The Conners Season 5 Episode 11 Review: Two More Years And A Stolen Rose

With the whole older cast having attended high school together when one of their teachers passes away it leads to a few emotional reunions. This sets up a wonderful Dan-centered episode with The Conners Season 5 Episode 11, “Two More Years And A Stolen Rose.”

It isn’t often that we get a glimpse into the life Dan had before him and Roseanne settled down and raised a family. When we do it’s like a window into why Dan is the way he is now.

The added fun of having William H. Macy guest-star as Dan’s high school best friend with a beef can’t be understated. Macy managed to mesh well with the whole cast and we could honestly see him making return visits to Lanford should the writers decide to do so.

Dan and Smitty…and Roseanne?

Meeting on of Dan’s best friends from his high school days is the deepest look into his past The Conners has ever offered us. We have occasionally heard him talk about how he got together with Roseanne, but there hasn’t ever been extensive detail like this. 

It’s clear that Dan sort of resents Smitty at first because of the money he just throws around. But finding out that Dan took Roseanne home from a dance that she went to with Smitty shows us that there is more to it than just monetary success.

Smitty has never forgiven Dan for his actions 50 years ago, but Dan also hasn’t forgiven Smitty for Smitty’s dismissal of their friendship. From the moment he arrives we can see that Smitty is a smarmy fellow that Dan is better off not having stayed close with.

What is even better is that Dan manages to realize that for himself when he reads his high school letter to a future self. While the Conner family has always financially struggled they haven’t been lacking in the love department — which is what matters most of all.

Allowing Season 5 to be the season of Dan Conner has been a great turnaround for the show. While the writing has been great the whole run, The Conners started to lose it’s shine a bit last season, but has recovered nicely.

Dan has been a staple character who has never really been in the spotlight. Now is his time to shine and grow which we should all be excited to see more of.

Darlene Sometimes Has a Good Idea

In the periphery of this episode is the story between Darlene, Ben, and Becky. While this plot isn’t the focus by any means it also shows growth for the sister pair — which we love.

Becky’s education pursuits hasn’t been mentioned much since her disastrous relationship with her professor last season. Honestly, I thought that the show had decided to drop that idea completely. 

Therefore, it’s nice to hear Becky talk about getting a Master’s Degree and become an addiction counselor. Of all the career paths Becky has considered, this one is best suited for her.

Her experiences with alcoholism make her the perfect person to help others see their way through their own substance struggles. If The Conners can continue to nurture this decision it can lead to great family moments as well as humorous ones.

With her decision to continue going to school, Becky needs a huge favor from Darlene, who isn’t too keen at first. However, it’s Darlene’s idea concocted with the help of Ben that really stands out.

In the past, Darlene probably would have stuck to her guns and kept the original plan instead of trying to find an amendment to help Becky. They’ve always loved each other, but Darlene hasn’t always wanted to help her sister out of sticky situations.

If I could find someone who would let me pay the rent only to give some of it back to me in two years so that I can gain independence I’d be a lucky person indeed. The real question moving forward is whether or not Darlene and Ben can stick to their deal with Becky — especially with Darlene still out of work.

Stray Thoughts:

• I really miss Mark. It’s so strange that we never get to see him.
• Harris opening the door to Smitty and saying, “You look really familiar. I know you right?” is a funny nod to Emma Kenney’s time with Macy on Shameless.

 

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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