After eight seasons of growing pains and heartbreak galore, the eldest Dunphy daughter finally received a proposal on the Wednesday, March 28, episode of Modern Family, but the moment fell flat both on-screen and off-screen.
On the latest episode, Sarah Hyland’s ditzy-but-adorable character Haley Dunphy and her on-screen boyfriend, local weatherman Rainer Shine, went out for a cozy dinner when he suddenly pulled out a ring and proposed. Stumbling over her words as she considered the prospect of marriage, Haley ultimately rejected Rainer (Nathan Fillion) and even noted that she wasn’t entirely invested in their relationship.
(ABC/Richard Cartwright)
ERIC STONESTREET, NATHAN FILLION
Stunned fans immediately reacted to the moment, many calling for the return of Haley’s ex-boyfriend Andy Bailey (Adam DeVine). Bailey, who started off in season 5 as the nanny and Phil Dunphy’s assistant, eventually fell in love with Haley through season 7. While the on-screen lovebirds are no longer together, Haley previously told Andy that he was the first man she’s ever loved. Hence, the barrage of social media reaction.
Hyland took to Twitter herself to acknowledge the shocking twist, and shared a few thoughts following Rainer’s proposal. “Thank you guys for great responses to tonight’s ep!” she tweeted. “It was a doozy to film. 8 straight pages of dialogue and @NathanFillion killed it!”
While this week’s episode featured a proposal, ABC promises that next week’s Modern Family will include a wedding.
Tune in to Modern Family on Wednesday, April 5, at 9 p.m. ET, on ABC.
