The Conners Review: Education, Corruption, and Damnation (Season 4 Episode 2)
Big-name guest stars are always a hit or miss when it comes to TV. Luckily for The Conners Season 4 Episode 2, “Education, Corruption, and Damnation” both of their guest stars work to enhance their individual stories.
Between helping Darlene and blackmailing Jackie, Jason Alexander and Patton Oswalt bring just enough extra to make their scenes stand out.
Salvation or Damnation?
SARA GILBERT, LECY GORANSON
During The Conners Season 4 Episode 1, “Trucking Live in Front of a Fully Vaccinated Studio Audience,” Darlene found herself looking for something outside herself to believe in. And while religion is not a direction any of us ever saw her going, it somehow makes sense.
It is good to see that Darlene, while still taking the breakup hard, isn’t letting her heartbreak overpower her. She is becoming more open to things without veering too far off the beaten path.
Watching her interact with Pastor Phil (Jason Alexander) the audience is reminded that Darlene is a highly logical person. Belief in a higher power and logic don’t always mix, and yet somehow Pastor Phil takes that challenge head-on.
What’s even more interesting about their exchange is that Darlene might outwardly dismiss his offer to attend the next church service. However, if you pay attention to her body language and her gaze, she isn’t completely closed off to the idea.
Despite, her going to the service and running out close to the beginning, this whole experience marks a change for her. Darlene isn’t opposed to finding that perfect fit, it’s just that faith isn’t it.
Religious Roseanne?
SARA GILBERT, LECY GORANSON, LAURIE METCALF
Honestly, the biggest shocker of the episode comes when Dan reveals the Bible in “the Bible drawer” in their kitchen. The subject of Roseanne’s beliefs has never been broached before.
Luckily for us, the whole topic is handled with the kindest heart and the softest of humor. Somehow, talk of Roseanne’s untimely death takes us from tears to laughter in two seconds flat.
Much like everything else in this family, humor truly is the best medicine. This means that no one can remain sad or serious for too long before they crack a joke — however distasteful others might find them.
The Conners really leans into the humor of life’s inequities for this episode. It really brings out why we still keep coming back to this family year after year. They remind us that life isn’t always sunshine and roses, but it’s not all that bad if you don’t let it get you down.
Above all else, family will always be there to support and guide you.
Dammit Don
NAT FAXON, LAURIE METCALF
The lovely Don Blansky is back and as obnoxious as ever. Just like last season when he was extorting the Conner family for money to fix a “grave” error in who’s grave sits next to Roseanne’s, he’s back for more.
The great thing about Laurie Metcalf is her ability to play off others really well. A skill that is ineptly highlighted in her scene with Patton Oswalt.
For us Jackie’s words are always only half the story, Metcalf’s microexpressions and body movements tell so much more. With regards to Don, Jackie is telling him he has no power over her, not just with her words but with the crazed look she gives him when she motions for him to leave her establishment.
If Don riles Jackie up this episode, there is one great thing to come from it. That is the bond between Jackie and Neville shining even more clearly than ever before.
When first introduced, Neville seemed much too nice for the abrasive Jackie. And yet, here we are months later and they somehow balance each other out in ways Jackie fans never thought possible.
Jackie gives in to Don’s demands because Neville’s selfless acts of love remind her that there are two people in the relationship. In fact, it even prompts her to utter the “L” word.
It just goes to show that even the most untrusting of people can be warmed up to the idea of love.
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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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.