11x08 - Tree's a Crowd

Episode transcripts for the TV show "Modern Family". Aired: September 2009 to April 2020.*
Watch/Buy Amazon  Merchandise


"Modern Family" follows three different, but related families as they give us an honest and often hilarious look into sometimes warm, sometimes twisted, embrace of the modern family.
Post Reply

11x08 - Tree's a Crowd

Post by bunniefuu »

[EXHALES DEEPLY]

Honey, what are you doing?

I just saw this incredible telekinesis video.

I'm trying to make a piece of bacon levitate.

Don't you have to, I don't know, work?

Are you saying it'll never happen?

Is there perhaps a more colorful way of saying that?

I know you're trying to get me to say "It'll happen when pigs fly.

" That counts.

[GASPS]

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

What?

Oh, my gosh!

Good morning, Earth mates.

Morning, Farr Ahh-ha.

Oh, my lower back is k*lling me.

Has anyone seen my healing crystal?

Mm, that may be the only thing of yours we haven't seen.

Dylan's mom, Farrah, came to see the babies, and then she found out that her polyamorous quad was downgraded to a triad.

Now we're stuck with her.

Polyamory.

Can you imagine?

[CHUCKLES]

No.

She needs to go.

[DRUMMING]

Oh-ohhhh Farrah!

Farrah!

- Ohhhhh!

- Farrah!

Do you have to do that right here?

Oh, I am so sorry.

I didn't realize you wanted it to keep flooding in the Philippines.

I don't want it to keep flooding in the Philippines, Claire.

It's okay.

- I'll just go in the other room.

- Great.

[CELLPHONE RINGING]

Ugh.

It's Jerry.

I can't.

It's gonna be 45 minutes about how much he misses Mom and then some overshare about their sex life.

Claire, he's family.

- [SIGHS]

- [RINGING STOPS]

Jerry.

How are you?

Yeah.

No, I know.

We miss her, too.

The babies are great.

Yeah, constantly exploring, - always sticking their fingers in everything.

- Hmm.

[LAUGHS]

Oh, whoa, yeah, what a what a fun image of my late mother-in-law.

Really?

Let me just Let me just check to see - if we're gonna be around.

- [CELLPHONE CLICKS]

Jerry is following the butterfly migration to Mexico and wants to stop by tomorrow to say hi.

No way.

Make up an excuse.

I'm a terrible liar.

Tough.

The last thing we need around here is another hippie kook.

Oh, it finally happened.

I'm my father.

Oh, my goddesses, there you are.

[CHUCKLES]

Oh, Claire, would you be comfortable rubbing this just above my buttocks while I offer up a Tibetan pain chant?

Doesn't sound like me.

But I might know someone who could help you out.

Oh.

Honestly, Jerry, it's that, uh Claire and I have have hit a rough patch.

She's been huffing cans of whipped cream.

I mean [WHISPERING]

Help me.

[NORMAL VOICE]

Underneath our bed looks like backstage at a pie-eating contest.

- Invite him here.

- [WHISPERING]

What?

Just get him here as fast as you can.

Come on.

Uh, actually, Jerry, everything's fine.

Claire just agreed to seek help.

See you tomorrow.

- [CELLPHONE BEEPS]

- What the hell was that?

Jerry's lonely, Farrah's lonely, they both glom onto us.

We set them up, they'll glom onto each other, and then she can bang his drum.

My beautiful genius.

Oop, sorry.

Hold on.

[GASPS]

Oooh.

[SIGHS]

- Ooooh.

- Now I just have to find someone to set you up with.

Oh, breaking out the good stuff, huh?

Well, you know what?

We're finally close friends with a lesbian couple, and and I I want them to feel as special to us as if they were real gays.

Cam, they're just as gay as we are.

Okay, hold on.

One moment.

- Bink!

- Okay, well, as I am.

- Okay.

- [CLICKS TONGUE]

- Hi.

- CAMPBELL: Oh, my gosh.

You guys are such a cute family.

Oh, gosh, that picture.

That was taken at an amusement park.

That's not the real Bigfoot.

- [LAUGHS]

- "Real Bigfoot," - Oh, my God.

You're so funny.

- Yeah.

Sure.

Okay.

Let's go with "he was making a joke.

" So, you guys, speaking of families We're thinking of starting one of our own.

- [GASPS]

Congratulations.

- Amazing.

Oh, how are you gonna do it?

What's the plan?

Actually, we wanted to ask you something about that.

Eh, there comes a point in every gay man's life when a lesbian couple asks him for his sperm.

- Unless you're Mitchell and me.

- Yeah.

All of our friends have been asked, while we have been cruelly overlooked.

It's painful.

It's like not getting picked to play kickball.

Well, that never happened to me.

I was my kickball team's captain.

Well, only after our star broke his leg and had to be put down.

- He was a - A mule.

From a mile away.

Go ahead.

Ask us anything.

Well, you know we think the world of you guys.

- Yes?

- And we, you.

First of all, would you judge us if we didn't adopt?

Is that selfish?

- Um, no.

- No.

Oh, that's such a relief.

Now, the next step is finding someone who can - Donate?

- Yes.

You know, we don't want anyone involved financially or otherwise, so we were just thinking of going to the sperm bank.

That's a good option, but make sure the janitors are handsome, because, you know, they have the keys to everything.

Well, we also thought about asking my brother.

Oh, you don't want to go down that road.

It's too complicated.

"My daddy, my uncle, my daddy, my uncle.

" It's "Chinatown.

" Yeah, you want someone that you know, with a little distance, that you know and and trust.

Who's attractive and healthy.

And who hasn't had mental illness in their family in at least a generation and a half.

Well, that's the dream.

[CHUCKLES]

- Well, dreams can come true.

- Mm-hmm.

Oh, my God.

Thank you, guys.

No, thank you.

- If you think of someone, will you let us know?

- Yeah.

- Lesbians.

- Lesbians.

- Here's your cappuccino.

- Ah.

None for me.

I don't need to be sharp to experience the empty void that is life without Sherry Shaker.

What are these little drawings in the milk?

That's me staring out a window.

I made the stars with my tears.

Ay, papi, if you can survive me driving three blocks with you on the roof of my car, you can survive this.

When did that happen?

It wasn't gonna work out with Sherry anyway.

She's Canadian.

They have ducks on their money.

They sell milk in a bag.

I'll be in my room if anyone needs me.

Who am I kidding?

No one needs me.

Ay, papi, these things have a way of working out.

I promise.

You promise?

What did you do?

I called in a favor.

Luke!

Again?

I thought we were even.

I need you to do something for Manny.

It'll mean the world to him.

Okay, I guess.

I want you to go to Sherry's improv show, talk him up to her.

I want her to regret breaking up with him.

No.

Not that.

Anything but improv.

Improv is no different than getting waterboarded.

Just stay calm, go to a pleasant place in your mind, and remember that you're not actually dying.

Fine.

I'll do it.

Good boy.

Go back to sleep.

Why'd you bring a crowbar?

No reason.

Gloria, we should not be involved.

You know what my dad always said to me every time I was down?

Nothing.

I learned to figure everything out on my own.

This is your least attractive quality.

Where is your empathy?

I have empathy.

That's the one where you care about people, right?

You don't go out of your way for anyone.

Yes, I do.

You remember that little valet at the club?

If I hadn't got him fired, he'd still be moving everybody's seats up.

Okay, here we go.

Some apricot jam from an old family recipe.

Not that you would be interested in any of my family recipes.

Is everything okay?

- Uh Uh - Why don't you want us to be your donor?

- Oh.

- Uh D It's okay.

Just say it.

- You're put off by my red hair.

- Or is it his freckles?

- Or my tendency to burn.

- Or is it his - Can this one please be about you?

- Yeah, yeah.

Wait, are you saying that you would donate for us?

Honestly, we would love that, but we were afraid to put you on the spot, and we didn't think you'd say yes.

- Oh Well, of of course we'd say yes!

- We adore you!

- Oh!

[CHUCKLES]

- Molly, I think we just found our daddy.

[ALL CHUCKLING]

Oh, my God.

Okay.

Okay, so, which one of us do you want?

I don't know.

We haven't even had a chance - to think about it.

- Yeah.

Well, would it be helpful if we, you know, walked around so you could take us in from shoulder to shank?

It's not the county fair.

Alright, well, maybe we'll just go outside and, I don't know, kick something?

Or Or we could do a puzzle?

Or we could spell Connecticut?

Why don't you guys just decide?

We're We're happy either way.

Shouldn't be a problem.

Oh, good, you're both here.

Listen, I was thinking about yesterday, how upset you are, and how you say I don't care about people's feelings, so check this out.

Brandi, get in here.

BRANDI: I'm not done with my cigarette!

What did you do?

I was trying to figure a way how to help Manny to move on, and all of a sudden, I met this little angel.

- Brandi?

- BRANDI: Hold on!

The best part's right at the filter!

You're gonna love her.

She runs towels at the car wash.

- Why did you encourage this?

- N Hey, now, why settle for Sherry when you can have a little Brandi?

I'll admit, that's good.

[CHUCKLING]

Holy [BLEEP]

[LAUGHS]

This house!

So, this is how come you can afford the lava wax.

Brandi, this is my wife, Gloria, and this stud is my son, Manny.

Brandi, I'm sure you're very nice, but I'm dealing with losing the love of my life, - and I just need some time.

- [SCOFFS]

I know what you're going through, honey.

My man saw "Free Solo" and tried to scale the local bank.

He d*ed doing what he loved daring the cops to sh**t him.

Jay, should I scream at you here, or should we do it in the kitchen?

I could go for a little snack.

Uh, listen, you guys get to know each other.

Manny, offer her a drink at the bar.

You got anything with cinnamon?

I'm not particular.

[GIGGLES]

What were you thinking bringing a girl like that here?

What are you talking about?

- Brandi's a ton of fun.

- [SIGHS]

Oh, sure, maybe you don't bring her home to Mom.

That's literally what you did.

- [DOORBELL RINGS]

- I hope that that's her parole officer.

[GASPS]

Ah, Luke!

What a surprise!

[DOOR CLOSES]

How did your talk with Sherry go?

Not well.

What do you mean?

Did you mention to her that Manny was retweeted by one of the Property Brothers?

Yeah, I brought that up.

And what did she say?

Uh, does she miss him?

Will she take him back?

- I don't think so.

- Why not?

Well, we kind of kissed.

What?

Well, the Brandi plan's looking pretty good right now, huh?

Hello, family.

[CHUCKLES]

Oh.

Hi, Jerry.

Welcome.

- How are you?

- Sorry.

I would've knocked, but you know I abhor v*olence.

Hey.

Oh [GRUNTS]

sorry, I was grinding polenta for our lunch.

My arm's kinda tender.

Polenta elbow is a real thing.

Marianne Williamson was the only candidate with the guts to talk about it.

So, Jer, how you doing?

I'm hanging in there.

Very happy to see you both.

But the truth is, Claire, in this light, you're reminding me so much of your mother.

- Well, it's the hair.

- Same neck.

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

Oh, you must be Jerry.

I'm Dylan's mom, Farrah.

How wonderful to meet you.

Full disclosure I'm a hugger.

I'm sorry, I'm not very comfortable with that, because I'm a kisser.

[CHUCKLES SOFTLY, SMOOCHES]

[CHUCKLES]

Oh, what a lovely necklace.

Well, thank you.

It was made from the wreckage of a Japanese whaling ship.

How can the same people that gave us the haiku want to hunt such a graceful creature?

Uh, well, I can guarantee that absolutely no vegetables were harmed in the making of this salad.

Actually, Claire, it's been proven that plants feel pain.

Yes, they scream when you rip them from the ground.

Oh, um, then you're gonna hate what happened to these grapes.

That's okay.

They're drunk.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Oh.

Well, it is such a nice day outside.

Why don't the two of you enjoy your wine in the backyard while we finish setting up in here?

What a lovely idea.

Oh, Farrah, did you know that Jerry is following the butterfly migration?

All the way to Méjico?

I'm gonna spend the winter and spring hammock camping in the Sierra Chincua sanctuary.

That is one of my favorite places on this Earth.

- Oh, you've been there?

- Not in ages, but I would love to visit in this life.

- Oh - [DOOR OPENS]

- This is going so much better than we even hoped!

- [DOOR CLOSES]

It's so weird.

Jerry has such a type.

I mean, Farrah and my mom are the My mom.

She's in the backyard.

Ohhhh, right.

Oh, God.

Um, I don't know what happened.

It's Dede.

How did she get here?

I thought she was at Mitchell's house.

I don't understand.

My mom's ashes are fused to the roots of the tree.

Of course.

Dede, I never would have flirted with another woman in front of you.

Unless it was that kind of weekend, like that time in Taos.

- Ew.

- Dede needs me.

I shouldn't go anywhere.

But But what But what about the butterflies and Méjico?

Claire, I can feel it.

Your mother is in pain right now.

Are Are we absolutely sure it's the tree?

Because I do have an eggplant parmesan under the broiler.

I don't mean to overreact, but I think the situation may call for some throat singing.

[LOW-PITCHING VOCALIZING]

[VOCALIZING]

Alright.

Mitch.

Cam.

- Okay, I'll go first.

- Okay.

- I'm tall.

- Tall.

I'm strong, and I have a Matt Damon nose.

- [CHUCKLES]

Okay.

- Okay.

Mitchell, quick me or Matt Damon?

- Uh - Don't think, just answer.

- Uh Okay, I'll give you that one.

- Yeah.

Um, alright, now me.

Um Aaah Perfect pitch.

Well, what this baby needs is rhythm.

[FAST-PACED DRUMMING]

And I've never had a cavity.

I-I have good penmanship.

Well, I had an aunt that lived to 110, and she smoked a pipe every day.

- I'm responsible.

- I'm nurturing.

Uh Okay.

I'm nurturing, too.

When Lily was a baby, I sang her to sleep every night, with perfect pitch.

Aaah Well, I used to look at her through the window every morning when I would drop her off at school, until the security guard took my picture.

Okay, uh you know what?

You You be the donor.

I don't think that I can have a kid in the world and not be a part of their life.

Oh, Mitchell, I don't think I can, either.

It would k*ll me to have a little button-nose beauty out there kicking up a storm as the first female punter or the first male Rockette.

We begged them.

We're gonna look like such flakes.

- They're gonna be heartbroken.

- How do we tell them?

We're just gonna have to be completely honest.

We could tell them the microwave's been on the fritz and we're both sterile.

Great.

That.

Yeah.

Okay.

- Hey.

- Hi.

It's us.

Hey.

What a surprise.

Uh Uh, honey?

Mitch and Cam are here!

- Listen, we're sorry for dropping in like this.

- Mm-hmm.

- Uh, but there's something we need to tell you.

- Yeah.

- What's up?

- Hi.

Okay, there there's no easy way to say this.

Um we're just not comfortable donating sperm.

And And You know, listen, we were so flattered.

But I think we just got caught up in the moment.

Oh, we get it.

Yeah.

No problem.

- Oh, really?

- It's totally fine.

Thank you so much for letting us know.

- Okay.

- You guys are the best.

- Oh.

Oh, yeah.

- Mwah.

- Okay.

- Hey, have a good one.

- Sure.

- Bye.

Bye.

Wow, I-I can't believe how well that went.

Yeah, I know.

I feel I feel so much better.

That was so easy.

Yeah.

Yeah, like, really easy.

Wait, was it too easy?

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

I got this.

- Hi.

It's us again.

- Yeah.

Listen, um what just happened?

Because we just cratered your entire family planning, and all we get is a "Have a good one"?

You don't seem too broken up about it.

Uh No, no, we're super-sad.

We're just lesbians.

- Oh.

Oh, of course.

- Okay.

That's on us.

- That is on - Okay.

- [MAN LAUGHS]


- Who's that?

- Campbell.

- No, it's not.

You're the one with the masculine laugh.

Yeah, and I'm I'm suddenly aware that we've been talking outside for a long time.

Do Do you mind if we come in?

Yeah, no, not at all, Mitch and Cam!

Come on into the house!

[RAPID FOOTSTEPS]

Hey Hey, Campbell!

Hi!

Who's Who Who's your hunk?

Hi.

I'm Nathan.

Nathan.

Hello, Nathan.

What is Champagne.

What?

Were you celebrating?

With a man in possession of some pretty remarkable genetics.

Oh, I get it.

That's why you let us off the hook so easy.

You were gonna replace us.

Okay, we're sorry.

Yes, he's gonna donate.

We did not plan this.

We just met.

- You just met?!

- Just met?

- Where?

How?

- How?

When?

How?

He was our L-Lyft driver.

Man, his car was really clean, he made excellent conversation.

And I mean, look at him.

You guys get it, right?

That should be making babies.

Look, at least we can tell our friends that we were asked.

Yeah, and you know what?

Hey, second place isn't bad.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

Ooh, do you mind?

Can we get a-a picture with you just to show all of our friends what it took to b*at us out?

- Sure.

- Sorry.

Thanks.

- Okay.

- Would it help if I took off my shirt?

- Oh, probably, yeah.

- In so many ways.

- Yes, it would.

- Here.

- There is it.

Okay.

- There Wow.

There it is.

- Okay.

- [CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS]

Why would you kiss Sherry?

I didn't mean for it to happen.

I'm not surprised.

I've seen you make out with a Mr.

Potato Head.

It was a Mrs.

Potato Head.

She had the bow and the girl lips.

I couldn't talk to Sherry before the show, so I had to sit through it.

The first sketch was so bad, I tried to bail, but they locked the doors.

Then she walked on the stage or should I say, the first octopus President walked on stage.

LUKE: [LAUGHS]

Look.

She's signing eight bills at once.

[LAUGHS]

And I'll never run out of ink.

[LAUGHTER]

LUKE: Her performance was a Tour de France.

She was like a hot, girl version of my dad.

Afterwards, we kept talking, and it just happened.

I'm really sorry, but I think I may have real feelings for her.

Listen to me, you're never going to see Sherry ever again.

I have to tell Manny the truth.

Don't you dare.

Tell me what?

Manny, I'm sorry, but I kissed Sherry.

I feel terrible about it.

Are you okay?

I will be.

After I kick your ass!

- Come on!

- Oh, hell yeah!

Hold on, hold on!

Manny, v*olence is never the answer.

- Kid, you don't know what you're doing.

- Uh, yes, I do.

I got a "satisfactory" in Beginning Stage Combat.

And action!

- Come here, Luke.

Luke!

- No, easy, easy.

- Hey!

- Whoa!

JAY: Whoa!

Easy!

- Easy!

- How could you?!

- Of all the women!

Come on, Luke!

- No!

No!

No!

No!

- Ah!

- No!

Enough.

Now, listen, I'm sorry that you're hurting so badly, and I'm sorry that my plan to help you move on was a disaster.

But you're a good guy with a big heart, and you're gonna find the right person, I promise you.

And you it was big of you to want to tell Manny the truth to his face.

- Thanks.

- But you crossed a line.

You put yourself in front of your family, and you hurt a guy who loves you like a brother.

You disappointed the hell out of me.

I'm gonna ask you to leave.

I'm sorry, Manny.

Sorry, papi.

[DOOR OPENS]

I think I need to be alone for a while.

I understand.

Just remember, Manny, I'm there for you whenever there's a rainy day.

'Cause we don't work those, so [CHUCKLES LIGHTLY]

You keep your chin up, kid.

[DOOR OPENS]

It's gonna work out okay.

- [DOOR CLOSES]

- I know.

Thanks, Jay.

[SIGHS]

I'm so sorry that I told you that you didn't care about other people.

I care about other people.

I'm really very sensitive.

That's great.

So, maybe tomorrow, you can take Joe to that little boy's princess party.

Little boy's princess party?

Eh I think it's nice that he has the freedom to express himself that way.

Pretty good, huh?

They want the parents to go dress up, too.

Okay, I'm out.

[SITAR MUSIC PLAYS]

45 minutes of sitar, and nothing.

She can't be reasoned with.

That's so Dede.

She's clearly still upset with us.

Well, she does hold a grudge.

CLAIRE: Phil.

Claire, could you try and reason with your mother?

What Okay, Jerry, is it possible that you are projecting your guilt about moving on?

Because that's not my mom over there.

I don't mean to seem indelicate, but you sound a little crazy right now.

Please, talk to the tree.

Okay, um [CLEARS THROAT]

Hey, uh, Mom?

So, uh Jerry wants to go to Mexico for a year - Four months!

- Worth a sh*t.

And he's lonely, so he wants to take his new friend.

What?

[GASPS]

Wh You're Really?

You're okay with it?

She says "Have fun.

" How did she sound?

Did she seem passive-aggressive?

Yeah, maybe you should double-check, Claire.

Great.

Thank you, Phil.

Mom, after missing you a lot and talking about very little else, um, Jerry finally met someone.

It's It's actually Dylan's Mom, Farrah, and he wants to take her to Mexico.

She's listening.

Keep going.

Um Jerry is worried that this would upset you, but I told him that you want him to be happy and to move on, right?

Please move, please move.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

Dede, does the rustling mean "Yes"?

Thank you, Dede.

I will always love you.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

I need some water.

- And let's go rescue that eggplant.

- Yes.

That was crazy!

- Did you see that?

- Hold on.

Your Your mom wants to say something.

- What?

- "Hey, Claire Bear.

"Maybe you should appreciate Phil's magic more, - especially since he just solved your problem.

" - [CHUCKLES]

I can't believe it.

You're a genius.

Mm.

Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- [INHALES SHARPLY]

They don't call me Filament Dunphy for nothing.

That is cute, but you are still selling houses, right?

Oh, sh**t, I have a showing in 20 minutes.

Oh!

[GRUNTS]

[GRUNTS]

Love you.

Oh, I guess I should be watering you more, huh?

I've been busy.

You're not even here, and I feel like you're judging me.

Fine.

I haven't been busy.

I miss you.

[EXHALES SHARPLY]

It's probably why I didn't want to see Jerry.

He reminds me so much of you.

It's also why Farrah drives me nuts.

If I'm gonna have a kook in my house, I'd want it to be you.

Phil.

Phil, stop it!

Shut up, Mom.

I like this haircut.
Post Reply