In a rather bizarre turn of events, while previous episodes featuring guest stars have been reserved and utilized the actor's strengths, this time around three of the storylines feature a famous guest star in each, a move that makes the episode feel forced as the show relies on recognisable faces to garner attention. While the interaction with Mitch and the three Dunphy kids is a fun match-up, and the Dunphy adults' dinner date is a wonderful play out, the rest of the episode is a chore to get through as the stories take a backseat to showcasing the names they can draw.
Keegan-Michael Key is an absolute joy as his Tom bounces off Burrell's Phil effortlessly, and this is an interaction that would be welcomed back wholeheartedly, while the ham fisted utilization of Orson Bean and Ray Liotta in other stories is a low point for the series.
After several strong episodes the bubble was obviously going to burst and despite a strong segment with the Dunphy dinner date, "Playdates" is a severe misfire for the show and s worrying thought that this might be what the showrunners think will be interesting.
