Later, Jay apologizes to Gloria and says that they need to be on the same page regarding Joe and his vegetables.
The episode focuses on several storylines, including Cam and Mitch's role reversal, and Alex's job interview. Cam wakes Mitch up in the middle of the night in a panic because he has forgotten the words to his favorite country song, "I'm a Country Boy." To reconnect with his country roots, Cam decides to get a chicken, despite hating it and wanting to return it as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Alex is up for a prestigious government job that requires a family interview, which causes everyone to overcompensate and jeopardize her chances.
During the episode, Luke's new interest in psychology allows him to give personality assessments of his family members, which causes doubt and fear to slowly seep in. He describes Alex as all brains but lacking empathy, Claire as obsessive and controlling, Haley as having a refusal to grow up or a "Peter Pan" complex, and Phil as a dreamer and gullible.
Overall, the episode received positive reviews, with TV Fanatic giving it 3.5/5.0 and the A.V. Club giving it a "B." It was considered one of the better episodes in recent memory, with nice moments and a good mix of comedy, drama, and romance.
Garlic Herb Chicken and Lemon Basil Pasta: A Match?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Luke's new interest in psychology
In the Modern Family episode "Did the Chicken Cross the Road?", Luke Dunphy develops a new interest in psychology. After reading the first chapter of his psychology textbook, Luke begins to analyse his family members' personalities and behaviours. He identifies Alex as being highly intelligent but lacking in empathy, Claire as obsessive and controlling, Haley as refusing to grow up with a "Peter Pan" complex, and Phil as a dreamer and gullible.
Luke's newfound interest in psychology leads him to offer his insights into Haley, Phil, and Claire's behaviours. This causes doubt and fear to slowly seep in, particularly rattling Haley and Phil. While Luke's psychological insights may have caused some discomfort, they also provided a unique perspective on the family dynamics.
It is worth noting that Luke is the only Dunphy whose portrait is never psychologically dressed, and he is the only character who never interacts with Florence, a character whose name is never revealed in the episode. This could suggest that Luke's interest in psychology is an attempt to better understand his family and find his place within the complex dynamics of the Dunphy household.
Luke's interest in psychology also extends beyond his family. In the same episode, he helps his sister, Alex, overcome her fears as she prepares for a prestigious government job interview. With Luke's assistance, Alex is successful in her interview, showcasing the positive impact of his newfound interest in psychology.
Overall, Luke's new interest in psychology adds a layer of depth to his character and provides a unique lens through which to view the Dunphy family dynamics. It showcases his curiosity, intellect, and desire to understand those around him better, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known characters of Modern Family.
Hen and Chicks Succulents: Spreading Yard Cheer
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
In this episode, Cam forgets the words to his favourite country song and blames Mitch, deciding he needs to reconnect with his country roots by getting a chicken. Meanwhile, Alex is up for a prestigious government job, which requires a family interview, and Haley and Dylan think it's time they grew up.
Reid Ewing guest stars as Dylan.
This episode aired on Reid Ewing's 30th birthday.
The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B", commenting that it had "enough heart". TV Fanatic gave it 3.5/5.0, calling it "one of the better episodes in recent memory".
