Is it too soon for Modern Family to go guest-star crazy?Clearly, we’re not the only ones who are over-the-moon excited about the first season of ABC’s hit new sitcom: it’s only a few months in, and already big-name celebrities are clamoring to crash the party. Shelley Long’s recent stint as the brood’s bonkers mom was a boldface name used wisely. Last night’s appearances by Elizabeth Banks and Edward Norton? Maybe not so much. Yes, it’s cool that they want to get in on
Modern Family’s action, but — much like Jennifer Aniston et al’s stints on
30 Rock last season — this type of stunt casting can have a tendency to detract from the main event. Banks and Norton were funny and completely capable — of course they were, that’s why they’re movie stars! — but also distracting. If an unknown had tackled the role of boozy BFF Sal, perhaps it wouldn’t have had that subtle undertone of, “Look at me! I’m a fancy actress doing this just for fun!” And as for Norton’s washed up Spandau Ballet character, was it stand-alone hilarious — or did we just get a kick out of seeing this usually serious thesp shake it up a bit? Bottom line: At this early stage in the game, there’s still so much we’re hankering to learn about the main characters, we’d rather not have to share them.
What do you think: Did Banks and Norton nail their appearances, or could you have done without the extra wattage? Leave your comments below!