The Conners Season 5 Episode 20 Review: What’s So Funny About Peas, Love and Understanding?

The sacrifices of parenthood steal the spotlight on The Conners Season 5 Episode 20, “What’s So Funny About Peas, Love and Understanding?” in the most bittersweet way.

This episode serves as a reminder of what makes The Conners the special show it is. It isn’t often that television looks at the working-class family through a lens of love and compassion. Time and time again, the Conner clan comes together for one of their own in the best ways they know how.

For Jackie and Louise, it’s helping Becky get a chance at a first date with a man who leaves her a note on a napkin. But, for Darlene, it means making the ultimate sacrifice to give her son something he’s been dreaming of.

The Price of Motherhood

Darlene has never shied away from being there for her kids and defending them at the expense of her own happiness or views. However, her move from management to line cook to get Mark a chance at a university education is the most significant mama bear moment she has ever put forth.

Does Dan have a point when he tells Darlene that it’s ridiculous to step away from an opportunity for her to get ahead financially? Absolutely, but viewers know from the look on his face as he leaves that he also won’t stop her from making that sacrifice.

Darlene is the mother she is because she has spent her life watching Dan do the same thing for his own kids. He’s well past retirement age and still working because he spent his best years making sacrifices to help his children achieve their dreams. 

There is something so special about how The Conners uses these working-class family experiences to show the bonds of family, and that love can truly conquer all if you let it. At the end of the day, none of the Conners have two nickels to rub together, but they are happy because they have each other.

Darlene’s emotional confession to her son puts the cherry on top of this beautiful parenthood sundae. Once again, Mark tries to convince his mom that he doesn’t need this thing that he’s worked his butt off to achieve — only further proving her point.

It isn’t often that she gets to give Mark something as significant as this, so, of course, she’s going to run with the opportunity regardless of its repercussions. Thankfully, she has Ben’s unwavering support and her family’s love to back her up.

Becky Comes Out on Top

This is the episode of wins for the Conner sisters, which is much needed after a very trying season. Becky hasn’t had much luck with men since her husband tragically passed away years ago. 

She has her daughter to help her feel fulfilled and like she’s going somewhere, but she’s still lonely. One of the great things about this family is their ability to see past a member’s cover to see how they really feel.

Becky keeps insisting she is fine and doesn’t need someone to be romantically involved with, and yet, the minute there is a sliver of interest, she perks up. The dynamic of Jackie and Louise stepping in to assist Becky is a welcome sight after Louise’s struggle with the family lately. 

With the Conner family, once you’re involved in a scheme, you’re officially part of the crew. Louise needs this partnership as much as Becky needs its outcome. 

What makes this attempt so special isn’t the scheme itself. It’s that Becky meets a guy, played by Sean Astin no less, and thinks she’s not good enough for him. Only to discover that his mom thinks she is entirely out of his league. 

This could be the start of something beautiful, considering we already know this new man wants kids and has a vibe similar to Becky.

 

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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