The smart but soft-centred sitcom hits the spot in an all-new episode. Hilarity ensues during bonding sessions between unlikely pairings.

Phil insists that he’s “total buds” with his father-in-law, but realises that they could be closer: “He’s not a talker or a hugger… He once ran over my foot with his car.” After comparing their camaraderie to silverbacks in the jungle, Phil clears some space in his diary to spend quality time with Jay. In a trip that involves a model airplane and “threading the needle”, their relationship doesn’t exactly take flight…

Meanwhile, Claire finds that her 10-year-old stepbrother, Manny, is a good listener who provides pearls of genuine wisdom, albeit with a milk moustache. Finally, sexy senorita Gloria boosts her granddaughter’s confidence by divulging details about the number of notches on her bedpost and an intimately etched tattoo. At once awkward and absurd, Modern Family reaches a genuinely touching conclusion that doesn’t come close to cloying.

Most quotable quote: “I’m like Costco – I’m big, not fancy and I dare you not to like me” (Cameron).

Modern Family Episode 3 airs at 8pm on Thursday 29th October on Sky1.