It is Jay and Gloria’s anniversary. Jay, a man of practical tastes and few words, is feeling confident. He has bought the perfect gift: an electric stair climber. In his mind, this is a thoughtful gesture for his younger, energetic wife to keep fit.
The episode weaves three parallel plots around the theme of unspoken expectations in relationships: modern family s1e8
“I’m not crazy. I’m just disappointed in how you’re handling my craziness.” — Cameron to Mitchell It is Jay and Gloria’s anniversary
Gloria tries to teach Manny about their family's history and culture by telling him the story of her cousin, Fulgencio. Meanwhile, Jay tries to fix a broken toilet and gets frustrated with Phil's help, and Mitchell and Cameron try to get Luke to eat healthier. In his mind, this is a thoughtful gesture
Phil Dunphy lives for Halloween. It is his Christmas, his Super Bowl, and his birthday rolled into one. He has decided that the Dunphy family car will be the centerpiece of the neighborhood's "Trunk-or-Treat" event. His vision is the "Headless Horseman," complete with a spooky carved pumpkin head and elaborate costumes for the whole family.