The Conners Season 7 Episode 3 Review: Applications, Accusations, and a Man Bag

After last week’s shaky episode, The Conners Season 7 Episode 3, “Applications, Accusations, and a Man Bag,” brings things back into focus. 

This time, the family might all conflict with another member for one reason or another. However, they do so in the familial fashion that we’ve come to expect from this clan. 

Whether it’s Darlene vs. Mark, Becky vs. Dan, or Jackie vs. Neville, watching their solid bonds break ever so slightly is entertaining. This is especially true of Jackie and Neville since we rarely see them onscreen together.

Jackie Doesn’t Understand Compromise

First and foremost, we need to address the joy that comes with Nat Faxon’s brilliant return to The Conners. Out of all the spouses, he’s the one we see the least, which is a tragedy because Neville is so much fun.

That said, his comedy in this episode counteracts the belligerent nature of Jackie’s current one-track-minded obsession. This is a man who just wants to ensure his wife isn’t doing anything reckless and stays safe. 

Unfortunately, Neville still doesn’t seem to understand that Jackie doesn’t know the meaning of the word compromise. Neville is willing to give up his new zoo job, which brings him joy, as a compromise for Jackie not to join the force.

Usually, I am all for Jackie’s character flaws because they are entertaining and make for some comedic moments. However, in this case, I am inclined to side with Neville. He is willing to give an inch, but she is not.

Neville might be a bit knuckleheaded at times, but he means well and honestly, deserves a wife that appreciates that more. That’s not to say Jackie isn’t perfect for him because she is. It’s just that right now, she’s too self-centered to be there for him.

Marriage should be about giving and taking, but currently, Jackie only cares about receiving support from Neville without giving anything in return. While this is frustrating, it makes for a solid storyline for Jackie that isn’t just her walking around and complaining.

Darlene Pushes Mark to a Breaking Point

As anyone here knows, I have always been a diehard defender of Darlene. I have also always loved her connection with Mark because it was stronger than hers with Harris.

That said, today, I have to applaud The Conners for giving me a reason to want both of these characters at arm’s length. That’s not to say there isn’t some truth in both sides of this argument.

Darlene has every right, as a mom to a teenager, to be concerned about Mark’s work hours and his ability to afford a designer bag worth thousands. Does she take it a bit far when she gives him an ultimatum? Probably.

However, Mark also has a point with what he says to her during their argument. She tends to push until people scramble away from her. Being abrasive is just her personality, but sometimes, it’s not helpful for human connection.

Darlene did what she had to as a mother to understand what Mark was up to. After all, he’s still a teenager and still living with her. 

However, her response when Mark finally tells her he’s a hacker might be a bit extreme. She doesn’t need to scream at him and immediately jump to “If you don’t quit, you can’t live here.”

Both sides could handle this whole argument more calmly, especially considering Mark knows he’s in the wrong with his mother and the law. Instead, he’s doubling down on his reckless attitude. I hope this doesn’t lead to him doing something even more dangerous.

Becky Has a Few Choice Words

The hardest part of this episode, but probably the most poignant, occurs between Becky and Dan. Becky scoffs at Dan’s desire to spin the Roseanne story a bit to make it better for the court case. 

While, in theory, her stance on this isn’t wrong, there are a few holes because it is coming from her. She is very critical of her father for not owning that he knew Roseanne had a problem with pills before her surgery. 

It is well within her right to be upset and grieve the resurgence of their mom’s death, but to take it out on her father, who is also grieving and didn’t want to do this in the first place? That is so cruel and unnecessary. 

Naturally, Dan puts his foot down and very heatedly tells her that she has some nerve talking when, during that time, she wasn’t around due to her addiction. It’s emotional to watch Dan bring up the worst quality of his daughter as a means to fight back against her cruel accusations.

Anyone who has lost someone and knows the intricacies of grief can see this argument for what it is — very big feelings. Both Becky and Dan have their own guilt about Roseanne’s overdose, but neither of them wants to take full ownership (which they shouldn’t).

Of course, suing the drug companies is going to push all these family members into their own guilt spirals, but for Becky and Dan, that guilt hits just a little bit harder.

And I feel they both know and understand that. But in their sadness, they lash out at each other instead.

 

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The Conners airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

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