'Modern Family' season 9 to introduce new conflicts in upcoming episode called 'Sex, Lies & Kickball'

Promotional photo for season 9 of "Modern Family." Facebook/ModernFamily

The ninth season of "Modern Family" seeks to introduce new tensions in the relationships between the family members. In episode 3, many of the characters had to face their share of difficulties. In the upcoming episode, which is titled "Sex, Lies & Kickball," a few supporting characters will be involved in the family's conflict.

According to the synopsis of episode 4, Jay (Ed O'Neill) will be visited by his good friend Shorty (Chazz Palminteri), who is returning from Costa Rica. Shorty will be staying with the Pritchetts for the meantime so that the two pals can reconnect.

However, he soon realizes that his friend is actually spending more time with his wife, Gloria (Sofia Vergara), than with him. Will this realization lead to a bitter confrontation between the best friends?

Meanwhile, Alex makes a determined effort to shed her nerd and good girl image. She will create ways to prove to her mother Claire (Julie Bowen) that she is involved in a sexual relationship with her mother's assistant, Ben. Will Alex's effort bring a strain to their relationship?

In the previous episode, Claire punished Haley (Sarah Hyland) for repeatedly losing her keys by letting her sleep outside the house. As if the punishment were not enough, Haley also broke her phone, forcing her to go about her day without one. Due to this, she acquired a different outlook of the world.

Jay and Gloria, on the other hand, fought about a new dent in Gloria's car. Jay suspected that his wife got into an accident but she would not admit to it. After many failed attempts to get his wife to confess, Jay came home to an emotional Gloria, who came clean that she did get into an accident.

In the third household, Mitch and Cam struggled with how they related with the men working in their kitchen, As usual, the couple went through the episode with much bickering.

"Modern Family" airs every Wednesday, 9 p.m. EDT on ABC.

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