5. Phil Bonds With An Emotionally Distraught New Friend
Episode: Misery Date If there is one person who is very unaware of his surroundings, it would be Phil Dunphy. After meeting a friend, Dave, at Cam's (his gay brother-in-law) gym, he invites Dave (played by Matthew Broderick) over for a boy's night. However, unbeknownst to Phil, Dave is gay and has had a recent break-up. And unbeknownst to Phil, Cam is friends with Dave, who he has been encouraging to move on from his former relationship. But obviously, as Cam encourages Dave to go out with this new guy he met, he has no idea that Phil is this new guy Dave is mentioning. So as Phil and Dave spend time together and bond, Dave is under the impression that Phil is also gay and invited Dave over for something more than watching football games. The scene grows more and more awkward as time goes on the audience knows the situation in which Phil finds himself, and can't help but grimace as he commits one ambiguous action after another and making it seem like he's coming onto Dave. From accidently 'setting the mood' with lights and music to a celebratory hug with no shirts, Dave feels pressured and leaves, but not before giving Phil a thank you kiss. The story is hilarious and Broderick as always puts on a perfect performance. It was funny to see so many things happening at once that no more than one character was aware of at a time as they weaved into unexpected moments.