Photo credit: www.tvinsider.com
The Emotional Journey of Dan Conner in the Final Season of The Conners
The seventh and final season of The Conners is focusing on the deep emotional struggles faced by Dan Conner, portrayed by John Goodman, as he grapples with the loss of his wife, Roseanne. The latest episode aired on April 16, and it further explores the impact of grief on Dan and his family as they prepare for a legal battle against the pharmaceutical company responsible for Roseanne’s accidental overdose on opioids.
During this episode, the Conner family, with the guidance of attorney Jean (played by Jane Lynch), is gearing up for a deposition that could influence their lawsuit. However, for the proceedings to be successful, Dan must confront his emotions regarding his wife’s tragic death. Jean confides to Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) about her frustrations, explaining that despite her efforts, Dan remains emotionally guarded. “I’ve been practicing with Dan, but he just can’t bring himself to open up,” she shared. “He avoids the deeper feelings that could resonate with a jury.”
Dan ultimately reveals to his daughters, Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and Becky (Lecy Goranson), that he has been intentionally avoiding Jean to prevent facing his emotional turmoil. “She keeps urging me to show more emotion for my deposition. But talking about it is challenging for me,” he admits. In an effort to cope, Dan mentions using alcohol to help him access his feelings, although he finds that it often clouds his recollection of what he should be expressing.
In a moment of vulnerability, Dan acknowledges his tendency to shut down, attributing it to his upbringing. He reflects on the possibility of trying a different approach, leading to a poignant moment where he sheds a tear while reminiscing as Jean and Jackie sing “Danny Boy.” This scene captures the theme of the season: confronting grief and the struggle to communicate deep-seated emotions.
The Conners first premiered on ABC on October 16, 2018, continuing the narrative established in Roseanne. This shift followed the cancellation of the revival due to Roseanne Barr’s controversial remarks on social media. The series pivoted by writing Barr’s character out of the storyline, allowing for the exploration of the Conner family’s healing process without her.
In recent years, Barr has expressed dissatisfaction with The Conners, stating that she cannot bear to watch it. In a 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she articulated her feelings about her character’s fate, suggesting it sent a harmful message regarding mental health. “They killed my character… That was a message to me, knowing that I have mental health issues, that they wanted me to commit suicide,” Barr commented defensively, emphasizing the impact of her character’s demise on her personally.
The Conners, Final Season, Wednesdays, 8/7c, ABC
Source
www.tvinsider.com