Modern Family

Modern Family, which just premiered last fall, is already one of my favorite shows. The acting is great (Ed O'Neill is a revelation, completely overcoming his lowbrow Al Bundy persona) but what I really love is the fast-paced, witty dialogue, as in this exchange from last night's re-run between the Dunphy sisters Haley (beautiful, anti-intellectual cool kid) and Alex (brilliant, bookish introvert). Alex has just discovered that a cherished poster of hers has been defaced by Haley, who suspected Alex of reading her diary.

Alex: Did you draw on my poster?

Haley: Yeah, I did. Maybe you'll think about that the next time you read my journal.

Alex: I didn't read your stupid journal, and I waited in line to get this signed, Haley.

Haley: Oh, don't be such a baby. It's just some dude with weird hair.

Alex: That's Maya Angelou, you idiot.

Haley: Oh, sorry. I don't follow the WNBA.

Simply wonderful.