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After ABC’s abrupt cancellation of the iconic sitcom Roseanne in May 2017, following a racially charged tweet from its star, many assumed the tales of the Conner family from Lanford, Illinois, had come to a close. However, just a month later, the network announced a spin-off titled The Conners, reviving the beloved working-class family without its namesake character.
The series, which features characters such as Dan, played by John Goodman, Jackie, portrayed by Lauri Metcalf, Darlene (Sara Gilbert), and Becky (Lecy Goranson), re-established life in Lanford as the family navigated the complexities of daily struggles, including the profound impact of losing a loved one to opioid addiction. The show kicked off its debut episode in October 2018 by addressing Roseanne’s accidental death, allowing the family to confront their grief while also adapting to their changed circumstances.
As they approach the seventh and final season, the narrative continues to evolve. The series has adeptly followed the Conners through various challenges over the past six seasons, allowing them to evolve in terms of homes, professions, and relationships, all while keeping the memory of Roseanne alive, albeit not always a central focus. This season promises to delve deeper into the legacy of Roseanne as the show’s creators aim for a resolute and satisfying conclusion.
Gold Derby: How did you plan to wrap up these six episodes and the series as a whole?
Dave Caplan: Our goal was to address both significant and subtle aspects of the characters’ arcs. We wanted to explore where they came from and where they were headed, building towards an authentic conclusion that resonated with the audience.
Bruce Helford: Exactly. The key was crafting a meaningful ending that would honor the legacy we established with Roseanne and continued with The Conners. We trusted that our loyal viewers would appreciate our efforts.
Did you feel the time constraint affected your storytelling?
Helford: Not at all. While 22-episode seasons might have felt rushed, we treated these six episodes as a connected mini-series. We recognized that while the show could easily continue, it also needed to come to a poignant end.
One of the notable plotlines this season revolves around the Conners contemplating legal action against the pharmaceutical company linked to Roseanne’s overdose. While the family is united in this fight, Dan remains hesitant due to his grief and guilt.
Helford: The series tackles the complexities of guilt and the challenges of fighting against powerful institutions. Each character brings their perspective, creating a layered exploration of the family’s dynamics during this tough time.
Gold Derby: How does Jackie’s confrontational stance impact Dan’s emotional state?
Caplan: Jackie symbolizes a drive for justice related to Roseanne’s legacy. Her emotional journey illustrates the ongoing struggle of the family to make sense of their loss while ensuring Roseanne is remembered in a way that feels right to them.
The developments have led to complex interactions among characters as they each cope with their personal traumas while navigating the family’s collective grief.
Helford: Ultimately, we strive for depth in this series. The dialogue acknowledges that life’s challenges persist beyond typical sitcom resolutions and that emotional repercussions endure long past an episode’s conclusion.
Caplan: With the rich backgrounds of these characters, we utilized our long history with them to explore themes authentically. Elements of their pasts echo throughout their current narratives in distinctive and impactful ways.
Helford: Many of the plot points resonate with the original Roseanne series and reflect on its themes, allowing us to create a deeper narrative tapestry.
What prompted the current storyline regarding the pharmaceutical lawsuit?
Helford: The recent Supreme Court ruling provided a compelling direction for us. It made sense to engage with such a timely issue, especially for a working-class family like the Conners, so we knew it was a natural fit for this season.
Will viewers hear about other characters who might be absent this season?
Helford: Yes, we have plans to provide updates on characters like D.J. and comments on David. While not all will appear, important references and updates will keep audiences informed.
Caplan: As the series progresses, we will explore the evolving relationships and potential challenges for characters like Darlene and Ben, while also weaving in guest appearances that enhance the storyline.
Helford: The goal is to create layered narratives that reflect the characters’ complexities, and interactions with guest stars will contribute to that mix.
Caplan: Ultimately, we hope viewers see the entirety of the series as a sincere portrayal of working-class life. By weaving together humor and serious themes, we’ve created a unique legacy intended to resonate with how economic struggles shape our lives.
Helford: We aspire to honor the spirit of the working class and the sacrifices they make. Through the lens of the Conner family, we have attempted to capture both the struggles and the resilience that define their lives.
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