The Conners Review: Bad Dads and Grads (Season 2 Episode 14)

After weeks of missteps and misses, The Conners Season 2 Episode 14, “Bad Dads and Grads,” brings back that Conner family charm we all love so much. The charm has been seriously lacking since the show returned from the mid-season hiatus.

The bond between Dan and Ed Jr. seems to be on a fast trajectory towards buddies/friends. It is a testament to Dan’s acceptance that Ed Jr. can so seamlessly fit into the family dynamic so quickly.

Everyone from Becky down to Mark is taking turns teasing him about his age which is reminiscent of classic Conner antics. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane of Roseanne doing something similar to her kids as Becky chides Ed Jr.

This exchange is what truly makes Ed Jr. a character worth investing in. He becomes an active participant in the family dynamic and even allows them to rib him for the sake of keeping the boat steady. 

Navigating the family waters is tough for even the most seasoned members, let alone someone totally new. Ed Jr. not only navigates them he leads the charge at times — which is a quality I wish we could see more of in Dan.

This is where Noel Fisher is given his chance to shine. Fisher is definitely one of those skilled physical actors, so giving him moments where his facial features are supposed to be louder than his words is his bread and butter.

Becky: Here’s your coffee Uncle Ed! Is this cookie soft enough for your dentures?

Ed Jr.: Have your fun I’ll pretend to be the old uncle.

One moment of note is when Ed Jr. and Dan both first appear at the start of the episode. Dan is doing all the talking, but Ed’s faces are stealing the show — he’s so reactionary Dan sort of fades into the background.

While Ed is learning what it means to be a Lanford Conner, it’s important to note that Dan could learn a thing or two as well. I want to see Dan continue to spend time with his brother and learn how to be a more open and loving person.

“Bad Dads and Grads” leaves us open to the possibility of more of the younger Conner uncle. In fact, he’d be a welcome addition to any meal around their iconic table.

There is even a sliver of an indication that Ed Jr. hopes to make up for his father’s mistakes in order to solidify his place within this family. We can tell by how he handles the whole college diploma situation and the closure scene with Dan.

It’s a step up from The Conners Season 2 Episode 13, “Brothers, Babies, and Breakdowns,” where we didn’t see him try to connect really at all. If this character is going to be around for a while — which the episode’s ending leaves that possibility open — then it’s good to see that he is opening up a bit of himself to them.

Loving an actor who plays a character makes things a bit strange when you have to go in and evaluate the character themselves. In this case, Ed Jr. is an easy sell due to his charm and quick wit.

He is a Conner through and through, there is no half about him. Maybe that is why it’s so endearing to see him try so hard to prove his worth to his newly found family.

He consistently tries to remind Dan that he isn’t his father’s actions. This eagerness to be seen as part of the gang, but also individually is what makes him a Conner.

Ed Jr.: Take your best shot but just know, I’m a biter.

The greatest legacy that Ed Sr. left behind isn’t his car, it’s the bond between his sons. While they are vastly different in age — as witnessed in the flashback scene of Dan showing his kids how to help sooth Ed Jr.’s teething woes — their family connection remains strong despite the distance their father tried to enforce.

This isn’t the only fatherly woes to occur on The Conners. Ben has been trying for some time now to prove to Mark and Harris once and for all he can be trusted as a fatherly figure in their lives.

“Bad Dads and Grads” is no different. In fact, it is Ben’s most meaningful attempt so far.

By sitting down with Mark and putting forth a solid effort to reassure the young teen that he has nothing to worry about, he is showing that he’s completely serious about Darlene. Sure, he makes a few jokes here and there, but it’s all in good fun to ease Mark into the idea of Ben being a more permanent fixture in their family dynamic.

Personally, I have loved Ben since the first moment we met him, and each passing milestone between him and Darlene makes me like him even more. Just when we think we know who he is and what he’s about he shows off another layer and we fall again.

This is a layer of him that I never would have expected coming into the start of the season. In fact, when we first meet Ben he is nervous about the fact that Darlene has kids. 

This character development and growth is something of a rarity on The Conners, so it really shines through. At this rate, Ben doesn’t need to worry about staying afloat in “dad waters” he’s already mastered that wave.

Darlene and Ben may only be “thinking” about having a baby together, but they’ve already become a family without even trying. After all the exposure to what we thought was the perfect fit for Darlene in her relationship with David we now realize just how much she sacrificed.

Ben allows Darlene to be her caustic, sarcastic self and allows that energy to steer who they are as a couple. It’s a beautiful melding of two souls that we never expected to work but is better than we ever could imagine.

Darlene is finally getting back to her old self — her truer self. No such moment shows that better than her conversation with Mark.

Here is a child who is terrified of losing his mom and instead of brushing it off, Darlene gives him reassurance in the only way she knows how humor — albeit dark and twisted humor but still. Ultimately this shows that Darlene is listening to her child and willing to place that into the hat with regards to her final decision. 

I’ve been critical of the person Darlene has seemed to turn into throughout this season so it is exciting that she’s finally regained her groove while also retaining a bit of what she’s learned. This is the Darlene I’ve been desperate to find!

If Darlene does decide to be a mom for the third time it will be with the clearest heart and mind of all. She will be able to go into it not worrying about being supported because she has Ben as well as her son on her side.

Further Musings:

• At first, the Jackie throuple story throws me off, but in the end, it’s the happiest we have seen her all season.
• Clark Gregg and Jennifer Grey are perfect as Ron and Janelle. I can’t wait to see more of them.
• Becky’s line about environmental science wins the whole episode, “Oooo I hope the government brings that back.”
• Our collective hearts break when Dan admits that his father told him he wasn’t college material.

What did you think of this episode of The Conners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

The Conners airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

ATX Television Festival and Alamo Drafthouse Launch Nationwide Event Series