Summary
The Conners season 6 could benefit from a time jump, fixing plot holes and addressing characters' future plans simultaneously.
In season 6, a time jump could enhance Harris's role by showcasing her successful career and stable relationship.
During this time jump, Becky's character could graduate from college and establish independence by moving out, granting greater freedom and agency to all three characters.
If The Conners season 6 can successfully incorporate one storytelling technique, it has the potential to resolve all of its narrative challenges when the show returns. The Conners has faced numerous difficulties, even by the unpredictable standards of network sitcoms. The show came into existence following the cancellation of the successful 2017 revival of Roseanne due to offensive tweets made by the series star, Roseanne Barr. With Barr's departure from the show, it seemed impossible to continue the Roseanne revival without its central character. However, The Conners found a creative solution.
In the first episode, it was revealed that Roseanne had died from an offscreen opioid overdose prior to the events of the show. This approach boldly presented The Conners as a version of Roseanne without Roseanne, which surprised critics. Nevertheless, this approach resonated with viewers and the show quickly gained a dedicated fanbase. Over the course of the following five seasons, The Conners demonstrated that Roseanne's family was truly the heart of the show, as viewers continued to tune in each week to witness the various misadventures of Dan, Jackie, Darlene, and Becky.
The Conners Season 6 Should Open With A Time Jump
The Conners could potentially shake up its formula once again in the upcoming season 6, just like it did before. Following the footsteps of previous sitcoms such as New Girl, Glee, and Parks and Recreation, a time jump could greatly benefit The Conners. This would not only address the time lost due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but also tie up loose ends from the previous season. Season 6 should address important plotlines like Harris' future plans, Becky's college status, and Darlene's job, and a well-executed time jump could conveniently address all of these at once.
Considering that Harris had very little to do in season 5 besides her brief pregnancy storyline, it's evident that the show lacks a clear direction for her character. However, viewers have witnessed Harris struggle time and again, whether it was with her failed attempts to move out or her tumultuous relationship with Aldo. This supporting character has endured enough hardships, so a time jump revealing her newfound fulfillment in a stable career and relationship would greatly enhance her role.
The Conners Season 6’s Time Jump Solves Becky’s Plot
Much like Harris, Becky, another supporting character in The Conners, has also faced numerous challenges in recent seasons. Consequently, it would be beneficial for her character development if she were to graduate from college and move out of Ben and Darlene's house during the offscreen time jump. This would provide all three characters with greater freedom and agency. While it may be challenging for The Conners season 6 to offer a happy ending for its extensive ensemble cast of working-class characters, having Becky successfully earn her degree and navigate through college would certainly be a positive step for the perpetually aggrieved supporting star of the show.
The Conners Season 6’s Time Jump Saves A Dropped Story
Becky’s brief love interest, Tyler, may make a comeback as a main character in the show. Since a time jump would eliminate the need to depict their initial courtship, Tyler's return could be seamlessly incorporated. In the twentieth episode of The Conners season 5, titled "What's So Funny About Peas, Love, and Understanding?", Sean Astin's character made a fleeting appearance. During this encounter, Tyler and Becky seemed to hit it off, but he subsequently vanished from the storyline. While the show has the option to reintroduce Tyler for more dating dramas, The Conners season 6 might choose to portray their well-deserved happiness following all of Becky's romantic setbacks.
The Conners Season 6’s Time Jump Fixes Darlene’s Fate
If Mark finishes college before The Conners season 6's time jump occurs, there is a possibility that Darlene could find a more suitable job in the next season. In season 5 of The Conners, Darlene struggled to find a job that matched her qualifications after leaving Wellman's Plastics. This was a challenging experience for her, so it was a relief when she finally found a fitting role after several episodes dedicated to her search. However, she had to decline the job opportunity when Mark's college offered to pay his tuition if Darlene worked as a lunch lady there.
Considering that The Conners season 6 is likely to be the end of the series without any spinoffs, it would be unfortunate if Darlene remained stuck in this role. Working as a lunch lady is not a problem, but throughout season 5, Darlene expressed her talent and ambition in management positions and had been waiting for a chance to prove herself for years. Although her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for Mark was admirable, The Conners season 6 needs a time jump to show that this decision eventually paid off in the end.
The Conners Season 6’s Time Jump Ends The Show Perfectly
A time jump in The Conners season 6 would provide the perfect conclusion to the series. Showrunner Bruce Helford has suggested that this might be the spinoff's final season, and a time jump would be ideal for resolving any remaining plot holes. Furthermore, by moving forward in time, The Conners season 6 could have an impactful farewell by allowing the death of Bev, offering a poignant conclusion to Roseanne's story despite her absence.
With this accomplished, the spinoff could ensure a brighter future for the main characters. As previously revealed, Bev had undisclosed assets, such as ownership of the Lunchbox, which Jackie discovered. By providing the Conner family with a modest yet helpful inheritance, it would not seem like an unrealistic plot device. Hence, The Conners season 6 could conclude the Roseanne spinoff in a positive and plausible manner, deserving of the character's journeys and experiences.