The Conners Review: Patriarchs and Goddesses (Season 4 Episode 11)

For a season that started out so strongly, The Conners Season 4 Episode 11, “Patriarchs and Goddesses,” sticks out as the weakest episode to date. The chaos of this episode really mars the beauty that was The Conners Season 4 Episode 10, “Spills, Pills an The Midnight Lasagna.”

The biggest shame of “Patriarchs and Goddesses” is the further character assassination happening with Darlene. She used to be this strong, independent woman who would scoff at the type of ex-girlfriend she has been reduced to.

The Dilemma with Darlene

Darlene is the one character that has always stood out against the rest of her family. Out of everyone, she is most like her mother — strong, opinionated, and resilient. 

So, why is she now being written as this woman who is insecure about her own desires and strengths? Relationships were never a strong selling point for her as a character.

And yet, during “Patriarchs and Goddesses,” Darlene is that annoying, petty, ex-girlfriend who just can’t seem to let go. It’s a trait that has been building for some time — ever since they broke up — and it’s a major disappointment for so many fans. 

When the season started and Darlene started to explore herself through spirituality, it seemed as though she was going to grow and evolve. Then, it turned into another relationship opportunity for her to quickly trash because she wasn’t ready.

The Conners Season 4 Episode 11, “Patriarchs and Goddesses,” proves that Darlene is better when the focus is on her growth or her parenting. So, instead of making it all about her and Ben — which should have been gone and forgotten by now — the show should stick to focusing on Darlene’s true self.

I’ve said this many times, and I will continue to say it until it happens, Ben needs to be dropped from the story completely. He and Darlene aren’t together anymore and they can’t be around each other without drama ensuing.

Therefore, drop Ben from stories involving Darlene completely. We should only see him when it pertains to Dan and the store. Otherwise, The Conners will continue to devolve into soap opera territory.

Harris and Aldo — Who’s Really Mature?

I honestly don’t know the intention of the whole dads against the relationship part of this episode. While it is nice to see Dan bond with another father, there is no other purpose beyond that.

It simply continues to highlight the extreme differences between Harris and Aldo. These two characters have no chemistry, and there is no reason they should continue to be together. 

Harris isn’t given any favors by sticking to her guns about this man-child, which further highlights how immature she is as well. 

Overall, this story shouldn’t still be a thing either. It’s as if The Conners doesn’t know what to do with relationships on this show outside of Dan and Louise and Jackie and Neville.

I had hoped this story would wake Harris up to the fact that Aldo doesn’t know how to do a serious relationship or to be an adult period. It’s disappointing to get to the end and realize that Harris is pushed even closer to Aldo by the actions of the “fathers.”

Ultimately, The Conners has lost its focus, and this episode wasted our time from start to finish. 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

18 Throwback TV Shows For You To Comfort Binge