The Conners Season 5 Episode 15 Review: Possums, Pregnancy, and Patriarchy
If there is one thing we can always count on from The Conners, it is heartfelt moments centered around the bond of parent and child. More specifically, The Conners Season 5 Episode 15, “Possums, Pregnancy, and Patriarchy,” addresses the often strained relationship between Harris and Darlene.
While Harris’ announcement isn’t something I expected from this season of the show, it brings to light just how different, yet the same, this mother-daughter pair is.
Harris Has a Decision to Make
LAURIE METCALF, EMMA KENNEY
Throughout the episode, Harris asks her family members to weigh in on her decision regarding the baby. Everyone has an opinion, and no two views are the same.
Somewhat surprisingly, Becky is all for Harris keeping the pregnancy. She reasons that Harris should have children when she’s young, unlike how Becky’s life turned out.
While surprising, it makes sense the more you think about it. Becky has been struggling to find the time to spend with her daughter for weeks now, and Harris is the ideal situation she wished she could’ve had.
The other surprising reaction is Mark’s because it is also very positive. While Harris and Mark haven’t ever really maintained a deep bond, there is a bit of love between them.
However, Mark’s response speaks to a deeper bond they never previously discussed — the bond forged in a single-parent household. It’s no surprise that Mark speaks of Harris being his parent when they were young because their dad wasn’t around, and Darlene was always working.
Now that the show is in its fifth season, these revelations pave the way for further character exploration and growth. Harris and Mark deserve the chance to grow closer now that they are both in the same season of life.
Harris and Darlene
EMMA KENNEY, SARA GILBERT, LECY GORANSON
The real winner of The Conners Season 5 Episode 15, “Possums, Pregnancy, and Patriarchy,” is Sara Gilbert. Her performance as Darlene is beyond compare.
The way Gilbert seamlessly moves from an angry, frustrated mother to one who will support their child to the end of time is worthy of praise. Not many performers can display that much emotion within the confines of a half-hour program.
It could easily have been a one-note performance where all Darlene feels is anger about Harris’s poor decisions. Instead, we get treated to an array of emotions from this mama bear we know and love.
The way Gilbert’s voice breaks in that final scene as she tells Harris she will support her 100% even if she disagrees with her. If anything is considered a “chef’s kiss” about this episode, it is that moment right there.
Darlene and Harris aren’t one’s to agree with each other very often; it’s even less often they see eye-to-eye. This moment has all the emotion of Darlene remembering her experiences with Harris as a young mother and wanting to be the mother she’s always been.
Who knows, maybe this pregnancy will bring these two characters even closer together.
Give Ben a Break
SARA GILBERT, JAY R. FERGUSON
As one of the less critical aspects of this episode, Ben’s dilemma as a new parent can easily be overlooked. However, I wanted to give it the attention it deserves because he’s feelings shouldn’t be dismissed.
His feelings of being overlooked, taken for granted, and generally overwhelmed are concerning. For Darlene to assume he’d be fine taking in Harris and her unborn child is also troubling.
If there is one theme within The Conners, miscommunication will always reign supreme until it gets addressed head-on. Ben needs to sit down with Darlene and Becky and establish ground rules.
Ben’s frustration might seem over-the-top to some — including his family –but I believe his reactions are correct, considering people tell him what he will be doing instead of asking if it’s okay first.
This level of miscommunication is what led to his and Darlene’s relationship troubles prior to getting married. Here’s hoping things fare a little differently this time around.
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.
2 comments
Great episode, and thoughtfully written. But someone needs to swiftly bring Darlene up short with her constant, arrogant, assumption that Ben will always handle the money shortfalls (cover her share of the mortgage payment, give Mark $50, do the grocery shopping and pay for ALL of the groceries). And Becky also needs to be taken to task for her breezy attitude about being behind on her rent payment and also thinking Ben is more than happy to help her daughter with her school project.
And, the icing on the cake was when Darlene simply announced Harris would be moving in. It was pretty clear that she only views Ben as a bank and also the guy who just happens to sleep in the same bed. A mere “convenience” for her and nothing more…
BOTH sisters should be locked in the garage with that angry possum!
One hundred percent! I think Ben deserves to be considered so much more than he currently is. Fingers crossed that things will evolve over time, but considering the show doesn’t address the sisters’ selfishness, I don’t have much hope. Lock them in that garage indeed.
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