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Note: This story contains spoilers from “The Conners” Season 7 Episodes 5 and 6.
After 15 seasons and spanning three different shows over 37 years, “The Conners” has concluded its run.
The ABC sitcom, which emerged as a spinoff from the cancellation of the initial “Roseanne” reboot, ended on Wednesday with an emotionally charged finale that depicted the well-loved Conner family in an uplifting light.
The season’s six episodes showcased Dan (John Goodman) and Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) as they pursued legal action against the opioid company that was responsible for the medication that led to Roseanne Conner’s accidental overdose. Throughout the season, each member of the Conner family experienced noteworthy personal growth. Mark (Ames McNamara) found employment in New York by leveraging his hacking abilities, skipping college; Becky (Lecy Goranson) continued her journey of sobriety while securing a good job; Darlene (Sara Gilbert) worked on mending her relationship with Ben (Jay R. Ferguson); and Jackie returned to her role in law enforcement.
The series finale featured a poignant scene where the Conner family gathered in their living room for what appeared to be an ordinary farewell. The actors conveyed genuine emotion as they bid goodnight to Dan, culminating with him breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience, emotionally wishing them goodnight while trying to hold back tears.
“We were taken by surprise. We didn’t expect the emotions to run that deep,” executive producer Dave Caplan shared with TheWrap.
“I can’t recall seeing that level of emotional authenticity in a sitcom, or even in most dramas, where the actors reveal their real feelings. It was incredibly touching, and we felt it was important to leave that moment in the episode,” executive producer Bruce Helford remarked. “Dan’s farewell to the audience was a beautiful moment orchestrated by John, and it was simply wonderful.”
The finale also wrapped up the lawsuit against the opioid company, resulting in Dan receiving a $700 settlement. This outcome was contingent upon the deposition revealing that Roseanne was aware of the risks associated with her medication but chose to continue using it. Nonetheless, the family decided to celebrate this small victory with a family dinner.
“We made a conscious effort to avoid typical series finale clichés,” Caplan elaborated. “There are common traps that can easily ensnare a show, and we felt that our audience deserved a more realistic conclusion for these characters, balanced with a perspective that they could continue with their lives.”
TheWrap spoke with the creators of “The Conners” about the decisions behind concluding the series and the potential for future projects.
TheWrap: What was your approach in deciding how to leave these characters at the end of the series?
Bruce Rasmussen: Our goal was for the characters to experience upward mobility, but not in an unrealistic manner, such as winning the lottery.
Bruce Helford: We aimed to ensure the audience felt hopeful, especially given the current times.
Rasmussen: Everybody appreciates a boost.
Dave Caplan: When we reflect on the characters’ arcs, including their journey dating back to “Roseanne,” we recognize that every experience led to this conclusion. The choices we made didn’t feel forced; rather, they reflect a natural culmination of their stories, which feels authentic to us.
Seeing Becky achieve a good job and maintain her sobriety while sharing the good news with her mother at the cemetery was very touching, especially considering her struggles in the reboot. How did you reach that conclusion for her character?
Rasmussen: She was initially characterized as smart, but we lost sight of that as the show progressed, particularly with the introduction of the other Becky, played by Sarah Chalke, who brought a lighter tone. During the reboot, we introduced her drinking issues. We all agreed it was time to return to her true character. Viewers have been rooting for her, and we wanted to honor that.
Caplan: It’s realistic to acknowledge that even intelligent individuals can face emotional challenges. We wanted Becky’s ending to reflect a genuine triumph. Though she wrestles with impostor syndrome upon getting her new job, her journey through difficulties allows her to emerge victoriously. It’s a meaningful conclusion for her character.
Helford: We aimed to portray her success as something she achieved independently, not simply through a romantic partnership.
Rasmussen: Lecy was quite clear, expressing, “Please don’t marry me off!”
Mark decides to leave Lanford and forgo college while utilizing his hacking skills. What led to that choice for him?
Helford: One reason Mark wasn’t present at the finale is that he was preparing for Harvard. We wanted to ensure we had adequate time to conclude his story properly without cramming it into the final episode where so many other elements were occurring.
Caplan: Mark was framed as the beacon of hope for the Conners in breaking free from their cycle of generational poverty. Initially, we aimed for his storyline to culminate in college acceptance, but then we realized that college isn’t the only path to success, especially for today’s youth. Darlene’s aspirations for her son made us want to explore the reality that not every success story looks the same.
Helford: While college was appropriate for Becky, it wasn’t necessarily the right choice for Mark.
The family’s settlement from the insurance company is minimal, but they appear to take it in stride. Was there a possibility for a larger settlement?
Helford: Extensive research was conducted regarding legal proceedings similar to Dan’s. When it’s established that the individual was aware of the dangers and still used the drugs, the company often cannot be held accountable. This reflects a frustrating reality many experience, particularly when they realize the legal system may deny them justice, especially after initial lawsuits were frozen. Through Dan’s narrative, we aimed to give voice to overshadowed frustrations.
Rasmussen: Ultimately, it raises essential questions about the value of life and justice.
Caplan: We never envisioned a big payout; the messaging within “The Conners” illustrates that the little guy often doesn’t triumph over the powerful. Struggles are part of the journey, but unity and resilience can lead to considerable outcomes. Thus, we needed an ending that resonated with the overall tone of “The Conners.”
Jackie returned to the police force. Does that hint at a potential new spinoff? Are there plans for future projects involving the Conners?
Helford: We want to highlight the sincerity and legacy of the finale. None of us anticipated the longevity of this journey. The intention was initially to address the end of “Roseanne,” but it evolved into something more significant over the years. For now, it feels appropriate to reflect on the 37 years we’ve shared with this family and the 15 years of airing, recognizing the profound impact of that time.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
“The Conners” is available to stream on Hulu.
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