The Conners Review: Tats and Tias (Season 2 Episode 16)

One thing we can always count on from the Conner family is family loyalty above all else. The Conners Season 2 Episode 16, “Tats and Tias,” really brings that home in the most heartfelt of ways.

After The Conners Season 2 Episode 15, “Beards, Thrupples, and Robots,” both Harris and Darlene’s future plans are really up in the air. For the first time, we get to see Harris broken and unsure of herself.

This normally headstrong teen is knocked completely down. It’s a bit jarring to see, but luckily it lends itself to some of the best Darlene and Harris moments this show has ever given us.

It isn’t often that Darlene becomes compelled to be an inspiration to someone else. So when she does manage nuggets of wisdom they really stick out.

“Tats and Tias” is Darlene’s moment in the spotlight because it is her and her alone that manages to get through Harris’ haze. She manages to make Harris smile and even chuckle a little when no one else has been able to come close.

It’s beautiful to witness this mother really take charge of the situation with her daughter and essentially cure her depression. With tender, loving care that we rarely see from Darlene, she breaks through and slowly softens up Harris’ wall of protection around her heart.

The reason these two characters clash all the time is that they are very similar in nature. Harris is the equivalent of Darlene as a teenager. It isn’t often that Darlene can really connect with her because it’s hard for Darlene to put herself back in those shoes.

However, the beauty of this episode is that Darlene allows herself to be her most vulnerable in order to gain the same from her daughter. With her slow prodding and gentle love, she manages to get Harris to feel comfortable enough in her vulnerability to leave the comfort of her room and venture to the couch.

“Tats and Tias” is a marathon sprint from start to finish. There is no rushing or bulldozing in order to get Harris to be “human” again. Everything is done with love and attention. 

The blanket fort on the couch is a turning point for both Darlene and Harris. One is allowing herself the opportunity to say “I don’t want my daughter to grow up and leave,” and the other the opportunity to say “I actually do need my mom sometimes.”

The Conners doesn’t lend itself to Harris’ unbridled joy at spending time with her mom very often. So, we take every opportunity that we get to embrace such moments. 

It’s not just the audience that realizes the rarity of this moment either. Dan sees that his daughter is finally breaking through with his granddaughter in a big way so he lets her take credit for the full win.

It may be Dan who presents the job opportunity to Darlene for Harris, but it is Darlene who takes all the credit. We all allow it because Darlene is actively doing something to help her daughter and mend the broken bridge in their relationship.

All this bubbling joy and content we feel about Harris actually shadow the fact that Becky does some growing of her own. It’s easy to miss because of just how much focus is put on the younger Conner daughter.

However, it’s important not to dismiss Becky’s journey because it’s just as miraculous and amazing as Darlene’s. She manages to finally stand her ground and demand things in her life.

Becky doesn’t really stand up for herself very often — preferring to let others decide what is best for her. However, when Emilio’s aunts insult her and accuse her of getting Emilio deported she puts her foot down.

It is a huge moment worthy of the highest of cheers. Becky comes at Emilio’s aunts with a force that would rival her mother’s and yet it remains all her own. 

Watching Becky demand respect from her baby daddy’s aunts is something every young girl deserves to see. She could have taken their insults of “horny old donkey” and “slut” and let them pass over for the sake of keeping the peace and continuing to have a babysitter. 

However, I want to praise Becky on the highest for not taking this sitting down. She demands respect even when she knows it could mean she has to go back to square one on childcare. 

Becky is setting a great example for her daughter, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

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

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

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