Modern Family’s Underappreciated Character: Alex Dunphy
The 2009 sitcom ‘Modern Family’ aired for 11 seasons. Boy, was that a rollercoaster of emotions! Through it all, Alex Dunphy was underappreciated. Let’s see why.
Since childhood, Alex has been the overachiever of the Dunphy family. Like her mother, Claire, she always strives for perfection. Her need to succeed in everything acts like a double-edged sword. Yes, it helps her get high grades at school. However, she neglects her mental health in the process.
Throughout the series, they drop subtle hints of her growing anxiety. One day, she lies and skips her cello lesson. This may not seem like a great deal. When Alex confesses to Haley that she hates playing the cello, Haley suggests she quit. However, Alex refuses to, as she has never quit anything. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
The episode ‘Spring Break’ provides more insight into her character. Upon being rejected by Harvard, she is understandably inconsolable. She attends a carnival with Haley, as a distraction.In order to suppress her grief, she gets drunk and pretends to act nonchalant. Luckily, Haley reassures Alex that she is talented and still has a long way to go.
Sometimes, she is treated like a trophy daughter. When Alex is supposed to graduate from Caltech, she gets cold feet and runs away. Instead of trying to understand her, Claire ushers her to attend the graduation. That way Claire can brandish her intellectual daughter. Unlike Claire, Haley acts more concerned for Alex and tries talking to her.
In the episode ‘Under Pressure’, she has a meltdown on her 16th birthday, in front of the entire family. The meltdown is caused due to feeling incompetent. During her counseling session, is when we understand her frustrations. She despises how neurotic she is. Moreover, she admits that she feels a responsibility. A responsibility to always be the best. Whether it is topping her class or attending a prestigious university.
In a heartbreaking moment, she adds that her family will never ‘understand’ this pressure.
Claire attends the open house at Alex’s school. Finally, she lives a day in her daughter’s life full of hours of homework and studying. After returning, she realizes that she has taken her middle daughter for granted.
Claire genuinely asks Alex how she keeps it all together. Alex embraces her tightly and weeps. She silently thanks her for understanding.
What bothers me is that she is not present in some episodes. That would be justifiable, as Modern Family has many characters. However, if all the members get screen time every episode, why is she left out?
