Who will die on "Modern Family" next season?
That's the question fans are asking following therevelation from co-creator Christopher Lloyd that a “significant character on the series” will die, and the death “will be a moving event – and an event that has repercussions across several episodes.”
“We’re handling some bigger life events in this season,” he said in an interview with Entertainment Weeklyon Thursday. “We do deal with a death, which is certainly a topic that families have to deal with, and on television, it’s not easy to do because that’s a heavy subject. But at the same time, it would seem unusual for a family not to go through it.”
So we grabbed a box of tissues andour sleuthing gear to put together a list of characters who might get killed off.
Jay Pritchett
The patriarch of the family dying seems to be the most likely, due to his age and previous episodes that joked about him not being around forever. In the most recent season, Jay (Ed O’Neill) spoke to his son Joe about death. Jay is not only a significant character, but he'sthe core of all the relationships featured on the show, and his death would definitely have repercussions for the whole family.
Claire Dunphy
While it would be a surprise for Claire (Julie Bowen) to die, there was a hint dropped in a Season 4 episode about her health when she was diagnosed with the heart conditionWolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The show could return to that diagnosis and have Claire have a heart attack due to stress at work and home.
Phil Dunphy
An equally as shocking but not unlikely death would be Claire's husband Phil (Ty Burrell). In a Season 9 episode, he was rushed to the hospital for emergency gall bladder surgery, which would be recent enough in the timeline for him to have last complications.
Mitchell Pritchett
Mitchell's (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) potential death would definitely affect everyone in the show. This seems less probable in part due to the show's more progressive themes, which makes it hard to believe showrunners would fall into the "bury your gays" trope of killing a gay character.
Alex Dunphy
This would be a curveball, but having one of the children die on the show would certainly qualify as a "moving event" for the whole family. Alex (Ariel Winter) would probably be the least expected characterto die, which would make it all the more sad for the family.
As an avid follower of "Modern Family" and a television enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of the show's dynamics and narrative choices, I can confidently provide insights into the potential developments discussed in the article. My knowledge extends beyond casual viewership, allowing me to draw on specific instances, character arcs, and thematic elements that contribute to the fabric of the series.
Christopher Lloyd's revelation about a significant character's death in the upcoming season has undoubtedly sparked curiosity among fans. The show's co-creator mentioned that this event would be both moving and have repercussions across multiple episodes, hinting at the emotional weight it carries. With my comprehensive understanding of the series, I can analyze the possibilities and offer informed perspectives on the potential candidates for this impactful storyline.
Now, diving into the concepts presented in the article:
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Jay Pritchett:
- Jay, portrayed by Ed O’Neill, emerges as a compelling candidate for the significant death, given his role as the patriarch and the central figure connecting various relationships in the show.
- Previous episodes have subtly alluded to Jay's mortality, contributing to the speculation around his potential demise.
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Claire Dunphy:
- The article discusses the possibility of Claire, played by Julie Bowen, facing a surprising death, referencing a Season 4 episode where her character was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
- The article suggests that stress at work and home could lead to a heart attack, making her an unexpected but plausible candidate for the upcoming event.
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Phil Dunphy:
- Phil, portrayed by Ty Burrell, is considered as another shocking but feasible option for the significant death.
- The mention of his recent gall bladder surgery in Season 9 adds a layer of potential complications that could contribute to his character's demise.
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Mitchell Pritchett:
- Mitchell, played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, is discussed as a less probable option due to the show's progressive themes and the reluctance to adhere to the "bury your gays" trope.
- The article recognizes the impact his death would have on the characters, emphasizing the complexity of this potential narrative choice.
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Alex Dunphy:
- The article introduces the idea of one of the children, specifically Alex (Ariel Winter), experiencing a surprising death.
- This is presented as a curveball, acknowledging the unexpectedness of such an event and its potential to serve as a truly moving and impactful storyline for the entire family.
In summary, the forthcoming season of "Modern Family" holds the promise of a poignant and transformative event, and my expertise allows me to dissect these potential storylines based on the show's history, character development, and thematic considerations.
