‘Roseanne’ ends season with a hopeful note as storms brew

The reboot of “Roseanne” ended the season Tuesday with a flood, a feast and a prayer. It was a hopeful climax to a show that’s been popular and yet also divisive.

Roseanne Barr, who plays the titular character on the hit ABC show, plans to go to the hospital for knee surgery when her family surprises her with a goodbye meal that includes ham, cake and casserole. Outside a storm is raging.

The flooded community has been declared part of a presidential state of emergency. So Roseanne’s husband is suddenly flush with construction work and the family can pay for her surgery. “I hope to see my husband’s face and not yours,” she prays to God. “No offence.”

“It’s about rain and health care and God,” Barr told The Associated Press on the eve of the finale’s airing.

“We’re wrapping up the season in a great way that kind of gives the idea that government can really help people. That’s something that I wanted to end on.”

Barr said she was thrilled that so many people have tuned in every week and that many of the hot-button issues that were raised in the reboot will continue in the coming season.

“The show did great. Scrutiny is always good - it’s part of being successful,” she said. “It gives everyone something to talk about. And everyone gets to express their opinion, too.”

Politics made an immediate impact in the first episode, when it was clear that Roseanne Conner embraced President Donald Trump, while her sister, Jackie, was a staunch opponent.