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[Warning: The content below contains major spoilers for The Conners Season 7 Episode 1, “It’s Gonna Be A Great Day.”]
The beloved sitcom The Conners returns with a new season, diving deep into complex family dynamics and unresolved emotions. The premiere episode, titled “It’s Gonna Be A Great Day,” showcases a rift between Dan (John Goodman) and Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) concerning a potential lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies linked to Roseanne’s (Roseanne Barr) passing, setting the tone for the season’s narrative conflicts.
As the series approaches its seventh and final season with a tighter structure of only six episodes, executive producer Bruce Helford highlights this approach as akin to a miniseries. He emphasizes that these episodes will follow overarching story arcs while interspersing new developments throughout the season.
The premise of the episode introduces Jackie presenting the family with an opportunity to pursue legal action regarding Roseanne’s death due to a recent court ruling. However, Dan is hesitant, reflecting the emotional turmoil of losing Roseanne, which has remained fresh for him since the show’s inception. This legal battle presents a full-circle moment, connecting back to the narrative that began with her character’s demise in 2018.
Helford explains that this storyline serves as a way to honor Roseanne as the matriarch of the family, especially given the context of the Supreme Court’s ruling that permits individual lawsuits against opioid manufacturers. “Despite past controversies, [Roseanne] was cherished by her family and fans,” he comments, emphasizing the need for her legacy to be included thoughtfully in the plot.
Dave Caplan, another executive producer, adds layers to the narrative by tying in themes of the underdog fighting against larger entities. “The Connors are just ordinary people facing challenges, and this storyline allows us to explore that dynamic further,” he states, hinting at the emotional weight this season is poised to carry.
Dan’s reluctance regarding the lawsuit is further explored through his emotional journey. “His experience will be quite tumultuous, with plenty of dramatic moments ahead,” teases Caplan, promising viewers a rich character development throughout the episodes.
Simultaneously, Jackie is contemplating a return to the police force, leading to humorous moments reflective of her character’s past. “Has Jackie ever made a sound choice? It’s doubtful,” jokes Helford. Despite her misguided decisions, the character seeks closure on her unresolved ties to her former job, which have been weighing on her since her departure.
A lighthearted exchange with a local officer, played by Zoe Perry—Metcalf’s daughter—illustrates the delightful chemistry between the two. “Their interactions were so enjoyable that we could easily watch them for an entire series,” Caplan remarks, highlighting a particularly humorous arm-wrestling match that showcases their dynamic.
The episode also delves into the romantic lives of the Conner family, particularly focusing on Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and her partner, Ben (Jay R. Ferguson). Darlene grapples with Ben’s preoccupation as he tries to settle his magazine in Lanford, creating noticeable tension in their relationship. “Ben is on a personal journey to define his legacy, and this could be a hurdle for them,” Caplan explains.
Meanwhile, Becky (Lecy Goranson) navigates her budding relationship with Tyler (Sean Astin). In contrast to Darlene’s struggles, Becky and Tyler express their affection through grand gestures, though Becky must balance her academic responsibilities as she pursues her degree. Caplan reflects on the nuances of long-term relationships, emphasizing the realistic challenges they face after the initial excitement fades.
Dan’s relationship with Louise (Katey Sagal) also experiences its challenges, particularly as she grapples with the implications of the potential lawsuit regarding Roseanne. Helford describes this situation as placing Louise in a complex position, wherein she must navigate a family history that predates her entry into the Conner household. “Louise is assertive; she definitely will not shy away from sharing her thoughts on this matter,” he notes, hinting at an engaging character arc for her this season.
With these multifaceted storylines, the premiere sets a strong foundation for the developments to come in this final season. As fans reflect on the latest episode, anticipation builds for how these threads will intertwine as the story progresses. The Conners continues to air on ABC, promising audiences heartfelt moments and insightful commentary on familial bonds.
The Conners, Wednesdays, 8/7c, ABC
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