The Conners Review: Three Exes, Role Playing and a Water Bed (Season 4 Episode 9)

The beginning of Season 4 seems like a lifetime ago, as we continue to be right there in it with Darlene and Ben. If there is anything to say about The Conners Season 4 Episode 9, “Three Exes, Role Playing and a Water Bed,” it’s that the show really seems to revel in beating a horse half to death.

We are all for characters playing the whole will they/won’t they routine when it makes sense or even moves the plot along. Unfortunately, having a really healthy relationship for Darlene fall apart because Ben keeps popping up in her life is annoyingly frustrating. 

The Saga of Darlene and Ben

They have only been broken up since the start of the season, give them both time completely away from each other so they can explore themselves. Honestly, at the start of the season, it appeared that they were going to do that, but then Ben just kept showing up.

It’s clear that the show is wanting audiences to choose between Nick and Ben for Darlene. The unfortunate thing is that Darlene doesn’t seem to know what she wants.

While Nick chooses to point out that he sees they still have feelings for each other, it’s not so clear to me. If it’s a case of “they’re mean because they like each other,” I’m going to check out.

Darlene is more than just some school girl who has a crush on the cute guy. She deserves to have growth and characterization that doesn’t center on the next romantic entanglement for her. 

I miss the Darlene of old who got to explore all her interests and passions without the cloud of relationship hanging over her head. Yes, she was in one with David, but he never really gave her grief about the things she liked to do.

That’s the biggest issue I have with Ben. He smothers her and tries to fit her into this clearcut box when Darlene was meant to break down those boxes.

In the end, “Three Exes, Role Playing and a Water Bed” does nothing to further the plot of Darlene. It simply serves to confuse everyone even more.

Neville’s Ex?

Honestly, Neville having an ex-girlfriend isn’t a completely farfetched idea. However, an ex-fiance — who looks like Helen — is mind blowing. 

It’s even more mind-blowing that somehow the show has managed to create a fight situation for Jackie and Neville without it having serious fallout. That’s the beauty of this relationship — it’s centered on what’s relatable.

After all these years of disastrous exes, Jackie deserves a guy that makes her this happy. Even when she’s feeling jealous about Helen, you can tell she’s so happy to have Neville.

He’s probably the first guy to apologize to her immediately after realizing he witheld the wrong information about his ex. He tries to genuinely show her how sorry he is, and that sort of scares her and thrills her.

This whole relationship is a major growth moment for Jackie. If there is anything The Conners does right, it’s giving Jackie the time to shine.

While things may get rocky down the line with Helen and Jackie’s jealousy. I have no doubt that Neville will find healthy ways to balance out Jackie and show her he loves her. 

These two are destined for the long haul.

Stray Thoughts:

• Seeing the water bed brought back memories of my childhood and my mom’s water bed. 
• Dan proves once again that his children mean the world to him and even when you think he’s not paying attention, he is.
• With the world currently in chaos, it’s nice to know the Conner Bill Paying Method is still going strong. 

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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