The Conners Review: Gas Pump, House Dump and Stew Volcano (Season 4 Episode 16)

Every fan loves a good Patton Oswalt cameo, especially if it’s on a sitcom. The Conners Season 4 Episode 16, “Gas Pump, House Dump and Stew Volcano,” is no different.

In fact, the addition of Patton Oswalt’s Don Blansky brings a certain charm to an already charming episode. It’s one thing when a guest star makes an episode bearable, but something even bigger when they simply add to the laughs. 

Don Blansky’s Proposal

It may seem as though Darlene and Becky’s luck in finding a place to live has turned around. It’s been a journey this season watching them both come into their own and become ready for a move like this.

It becomes frustrating when Darlene pushes back against Blansky’s funeral home idea because the house doesn’t quite sit right with her. It wouldn’t be so bad if she hadn’t had equal complaints about a house in Rockford, which she is willing to move into. 

Louise swooping in and telling them to take the funeral home and use the money to revamp it is actually a great idea. It’s one way for them to still move out but also live close by. 

This woman has not only married a man with children still living in his home, but she’s also gone out of her way to help find the most plausible solutions. It’s not even done in a mean, or vindictive way. Louise truly wants them to be successful and find a home they both love.

The only issue that can come from this is Dan’s health is suffering as he tries to take on creating a house for his daughters.

I really hope they enlist the help of DJ or even Ben to do some of the construction because Dan isn’t a spring chicken anymore. I’d hate for Dan to have a heart attack while putting up the drywall. 

Jackie’s Stew Problem

Ever since The Conners stopped pushing for Ben and Darlene to be together, Ben has slowly earned his way back to our good side. This episode alone goes a long way with increasing his likeability. 

Ben is so kind to step in and try to help Jackie reel in more customers for The Lunch Box. This is the Ben we’ve wanted since the breakup — the kind-hearted man who is there for his friends in big ways. 

It’s also great to see their personalities work off each other in the most hilarious of ways. Jackie’s chaotic nature against Ben’s even keel is just a disaster waiting to happen. 

And yet, Ben only storms off momentarily so that he doesn’t end up hating Jackie. The two coming together at the end to help Jackie love her diner again is what this show is all about — the heart of what it means to be family. 

It’s weird to say that, especially considering a couple episodes ago I was vehemently against Ben being anywhere near the Conner family. I’m glad the show kept him around and allowed him to grow back into the character we fell in love with in the beginning. 

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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