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Modern Family: Why We're Worried About David Cross Joining the Cast

Last night's "Door to Door" was problematic in a lot of ways, not least of which was the introduction of David Cross's recurring character, Duane the city councilman. There are a few reasons we're worried about Duane's role on the show, as seen by last night's issues (though, it needs to be said, we absolutely agreed with him: ice cream cake is not the same thing as regular cake). Here's why we're apprehensive:

We're Not Fans of Claire vs. The Community
Claire's battle with the school parking officer last week went on a little longer than we would've liked, and the only thing we laughed about in her Season 2's "Slow Down Your Neighbors" storyline was Phil's involvement in it. It may be because Parks and Recreation has already perfected wacky town hearings, but in any case, Claire arguing with the board didn't work for us. Given that Cross's character is a councilman, it's clear that the war is far from over. We curse everyone who signed that stop sign petition.

He Threw Off the Balance
We've been content with the ratio of comic relief to precious family moments on this show; it's something Modern Family has always done well, thanks to the talent of its cast -- not to mention, Phil's intense power walking. The town hall moment where Phil and the kids swooped in to get Claire her signatures was a perfectly opportune moment to revel in the family bonding, but it was completely lost in Duane's birthday disaster. Had this been a one-note joke and if Cross was only making a cameo appearance, it would have been different, but we had to stop the action to establish his character.

He Isn't Part of the Family
On the same note, there's no available Dunphy or Pritchett for Duane to date at the moment, leaving Cross as one of the first non-relative guest stars to get serious upcoming screentime. We're worried that his relationship with Claire will have no redeeming emotional connection (the kind that allows us to still sometimes enjoy Cameron and Mitchell's bickering). Also, we all know that too many underdeveloped storylines get crammed into each episode, and there's no way the inclusion of Duane will help flesh that problem out.

He's a Scene Stealer
Like his Arrested Development co-star Will Arnett, Cross is a strong personality who knows how to make us laugh. When he's in a scene, we can't help but wait for him to start cracking us up. There's too much happening on Modern Family for yet another person to steal all of the attention, and that's exactly what he'll do. Unless the writers can brilliantly fold Cross in like the Breaking Bad writers did for his Mr. Show co-star Bob Odenkirk on their series, we're thinking Duane would be better suited for his own sitcom than thrust into one that's already crowded.

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7 Comments

October 6, 2011 12:16 PM
Justin
Reply

I tend to agree except... he was really funny last night.

October 6, 2011 12:48 PM
goodygoody
Reply

I agree wholeheartedly. The cake joke went on too long and I watch Modern Family for the Family.

October 6, 2011 8:35 PM
Doug
Reply

Um, who writes this crap? Cross was on the screen for all over 2 or 3 minutes last night, and being in the role the he has, I'm not sure how it can really become anymore "substantial." It's not like he's going to move in with the Dunphys.

More of an article desperately seeking out something to complain out rather than valid points, IMHO.

October 7, 2011 11:53 AM
Frodo
Reply

Here's my reason: David Cross is NOT FUNNY. NOT FUNNY. NOT FUNNY. That's it.

October 8, 2011 12:10 AM
Aaron
Reply

This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. Then I read the comments.

October 12, 2011 12:08 AM
BOOMshockAlocka
Reply

David Cross is the best thing to ever happen to tv comedy all the way from Mr Show to your precious Modern Family.

I support anyone's opinions (especially eccentric ones) but THIS WAS THE WORST BREAKDOWN I have ever read.

October 12, 2011 12:10 AM
BOOMshockAlocka
Reply
replied to comment from Aaron

CO-SIGN 200%

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