‘The Conners’ just might make it
Yes, there is life after Roseanne. Preview,
The Conner family has to adjust to life without Roseanne. “The Conners” already is doing so.
ABC’s sitcom (Tuesday, 8 EDT/PDT,
a spinoff rising from the ashes of the “Roseanne” revival’s May cancellation, is missing a major asset, fired series namesake Roseanne Barr, along with the sharp, controversial political bite (and PR headaches) that characterized her return last spring as a President Trump-supporting conservative.
Nevertheless, it’s better than might have been expected after an emergency star-ectomy. “The Conners” keeps much of what’s best about the original classic – the sarcasm, blue-collar grit, topical issues and schmaltz-free emotion – as it evolves into a more traditional family sitcom, one that still focuses on the often-neglected working class.
ABC screened two episodes for TV critics: Tuesday’s premiere, which immediately addresses matriarch Roseanne Conner’s absence – we’re not allowed to say how she exits, although costar John Goodman accidentally let slip in an interview that she died – and a later episode, featuring a guest appearance by Johnny Galecki as the estranged husband of Darlene (Sara Gilbert), the Conners’ daughter.
Not surprisingly, the spinoff has a familiar look and pace. The scene is still the well-worn home of the financially struggling Conners, and that shabby couch is never going anywhere. There’s sadness, seriousness, but still plenty of laughs, some out loud.
Barr’s departure, however, has shifted the center of gravity, and Goodman’s Dan and Gilbert’s Darlene assume larger roles in her absence. Goodman ably grounds Dan –initially struggling without his best buddy and wife – with an added dose of gravitas. Gilbert shines, as Darlene carries on her mother’s tradition of withering sarcasm while revealing a glimpse of vulnerability that signifies emotional strength, not weakness. She misses her mom, but Darlene, the mother of two, must fill her shoes.
As Darlene’s older sister, Becky (Lecy Goranson), tells her: “You’re the obvious choice to take over for Mom. You already live here and you’re a scary little tyrant.”
“The Conners” obviously misses Barr’s searing comedic perspective. But the new show looks as if it can survive without her, since “Roseanne” was a strong ensemble comedy in its initial nine-season run and this year’s revival.
Laurie Metcalf imbues Roseanne’s sister Jackie with a touching and hilarious sense of confusion, as her sibling yin is gone.
D.J.’s (Michael Fishman) role may be bolstered by the return of his wife, Geena (Maya Lynne Robinson), who was serving in the Army in Afghanistan last season.
Geena leavens the loss of Roseanne’s challenging voice and seems a worthy match for the disorderly Conners, but she comes from a different strain of conservatism.
The only misses come from guest stars. David’s new soulmate (Juliette Lewis) is too over-the-top, and Darlene’s potential new love interest (Justin Long) arrives right on cue as if he had been ordered from Amazon.
“The Conners” confronts real-world challenges in story lines about health care costs, addiction, teen sex and divorce. But with Barr’s departure, it mostly avoids the conservative-liberal battles of its predecessor. It doesn’t make any effort to find a substitute for Roseanne’s position as an ardent supporter of Trump, which likely will displease many fans.
But others now may want to join the Conners, whose sharp insults are softened by an underlying love, as they still gather around the kitchen table. It’s not going to be a cultural phenomenon without the woman once at its center, but it seems likely to be an enjoyable place to sit down for a meal.
‘The Conners’ misses
Barr’s searing comedic
perspective. But the
new show looks as if
it can survive.