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Michael Fishman Reflects on Absence from The Conners Finale
Michael Fishman, known for his role as D.J. Conner on Roseanne and its spinoff, The Conners, has expressed his gratitude for the legacy of the show, despite being absent from its series finale. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, he shared his thoughts about the finale and the show’s impact on its audience.
Fishman portrayed D.J. Conner, the son of iconic characters Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) and Dan Conner (John Goodman). He was a prominent figure in the original series and continued to play the character in the spinoff until he departed before the fifth season.
Although many fans had hoped to see D.J. in the series finale, his character did not make an appearance nor was he mentioned, apart from brief clips shown in a flashback montage. This absence left some viewers disappointed.
In his Instagram post, Fishman addressed public speculation about his feelings regarding the finale. He stated, “It’s the day after The Conners finale, and I have been inundated with people looking for a reaction.” He noted that some expected controversy but asserted that he feels only empathy for the cast, crew, and audiences who are mourning the end of the show.
He continued, emphasizing the importance of the show’s legacy, saying, “When I look back at the legacy of the show, a legacy that started with Roseanne Barr and that we built into Roseanne and The Conners, I have only gratitude. I really believe that that legacy belongs to all of you in the audience.”
In a conversation earlier this year, executive producers of The Conners, Bruce Helford and Dave Caplan, shed light on the decision-making process regarding character appearances in the final episodes. Caplan mentioned, “There was so much to do in six [episodes],” highlighting the limited timeframe available to wrap up the series.
Helford added further context, explaining, “What we never want to do is just bring somebody in just to see that person on the show. We want everyone to have something important to play.” This decision reflects the producers’ intent to ensure each character’s narrative significance.
Fishman’s articulate response resonated with fans, who took to social media to express their admiration. Comments included sentiments like, “You’re a class act, my man. Seriously, so much respect for you,” and “You deserved to be there. Thank you for being the little brother I never had.”
Others expressed appreciation for the show as a whole, with one fan remarking, “Thank you for being a part of the TV family that raised me. Love the attitude and hope everyone is able to find peace and understanding.”
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