The Conners Review: Jeopardé, Sobrieté, and Infidelité (Season 3 Episode 19)

The Conners Season 3 Episode 19, “Jeopardé, Sobrieté, and Infidelité” proves once and for all that Darlene will always put her family before herself. It’s a disappointing path, but one that is completely in line with who her character is.

While this show has displayed quite a bit of character development and growth for many members of the family, it seems to have forgotten Darlene. Her relationship with Ben is definitely a step forward for her, but it’s not enough.

Her therapy starts off as a great storyline and one that has the potential to take Darlene a step even further and make her a bit more selfish. For weeks the show builds up this arc for Darlene making decisions solely for her own benefit.

So, it’s disappointing to see all that build-up toward her big moment of selfishness be destroyed completely. It’s not a good move and frankly one that is a disservice to Darlene.

Darlene is the most responsible person on The Conners, she’s allowed to make decisions every once in a while that will upset everyone else. She deserves that chance to be her own person and live a little.

Hawaii is just another example of her family not having her back. Just like when she told them about her hotel adventures to “escape” the family makes her feel like she’s the bad guy for wanting something of her own.

Ben insists on complete honesty from her and wants them to share a life together, but doesn’t take into account what she needs in order to remain that woman he loves. Mental health is just as important and financial stability. 

The Conners wowed me with their support of Darlene seeking therapy and Becky going to rehab. Unfortunately, it now just feels like blowing smoke to check off a box.

Showing mental health options is well and good, except when there fails to be any follow-through. The family applauds her for this act of sacrifice but fails to really acknowledge everything she has sacrificed since Roseanne died. 

Jackie is allowed to travel off to participate on Jeopardy without much flack from her family. Yet, Darlene tries to go on a small vacation for her own well-being and it’s like she killed a cat. 

The double standard is really frustrating. I’d love to see Darlene get the love, support, and appreciation she long deserves. 

It seems as though she truly is becoming the new Roseanne. For years their mother gave and gave without hardly any appreciation or reprieve. 

Just because Darlene has taken up the mantel as “head” of the family doesn’t mean she deserves the same exact treatment. There are ways to compare and liken her to the woman who raised her without squashing her individuality completely.

It used to be that Darlene’s snark and dismissal of most things were her defining trait, and made her enjoyable. With each passing episode, that part of her seems to be getting further and further away.

I can guarantee that if Darlene had gone to Hawaii in the end her family would’ve called her irresponsible and immature. The Jeff of it all is probably the only part of her plan that I don’t agree with, but that itself is so minor it barely deserves a mention.

Since Ben’s introduction, I’ve been singing his praises and talked about how great he is for Darlene. However, after everything that has happened this season I’m no longer sure he really is what she needs. 

Darlene needs the chance to be her own person. To be single and independent of anyone else — besides her kids. It’s 100% necessary to save her character at this point in the narrative.

Here’s hoping for the best in the season finale next week. 

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The Conners Season Finale airs Wednesday, May 19th at 9/8c on ABC.

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