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The $1,000 Paper Shredder: Why The Costco Episode Of Modern Family Is Still A Season 1 Masterpiece

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Few episodes of *Modern Family* are as universally relatable and culturally resonant as the one where Mitchell Pritchett discovers the joys (and financial pitfalls) of Costco. This classic installment, titled "Come Fly with Me," solidified the show's format and delivered one of the most iconic Mitchell and Cameron storylines, setting the stage for their dynamic for the rest of the series. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, the episode remains a high point in early television comedy, perfectly capturing the clash between high-brow skepticism and the undeniable allure of wholesale value.

Airing as the third episode of the debut season, "Come Fly with Me" (S1:E3) is a masterclass in character-driven comedy, using the simple backdrop of a warehouse club to explore Mitchell’s tightly wound personality and Cameron’s down-to-earth Missouri roots. The episode is a crucial piece of the *Modern Family* puzzle, proving that the show could successfully split its main cast into unexpected pairings for maximum comedic effect, a formula that would become a hallmark of the series. The Costco trip wasn't just a scene; it was a defining moment for the Pritchett-Tucker family unit.

Episode Blueprint: "Come Fly with Me" (Season 1, Episode 3)

The episode "Come Fly with Me" originally aired on October 7, 2009. While the central focus for fans is often the Mitchell and Cameron subplot, the episode is structured around three distinct, yet thematically linked, family pairings:

  • Mitchell and Cameron (The Costco Trip): Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet), the more pragmatic and rural-minded partner, convinces Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), the high-strung, cultured lawyer, to accompany him on a trip to the local Costco warehouse club. Mitchell is initially disgusted by the concept of bulk shopping and the store's massive scale.
  • Jay and Phil (The Model Airplane): Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) is trying to enjoy a new, solitary hobby: flying his remote-controlled model airplane. Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell), desperate for his father-in-law's approval, forces his way into the activity, leading to a disastrous crash and a surprisingly tender moment of male bonding.
  • Gloria and Alex (The Mall Trip): Gloria Pritchett (Sofía Vergara) takes Alex Dunphy (Ariel Winter) shopping for a dress for a family wedding. Gloria attempts to use her own flamboyant style to help the highly intellectual and often-overlooked Alex, leading to a clash of personalities and a lesson in self-acceptance.

The brilliance of the episode lies in how each subplot uses an everyday activity—shopping, a hobby, and a family outing—to reveal deeper truths about the characters' insecurities and their relationships with one another. It was a pivotal episode for establishing the show's signature style of mixing the family members in unique ways.

Mitchell Pritchett’s Wholesale Awakening: The Costco Conversion

The Costco scene is arguably the most memorable part of the episode, providing a hilarious and insightful look into Mitchell’s character. Mitchell, who views himself as being "above" the concept of bulk shopping, enters the store with an air of snobbish disdain, comparing the experience to "a third-world country where they worship cardboard."

Cameron, however, is a seasoned veteran of the warehouse club, having grown up on a farm where buying in bulk was a necessity. His simple, enthusiastic approach is the perfect foil to Mitchell’s initial resistance. The turning point in the scene is a classic sitcom moment of unexpected desire. Mitchell initially scoffs at the need for such a massive store, but his attitude shifts dramatically when he spots a specific, high-end paper shredder that he had been looking for, available at a surprisingly low price.

His conversion is swift and absolute. Once he realizes the value, his snobbery vanishes, replaced by a feverish, almost manic enthusiasm for wholesale purchasing. The camera follows Mitchell as he races through the aisles, grabbing items he and Cameron absolutely do not need in bulk. Key products and entities that fuel his shopping spree include:

  • The Paper Shredder: The initial object of desire that breaks Mitchell’s resistance.
  • Diapers: The realization that they can buy enormous boxes of Lily’s diapers at a fraction of the price. Mitchell exclaims, "Look at these diapers! Look how cheap they are!"
  • The Wine Section: Mitchell is completely disarmed by the sheer volume and variety of the wine section, a clear nod to his sophisticated tastes.
  • Multiple Cases of Water: A common bulk-buy item that Mitchell, in his newfound zeal, over-purchases.

The scene culminates with Mitchell and Cameron struggling to fit their mountain of unnecessary purchases, from the paper shredder to the cases of water, into their small car, highlighting the hilarious reality of a Costco run gone wrong. This entire sequence is a pitch-perfect commentary on consumerism and the irresistible draw of a good deal, even for the most elite shoppers.

Behind the Scenes and Lasting Legacy

The "Come Fly with Me" episode is frequently cited by fans and critics not just for its humor, but for its significant role in establishing the *Modern Family* characters and their relationships. The episode is considered by some critics to be the one that should have aired immediately after the pilot, as it successfully expands on the familial relationships in funny and meaningful ways.

Product Placement Discussion

One of the most enduring discussions surrounding the episode is the question of product placement. Because the Costco storyline is so central and the store is named explicitly, many critics and fans debated whether the wholesale giant paid for the storyline. The consensus remains that, whether paid for or not, it was one of the most effective pieces of free advertising (or a "great freebie") in television history, perfectly integrating a recognizable brand into a character's emotional journey.

The Dynamic Duo: Cam and Mitch

More importantly, the episode is a foundational text for the Mitchell and Cameron relationship. The Costco trip establishes a key dynamic: Cameron, the grounded dreamer, introduces Mitchell, the skeptical realist, to new experiences. It's a template that would be repeated throughout the series, showing how their differences complement each other. Cameron’s quote about the store sums up his own character: “I’m big, I’m not fancy, and I dare you to not like me.”

The Other Subplots: Bonding and Conflict

While the Costco scene steals the spotlight, the other subplots are equally vital:

  • Jay and Phil: The model airplane story is a classic example of Phil’s desperate need for Jay’s approval and Jay’s inability to express affection. The crash—a metaphor for their relationship—forces a moment of shared, genuine frustration that ultimately brings them closer.
  • Gloria and Alex: This pairing explores the difficulties of female identity. Gloria encourages Alex to embrace femininity, while Alex struggles with feeling overlooked. The subplot is an early look at the pressures Alex faces as the highly intelligent but socially awkward middle child.

The episode’s structure, which isolates and then reunites the family members, reinforces the show’s central theme: that a modern family is a complicated, messy, and hilarious collection of individuals whose love for one another ultimately transcends their differences.

The Lasting Entities and Topical Authority

The episode's topical authority is built on its perfect integration of universal consumer culture with specific character traits. The "Costco Episode" is not just a reference point for *Modern Family* fans; it's a cultural shorthand for the experience of being overwhelmed by a warehouse club. The entities that make this episode so rich for SEO and topical depth include:

  • Warehouse Club Culture: The episode taps into the shared experience of bulk shopping, from the massive carts to the sheer volume of goods.
  • Mitchell's Transformation: The arc from "too good" for Costco to a bulk-buying enthusiast is a classic comedic trope.
  • LSI Keywords and Entities: Mitchell Pritchett, Cameron Tucker, Jay Pritchett, Phil Dunphy, Claire Dunphy, Gloria Pritchett, Alex Dunphy, Model Airplane, Paper Shredder, Diapers, Wine Section, Bulk Shopping, Wholesale Pricing, Product Placement, Season 1 Highlights, Los Angeles Suburbs, and the iconic "I'm big, I'm not fancy" quote.

In conclusion, "Come Fly with Me" is more than just the "costco episode of modern family." It is a foundational episode that perfectly established the show's three-part structure, cemented the Mitchell and Cameron dynamic as one of TV’s best, and delivered a timeless piece of comedy about the irresistible pull of a great deal.

The $1,000 Paper Shredder: Why the Costco Episode of Modern Family is Still a Season 1 Masterpiece
costco episode of modern family
costco episode of modern family

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