TVSquad

I was already looking forward to Shelley Long guest starring on tonight's episode of Modern Family. Long is playing the unstable ex-wife of Jay, played by Ed O'Neill, who I also like.

Modern Family has been one of the best new comedies this year, delivering on the hype surrounding it by establishing an appealing base of characters. And yesterday, according to the Hollywood Reporter, Benjamin Bratt signed on to play Javier Delgado, the ex-husband of Jay's new wife, Gloria Delgado-Prtichett, who is played by Sofia Vergara.

Both are great casting, and seem to be a good fit.

I'm happy to see Long returning to the sitcom world. She's had a few guest starring roles on shows in the past few years, but nothing in the recent past, and nothing quite as promising as Modern Family. Long, of course, was a fan favorite back in her Cheers days, and she got her education in comedy at Chicago's Second City, the granddaddy of improv houses. Modern Family allows for ad-libbing, and by the looks of the previews, Long was allowed to chew up the scenery a bit. The show seems like an excellent match for her particular set of chops, and it would be good to see her find a recurring character.

Bratt will be a great addition, too. Gloria has often bragged about her ex, about his passion, his daring, often shaming Jay in the process. Bratt will fit that role perfectly, and I'm looking forward to seeing him and O'Neill spar onscreen. Jay has been a reluctant step father to Manny, who clearly idolizes his biological father, even though he's mostly absent and in one episode, failed to pick up his son and take him on a promised trip to Disney World. They've set up a lot to explore with that family dynamic.

Elizabeth Banks is also set to guest star on an episode as a friend of Cameron and Mitchell's. Another good choice for a show that's made a lot of good choices so far.