The Conners Season 5 Episode 14 Review: Adding Insult to Injury
With The Conners Season 5 Episode 14, “Adding Insult to Injury,” the focal point switches back to Darlene and Becky. This isn’t as positive of a move as it might have been a few seasons ago.
Unfortunately, running the track of “woe is me” for both sisters once again is as dull and repetitive as it sounds. Sure, there are a few good laughs to keep things fresh, but it’s not enough.
This is the first time we have seen Nat Faxon’s Neville since the first few episodes, and it is disappointing that he isn’t a bit more present.
Combative and Condescending is Nothing New
SARA GILBERT, JOHN GOODMAN
With Darlene having been out of a job for quite some time, viewers expect that her story will move forward now that the show has pivoted back to her. It’s the perfect opportunity to have Darlene show up at her dad’s and say, “Guess what? I got a job!”
Do we need to go through the dog and pony show of her interviewing again? The answer is a simple no.
The choice to center the story on Darlene suddenly discovering that her attitude is combative and condescending is frustrating. Most viewers of The Conners have seen Darlene grow up — she’s always been this way. It’s not news to us, let alone her.
JOHN GOODMAN, SARA GILBERT
It’s great that she is finally honest and manages to get a job that way, but at the same time, we’ve seen it all before. When she got her position at Wellman’s, she struggled with the same thing.
Why must half of this episode focus on Darlene having this great epiphany when she knows she isn’t a people person or easily hirable? Instead, the episode could show Darlene being excited about a new job doing something she’s good at.
So far, Season 5 of The Conners has been solidly strong, but this episode fails to hit even the smallest of marks.
Becky Continues Old Habits
LECY GORANSON, NAT FAXON
I know we are supposed to feel sympathy for Becky because she is a single, working mom who is also in school. However, it’s not as sympathetic of her to constantly ask her family to do one of her jobs for her.
Becky has been through so much; she deserves a break. But not at the expense of Jackie’s life and livelihood.
Neville may not know the Conner clan as well as most people in their lives, but he isn’t completely clueless. He knows that what Becky asked Jackie to do is wrong, and he’s willing to fight for his wife to stop it.
The sad part is that Becky has been down this road before. She’s pushed her family to the brink in the name of her own needs and desires.
LAURIE METCALF, NAT FAXON
How is Neville pointing it out to her brand new information? The family has told her previously about the favors she asks for; this realization that she uses them can’t be that shocking.
After all, Becky isn’t stupid. She is brilliant and deserves the opportunity to get a college degree. However, something has to give in Becky’s life, even if it isn’t something she wants to give up.
It’s too bad The Conners didn’t want to give Becky a lighter storyline where she can take some time off. She and Beverly Rose don’t get to see each other that often. Time together is precisely what they need.
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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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.