The Conners Season 5 Episode 17 Review: The Contra Hearings and The Midnight Gambler

For the first time since last season, The Conners Season 5 Episode 17, “The Contra Hearings and The Midnight Gambler,” focuses almost entirely on Mark and his coming future. Mark is the most ambitious and determined to get ahead in life out of all the Conners.

This focus has been a long time coming and a nice change up for all the longtime fans interested in seeing Mark occasionally. Mark and his cousin Mary get the least attention of all the characters whenever the show gives them a story; it’s a beautiful treat. 

The Contrabassoon In The Room

In a nice turn of events, Whoopi Goldberg makes a guest appearance as Mark’s orchestra teacher. Much like anyone in Lanford and the surrounding area, if they’re old enough, she has a beef with Jackie from their days in high school together. 

Watching the family rally around Mark in the hopes of getting him a spot in the chamber orchestra is old hat — honestly, apart from creating conflict, it’s what this family is known for. After the last few weeks of heavier content, this episode goes straight for the awkwardly funny. 

The Conners Season 5 Episode 16, “Hiding In and Moving Out,” showed us how far Darlene will go for her kids when they are hurting. Meanwhile, “The Contra Hearings and The Midnight Gambler” offers how much Darlene loves her children and wants them to know that their interests are the coolest things in the world to her.

Mark’s determined to get into college by whatever means necessary, and he isn’t shy about voicing his criticisms regarding his family. This comes to light during this episode because he genuinely feels his family is preventing him from getting this coveted spot.

In a move of excellent writing, Goldberg’s character knocks him down a peg and tells him that his family isn’t why he isn’t getting what he wants; it’s Mark’s lack of real passion. Sure, he can pick up the contrabassoon because he thinks it’ll get him a scholarship, but he doesn’t deserve the spot on the chamber orchestra if music isn’t his passion.

Mark’s pleas that this is his only way of getting into college mean nothing because even viewers know he is an intelligent kid and he will get into school somehow. The frustrating aspect of all this is that Mark even has to worry. 

This storyline is a commentary on how the education business works against poorer kids like Mark. Everyone deserves equal access to however much education they desire; kids like Mark will lose that determination and drive because the odds stacked against them will become too much.

Addiction Isn’t Two-Dimensional

The other focus for The Conners Season 5 Episode 17, “The Contra Hearings and The Midnight Gambler,” doesn’t get as much attention regarding Becky’s behavior. If I’m being honest, this bit could’ve been in an episode all its own and been given a bit more oomph. 

A significant part of Becky’s personality for most of the five-season run of this show has been her alcohol addiction. The show has never decided to expand upon that and explore other avenues in which Becky’s addictive personality comes out — until now.

Creating an opportunity for Becky to become addicted to gambling opens the door for the show to explore many other concepts regarding her struggles. And while I advocate for not making one aspect of a character their whole personality, it is nice to see Becky’s addiction expanded upon.

Many people don’t realize that when you are prone to things like drug and alcohol addiction, it means you have an impulse control issue. Becky learns that firsthand with the lottery machine at the restaurant. 

Thankfully, Dan is the one to pull her out because he is the one who will do it with the most understanding and kindness. It’s a moment of growth for Becky and a moment to shine for Dan.

As fleeting as it is in the grand scheme of things, this story is precisely what the fans want to see. 

 

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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