‘Modern Family’ season 4 spoilers: Meet Sofia Vergara’s family

We have already come to see the majority of Gloria’s in-laws leading up to “Modern Family” season 4, but now we are finally going to find out more on a subject that just about everyone is dying to know about: where this woman came from when it comes to her family life.

Thankfully, we have some great news that will make you smile almost as much as this show does at times: we’re going to meet her mother and her sister in an upcoming episode! Elizabeth Pena (“Rush Hour,” “La Bamba”) has been cast to play the role of Gloria’s mother Pilar, whereas Stephanie Beatriz (“The Closer”) will be her sister.

So is this story going to lead to a great time for Sofia Vergara’s character? Based on what executive producer Christopher Lloyd told Entertainment Weekly in a new interview, it sure seems like it:

“There’s a bit of a competitive relationship between Gloria and her sister that will be fun … The mother is the formidable, domineering character in the family, and has a complicated relationship with Jay (Ed O’Neill). I’m not sure she’s ever completely accepted Jay, and they lock horns in the episode.”

While episodes involving family members outside of the core group do not typically fare well when it comes to comedies, “Modern Family” has been the exception to the rule over the years. For one example, just look at how Shelley Long managed to completely shake up the show in one of the most memorable guest spots in the past several years.

What do you think about these castings?