'Modern Family' season 8 episode 21 spoilers: Mitch, Jay spend time together; co-creator shares hopeful hint about show's future

"Modern Family" promotional photo. Facebook/modernfamily

Everybody wants some alone time in the upcoming episode of "Modern Family" season 8.

Titled "Alone Time," next week's episode will see everyone try to relax from their busy lives. According to the official synopsis, Mitch (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and Jay (Ed O'Neill) separately seek out a much-needed vacation without the family. However, they end up going to the same resort and it becomes clear how similar they are to each other.

Back at the Dunphys' home, Phil (Ty Burrell) and Claire (Julie Bowen) are not enjoying the empty-nester life. Cam (Eric Stonestreet) cannot keep himself busy while Mitch is away, so he pays Gloria (Sofia Vergara) a visit to help her out with a problem.

ABC has released a batch of new promotional photos from the episode. The pictures hint that not everyone is having a good time. Most of the images are from Mitch and Jay's retreat, which does not appear to be going well. Mitch seems frustrated as he reads a piece of paper while having coffee with his dad. Another photo suggests they have another discussion while eating dinner in a restaurant. Meanwhile, Claire and Phil are seen sharing a light moment together.

"Modern Family" season 8 only has two episodes left, but ABC still has not announced a renewal yet. On Thursday, co-creator Steve Levitan offered a hopeful hint about the sitcom's fate. When asked by a Variety correspondent on where the show's plot will go next season, Levitan had this to say:

"In about a month or so, the writers will re-gather and we will sit down and we will start the season with a big, 'What now?'"

According to reports, 20th Century Fox TV and ABC are in the process of negotiating a new deal for another "Modern Family" installment. Sources told the publication that negotiations for season 9 are almost finished and a renewal is expected to be announced soon.

The eighth season of "Modern Family" airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT on ABC.

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