Reviving The Conners: A Fresh Start Ignites Success

Summary

Roseanne Barr's numerous controversies and inappropriate comments were so significant that it led to the justified decision of removing her from the show. As a result, after her departure, The Conners successfully restored the same tone as the original series.

Warning: This article includes a discussion on child abuse.

Although Roseanne Barr was the original star and creator of Roseanne, The Conners managed to not only improve but also save itself from potential cancellation by killing off Barr's character. It is never easy for a show to recover after removing its main character, especially since sitcom viewers generally prefer to avoid heavy real-life moments. However, The Conners, much like the groundbreaking original series Roseanne, does not shy away from exploring life's darker aspects. The decision to kill off the character not only aligns with the show's themes but also enhances its popularity.

In contrast, killing off Dan Conner in season 9 of Roseanne was a major mistake. The sudden death of Roseanne's husband seemed forced in an otherwise chaotic season, resulting in the twist feeling desperate and transparent in its attempt to add stakes to a storyline that had gone astray. On the other hand, when The Conners permanently killed off Roseanne in its pilot episode, the twist proved to be much more successful. While Roseanne Barr's unexpected departure from the series was surprising, it was the best move for the show's continuity.

6 Roseanne’s Season 10 Revival Had Serious Problems

Roseanne's season 10 revival, despite its high ratings in 2017, felt significantly different from the original show. The humor and drama that characterized Roseanne were replaced with broader jokes and questionable choices, such as Roseanne physically assaulting her granddaughter Harris by dunking her head into a sink of dishes. This attempt to mock the generational gap between the characters resulted in cringe-worthy moments, making it difficult for viewers to support any of the characters.

Despite her flaws, Roseanne was once the voice of reason in the original series. However, her portrayal in season 10 showed a parody of her old self, as exemplified by the incident with Harris. Even before the show's decision to kill off the matriarch, Roseanne had already lost the relatability and entertainment value that initially made her character compelling. One of the many reasons why The Conners cannot bring back Roseanne is because, in her final on-screen appearance, she had completely transformed into yet another self-satisfied and irritating sitcom antihero.

5 Season 10 Undid One of Roseanne’s Best Episodes

In Roseanne season 6, episode 11, titled "The Driver's Seat," Roseanne slapped her young son DJ after he drove her car. She later apologized tearfully, acknowledging her own history of abuse by her father and expressing her commitment to breaking the cycle. This episode aimed to shed light on a largely ignored issue, portraying Roseanne as a deeply flawed character genuinely striving to improve. However, the impact of this powerful moment was ultimately diminished by the season 10 revival of the show. In this revival, Roseanne's assault on Harris is played for cheap laughs, eliciting enthusiastic reactions from the audience. This starkly contrasts with the original show's approach, where humor was used to explore the darker aspects of family and working-class life. Sadly, the season 10 revival insidiously suggests that abuse is not a significant issue.

4 Roseanne Barr's Controversies Outweighed Her Appeal

While some of Roseanne’s returning guest stars like David Healy could have come back for more episodes when The Conners began, it became evident that Barr's on-screen appearances were not worth the trouble. Barr's troubled reputation, tangled in numerous public controversies, made her unfit to lead a sitcom, even if the series hadn't completely undone Roseanne's character. Furthermore, Barr's public denial of the Holocaust and her racist rants, among other harmful takes, further justified the decision to drop her.

3 Roseanne Barr’s Recent Comedy Proves She Ruined Roseanne

According to Pajiba, Barr's recent standup special featured a controversial statement where she advocated for hitting children, leaving viewers uncertain if it was meant ironically. Although Barr may not have been responsible for the problematic scenes in season 10, her special revealed her perspective, which ultimately impacted the revival negatively. Barr's attempt to rebrand herself as a right-wing commentator went against the working-class essence of Roseanne, becoming increasingly apparent as The Conners moved forward without her involvement. This shift allowed the show to refocus on the topics that initially captivated audiences and contributed to its success.

2 The Conners Regained Roseanne’s Tone After Her Exit

The Conners is a refreshing return to the original show's blend of heartfelt family dynamics and comedic moments. Unlike Roseanne season 10, which relied on outdated political jokes, The Conners tackles timeless issues, such as Darlene's employment struggles and Mark's efforts to finance his college education. These storylines still offer insightful commentary on American politics, but are presented in a more authentic and relatable manner, distancing themselves from Barr's cringe-worthy one-liners in season 10.

1 The Conners Work Better Without Roseanne

The chemistry of Roseanne season 10, which was once infectious, sadly fell flat. Ironically, the grief of losing Roseanne the character brought the rest of the Conners closer, allowing them to reconnect with their old selves. While the presence of guest stars on The Conners brings freshness to the series each week, it is the interaction among the family members that keeps viewers coming back. In season 10, Roseanne herself returned as a meaner, more close-minded, and less sympathetic version of her old self. With Roseanne's death, The Conners traded one character in order to restore the presence of its iconic personalities, further affirming the decision to remove Barr was the correct one.

Sources: Pajiba