The Conners Review: Panic Attacks, Hardware Store and Big Mouth Billy Bass (Season 3 Episode 11)

Darlene may be management material, but on The Conners Season 3 Episode 11, “Panic Attacks, Hardware Store and Big Mouth Billy Bass,” she finds out just how hard it is for her to believe it.

This season has done a fantastic job of exploring Darlene on levels we have never seen before. It gives her more depth and more room to grow and excel. 

One of the hard things about being a Conner is that you go through life having opportunities pass you by so you start to believe you aren’t meant to ever have them. Luckily for Darlene, she’s been handed the keys to the kingdom — and her future. 

Most unfortunately though, she has also discovered that just taking an opportunity doesn’t make her insecurities disappear forever. It’s insightful to see Darlene explore the cause behind all her inner panic at the new responsibilities. 

Darlene isn’t the kind of character who is ever going to admit she is weak or less than in any way. She has way too much pride for that.

So, to have her explore the option of seeking out therapy for her panic attacks is a big deal. Darlene is admitting she doesn’t know how to handle things on her own.

The great thing about The Conners is it uses this moment to shed some light and positivity on the merits of seeking professional help. It could’ve been the butt of a joke at the expense of Darlene’s comfort levels, but instead, it is used to facilitate conversation.

Darlene is learning to pay closer attention to her own mental health and that’s very important. By seeking help she is setting a better example for her kids than her parents did for her.

That’s not to say Roseanne and Dan did a terrible job of raising their children. What I mean is their go-to “therapy” was a nice complaint session accompanied by pushing blame onto someone else. 

Darlene may be older, but she is finally learning that she is in control and she can do anything she sets her mind to. She just needs to mix her old self with her new self and find the balance. 

While the episode doesn’t outright show it, I believe that Darlene admitting her shortcomings has a direct impact on Dan’s decision to accept that he can no longer do construction/drywall installation. It’s a hard moment of defeat for him when he tells Ben he will need to keep working at the hardware store on a permanent basis.

Once again The Conners is embracing the bond between Ben and Dan as the father and son duo they each need. Dan may have DJ as a son, but DJ doesn’t really have the time for dear old dad anymore, so Dan needs Ben.

While he seems exasperated at Ben’s lack of knowledge during their shift at Ben’s late father’s store, viewers can tell that the irritation is only skin deep. Under the surface, Dan thrives on sharing what he knows with everyone else — it makes him feel like he can still contribute to the world. 

For men like Dan, who have spent their whole lives working, that is very important. People in Dan’s generation tend to have a hard time with retirement because they don’t want to just sit around doing nothing. 

This job at the hardware store is going to help Dan emotionally as well as financially. Not to mention, it will allow him to really get to know Ben on a level both men need. 

They are two characters who don’t talk about their feelings but, somehow, manage to do just that with each other. Ben may not want to admit it but, he respects Dan and looks up to him.

Moving forward I foresee this hardware store creating organic opportunities for Dan and Ben to adjust to a new way of living post-quarantine. It’ll help them feel less like they failed and more like they’re succeeding.

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

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The Conners airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on ABC.

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