Poor Phil Dunphey had a lot on his plate last episode when his dreams were crushed by the Pritchett’s, but it looks like he will face a new challenge with Ellen Barkin’s new character. Find out who she’ll be playing on the show in below.

TVLine broke the news that Barkin will portray Phil’s arch-nemesis in the real estate field. She is a hard-hitting, legendary broker named Vera.

We’re looking forward to how Phil will retaliate (tightrope over her perhaps). But mostly we’re just looking forward to the addition of Emmy-and-Tony-award-winning Barkin in early 2012.

She’s joining the show along with Greg Kinnear, who will play Phil’s co-worker, as we announced here. Does this mean more Phil screen time? (We’re praying yes.)

What do you think her character will be like? What about his? What do you think of the glimpse into Phil’s work life?