Although ‘Modern Family‘ is famous for its endearing relationships. However, there is one underappreciated dynamic that is usually overlooked by even ardent fans of the show – the intricate relationship between Jay Pritchett and Earl Chambers.
Although they were competitors in the closet business, their dynamic had hints of a sibling rivalry that made Jay’s character richer.
Jay Pritchett and Earl Chambers: More Than Just Business Rivals
Jay and Earl were once business associates who established their closet business enterprise together. Their friendship, however, turned sour when Earl stole Jay’s idea, triggering a long-standing feud that lasted for decades. Earl, whose character was brought to life by the iconic Jon Polito, was always depicted as Jay’s archenemy, who was always looking to one-up him.
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Even with their animosity, their exchanges usually resembled that of sparring brothers and not sworn enemies. They understood each other so well, nursed grudges like siblings, and even experienced moments of begrudging respect. This tension was displayed in Season 7 when Earl attempted to steal Jay’s top employee, leading to a comedic and petty war between the two.
The Soft Spot Beneath The Feud
Although Jay and Earl spent years attempting to undermine one another, there were moments of a deeper bond. Sometimes, their competition seemed more like an ongoing game than actual hatred. Jay, who struggled with expressing emotions, appeared to appreciate having Earl as a competitive presence in his life. Similarly, Earl appeared more obsessed with gaining Jay’s attention than actually annihilating him.
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The most revealing of their relationship was when Earl died in Season 10. Rather than partying, Jay displayed a glimpse of introspection and even went to his funeral, demonstrating that, at heart, he cherished their friendship. It was as if losing Earl was equivalent to losing a part of his own history—a brotherly relationship characterized by one-upmanship but constructed out of decades of common experience.
The Impact Of Their Relationship On ‘Modern Family’
Why the brotherly relationship isn’t mentioned often is in part because it will play second fiddle to the louder and more aggressive relationships on the show, although it is the relationship that is the most illustrative of blended families today.
Unlike most sibling rivalries, for example, Mitchell and Manny’s relationship is not competitive and antagonistic. Instead, it’s built on mutual respect, curiosity, and unexpected kinship.
The relationship between Mitchell and Manny showcases Modern Family’s acknowledgment of the everydayness of non-traditional sibling relationships. While Jay’s sternness with Mitchell and Gloria’s protective maternal instincts with Manny are the more obvious examples in the program, the gentle brotherly relationship between Mitchell and Manny exhibits a gentler, more subtle, kind of familial love.
Perhaps, Jay’s philosophy in life was best reflected in the lessons he learnt while trying to find himself in his profession and back at home: “I’ve always seen life like a series of doors. Sometimes you get to choose the door you go through; sometimes you don’t get that choice. But you still gotta walk through it. So either you can go through kicking and screaming, or walk through with your head held high.”
