The Conners Review: Let’s Push All Our Hands Together For The Stew Train and The Conners Furniture (Season 4 Episode 7)

The saga between Darlene and Harris continues with mixed results. The Conners Season 4 Episode 7, “Let’s Push All Our Hands Together For The Stew Train and The Conners Furniture,” shows how hard it is to push and pull when both parties aren’t willing to budge.

The addition of Andrew Leeds as Nick puts the whole disagreement into perspective. We’ve only been able to see their sides from the perspective of people who are smack dab in the center of the chaos. 

Nick gives us insight into how the fight looks to someone who is on the outside. It’s a rare thing to get on The Conners considering the show centers on the family and hardly anyone else.

His attempt to get them to put aside their stubborn ways is definitely naive but good-natured. The great thing about him is that he’s very similar to Darlene, so he can see how best to approach her.

Somehow his words and exercise of pushing back to give space get through to Darlene in a way that no one else has been able to yet. So much so that Darlene actually gives up control of Harris’ life for what she believes is the betterment of her daughter.

It shows that Darlene really does need a voice of reason in her life that is outside of her family unit. Nick’s voice is allowing her to see that she could end up ruining her relationship with Harris if she hadn’t taken this necessary, albeit tough, step. 

She tried to have that previously with Ben, but we all know how that worked out. Maybe this time she really should put aside romantic intentions and utilize Nick for the friend and sounding board he can be.

Of course, their conversation at the end doesn’t give me hope of her slowing down, but not all is lost. Hopefully, the show knows the best way to navigate this for Darlene’s future character growth.

You want to talk about continued character growth, then look no further than Dan Conner himself. At the beginning of this series he was as set in his ways as anyone else could possibly be. 

This season we have watched him grow as one with Louise in a way that makes our hearts melt every time. Diehard fans never thought they could see Dan with anyone else but Roseanne.

However, I gotta say, Louise is the perfect match for Dan on so many levels. Not only is she wonderful toward his family, but she also knows when to give so that he can remain comfortable.

She understands that he’s trying to physically make room for her in his home, but his kids are pushing back. So, instead of complaining she compromises and says that the family areas can remain the same, but the bedroom has to be all theirs.

Louise knows that she has married into an already tight-knit family. Instead of forcing them to take her and all her belongings into their lives, she gives them all the space to invite her in.

Honestly, show me a more perfectly matched couple. They make the world more fuzzy and kind just by being in it. They remind us that soulmates do exist and that a great love really is possible. 

Stray Thoughts:

• I really hope Darlene’s big gesture allows Harris the ability to let down her walls and explain what really happened with her boyfriend.
• It’s a shame Jackie is simply used as the bookends to this episode. I want to know more about these promotional ideas.

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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