The Conners Season 5 Episode 9 Review: Crumbs and Couch Surfers

After what seems like a million years, the gang finally moves out of Dan and Louise’s house. The Conners Season 5 Episode 10, “Crumbs and Couch Surfers” does a hilarious take on how the dynamics between these two households change because of it.

It’s been a project that has been coming for some time, and honestly, it’s one of those family moments that feels so gratifying. The Conner clan rarely has a big win and this new home is definitely a big win.

What’s even better is the writers have decided that it’s possible to continue the show in its usual format but within two different home settings. It’s very well executed.

Darlene’s Disappoint Manifests

While Darlene’s recent act of defiance against Wellmans is to be commended the backlash from it is just now hitting her personally. The Conners could have pushed Darlene into a new job right away and allowed her to avoid struggle, but it doesn’t.

The great thing about this journey is we get to see a side of Darlene that’s been neglected for a very long time. She comes off as confident and well-put-together when her insecurities are simply lurking in the shadows.

The whole situation with the couch is a prime example of them finally coming out to play. What comes off as a ridiculous ask at first soon reveals itself to be Darlene’s way of finding one thing she can control in her current life journey.

Her management position at Wellmans had been a sign to her that she was worth something, and now — as Jackie helps her realize — she has no job and no prospects. It’s easy to see why this nice couch gets all her insecurities dumped on it.

Darlene finally letting go of her strict rule is another clue that things might be rough now, but she will find peace and satisfaction soon. 

Kai Can Go Bye-Bye!

Harris has been pretty reckless since her relationship with Aldo fell apart at the end of last season. It’s difficult to remember at times that she is still only 19. 

Her latest string of bad decisions comes in the form of a chill slacker by the name of Kai. Dan and Louise sus him out pretty quickly for what he really is, but Harris refuses to see it.

Most young folks who are madly in love refuse to acknowledge red flags because they like the feeling of being noticed by someone. The Conners does a great job of highlighting this tendency while also giving Harris room to realize his shady behavior in her own time.

By allowing Harris to ignore the warnings both Dan and Louise give her only to be proven wrong about Kai in the end, the show says that Harris is capable of looking out for herself. She sees Kai for the crappy person that he is and also admits to Louise that she was wrong to dismiss the older woman’s concerns.

It’s also great to see Harris form this one-on-one bond with her grandfather and step-grandmother away from the rest of her family. Up until now, we’ve not had moments with Harris that don’t also include either Darlene or Mark. 

She is only going to continue to flourish in her environment away from her mom and I’m here for it. (Something I never thought I would say two seasons ago.)

Stray Thoughts:

• The humor is on point for this episode. Dan really lets the jokes fly left and right.
• The best exchange of “Crumbs and Couch Surfers” is between Harris and Dan about Kai giving her a poem for a tattoo. “So you got screwed twice with that one.”
• Louise is my favorite person. The way she handles every major situation is inspiring.

 

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 8/7c on ABC.

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