The Conners Season 6: Avoiding Season 5's Costly Roseanne Cameo Misstep

Summary

The Conners season 5's Roseanne cameos were disappointing and should not be repeated in season 6.

The focus of the show should be on introducing new characters, as some of the most memorable guest stars from season 5 were those who were not previously part of Roseanne.

However, there is one exception to this rule - Bev, Jackie, and Roseanne's mother. Their storyline should be continued in season 6, with the possibility of giving her a significant exit.

The success of The Conners season 5 proved that bringing back Roseanne characters for cameos is not a winning formula. The show initially struggled with the death of Roseanne, but ultimately managed to surpass its predecessor. Surprisingly, removing Roseanne Barr from the series eliminated the revival's problematic sense of humor and allowed The Conners to find its own voice. While the show had some ups and downs, it consistently grew stronger with each new season. However, season 5 made a significant mistake that season 6 should avoid, as it made the series feel desperate despite its previous successes.

The Conners Season 5’s Roseanne Cameo Flopped

The Conners season 5 fell short on its promise of exciting Roseanne cameos, particularly with the disappointing absence of Johnny Galecki's beloved character, David Healy, in the finale. Moving forward, The Conners season 6 should avoid relying on nostalgic callbacks to earlier series, as evidenced by the unsatisfying episode 11 of season 5, "Two More Years and a Stolen Rose," which failed to deliver on its much-anticipated Roseanne cameo.

The episode showcased the return of Bobo, a character who had been hyped up but ultimately went unrecognized by most viewers. Bobo, a forgotten supporting star from a single episode in the earlier series, had been involved in an altercation with Dan at a bar, insulting Roseanne in the process. Despite his return, Bobo's presence did not contribute significantly to the episode's storyline, highlighting the fact that not every Roseanne character should make a comeback.

The Conners Season 6 Can’t Rely On Roseanne Cameos

Some of The Conners season 5's most notable guest stars were fresh faces who had never previously appeared on Roseanne. To maintain the show's current momentum and avoid evoking nostalgia for the past, it would be wise for the series to continue introducing new characters for one-off appearances. The Conners has successfully breathed life into new additions after the challenges of Roseanne's absence, making it crucial not to risk this progress. While season 6 could still incorporate cameo roles such as Caleb or Smitty, it is imperative that the show refrains from reintroducing minor characters from Roseanne, as this may evoke sentimental feelings among viewers for the earlier series.

The Conners Season 6 Still Needs One Roseanne Character Return

The Conners season 6 would benefit from the return of Bev, Jackie and Roseanne's elderly mother, whose storyline remains unresolved. Despite being a constant source of frustration for her adult daughters in the original series, Bev's presence in The Conners is equally as challenging. However, in season 5, episode 8 titled "Of Missing Minds and Missing Fries," Bev's narrative takes a more poignant and intricate turn as the spinoff reveals her dementia diagnosis. With her fading memory, Bev's treatment of Jackie improves significantly.

This led Jackie to forgive her mother, creating the opportunity for a significant death for Bev in season 6 of The Conners. Unlike the previous disastrous season of Roseanne, where Dan's character was killed off, The Conners can convey emotional depth through Bev's well-timed departure. However, if various other characters from Roseanne were to make numerous appearances throughout the season, it would diminish the impact of this storyline. It is therefore crucial that The Conners season 6 avoids repeating the mistake of season 5 and refrain from promising the return of numerous Roseanne characters. Instead, season 6 should concentrate on its own cast of protagonists and allow Roseanne's legacy to come to a rest.