The Conners Review: Spills, Pills and The Midnight Lasagna (Season 4 Episode 10)

For a sitcom, things definitely get more serious on The Conners Season 4 Episode 10, “Spills, Pills, and The Midnight Lasagna.” Honestly, the tonal change for this episode makes it the best on of the series to date. 

Ever since the 90s, the Conner family has never shied away from showing tough situations with a bit of dark humor tacked on. Frankly, dark humor is how this family survives.

However, when it’s Mark who has suddenly turned a dark corner in his life we are all shocked. From day one, Mark has always insisted he would become better than everyone else and not be destined to a life of misery and debt.

So, naturally, when Darlene discovers that Mark is taking ADHD medication to get himself enough hours in the day for his studies we need to know more. Even though Mark and Darlene have their spat about the situation, we are still left with questions.

Is Mark Turning Into Roseanne?

Of course, fans in the know are immediately curious whether or not this spells trouble for the teen based on his family history. It’s great that The Conners directly addresses that with Darlene and Dan’s conversation. 

While Darlene is worried about Mark’s new issue, Dan isn’t. That itself isn’t too surprising, Dan is the more easygoing of the two.

However, Dan’s words of wisdom to Darlene are special and worth noting. He looks her straight in the eyes and tells her that Mark is different and that she will figure it out as his mom. The level of faith he puts in his daughter is something we haven’t seen for Darlene much lately, it’s reassuring.

She is desperate to help Mark not end up like her mother that she’s driving herself crazy over it. Darlene hasn’t been this emotionally distraught over one of her children before so, this is new territory for Sara Gilbert to navigate. 

That fear Gilbert manages to instill in Darlene that is mixed heavily with love is something so personal to any viewer who has children of their own. Then to take that fear and somehow manage to figure out what is best for her child, even though it alienates them, is a strength beyond measure.

While it doesn’t seem that Mark is going to end up a pill popper like his grandmother, the predisposition is there. I wouldn’t count out the possibility of his addictive personality rearing its ugly head in other ways as he continues to grow and struggle. 

Is Darlene and Mark’s Argument Going to Make Things Worse?

The biggest question we get from this episode of The Conners centers on whether or not Darlene’s final stance going to be helpful or harmful. It’s clear that Mark is extremely angry at his mother — he goes as far as to say he hates her — for stepping in and taking away things that matter to him. 

What isn’t clear is whether or not Mark will simply go along with what his mother says or if this will mark the start of a rebellious streak for him. No matter the path, Ames McNamara is nailing this shift in Mark’s story with style and ease. 

For a young actor, McNamara plays off Gilbert’s emotions really well in that final scene in Mark’s bedroom. This is going to be an exciting time for the actor and the character as we move forward in Season 4. 

So far, Mark has only been seen as this whiz kid who does everything by the book. However, the drugs and caffeine show that just about anything is possible with him. 

While making things worse could be an interesting storyline to pursue — for the drama — it would be detrimental for the continued growth of Darlene and Mark.

These two characters have always been on solid ground with each other so prolonging Mark’s anger toward his mother would damage the only stable relationship Darlene has in her life.

Mark is going to need a solid support system if he ever plans to figure out healthy coping methods for his stress and school pressure. Sure, Becky is more equipped to help with addictions but, Darlene is his mom and that sort of bond is just as important in the coming weeks. 

Other Thoughts:

• Jackie and Neville continue to be my favorite couple ever. He loves her so much it makes me gooey inside.
• I wonder how long it’s going to be before Darlene finds out about Harris in the RV?

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!

20 Best Characters from TV Comedies in 2021