The Conners Series Finale Review: A Heartfelt Goodbye 37 Years in the Making

The time has finally come to bid the Conner family a final farewell. The Conners Season 7 Episodes 5 and 6, “Exercise Bands, Money Plans, and Faraway Lands/The Truck Stops Here,” shows the loyal fans this family will remain in our hearts forever.

In an emotional two-part finale, The Conners gives each character their due and breaks our hearts in the process. We also get to say goodbye to Roseanne as her family stands at her grave and catches her up on everything since her death. 

Unfortunately, if we have to ding this finale for something, it has to be the very obvious absences in those final moments. There is not even a mention of a DJ. He might’ve moved to another country, but he still deserved a verbal mention from either his sisters or his dad.

Ben Finally Realizes He Has a Wife

One of the most frustrating things about these final episodes has been the emphasis on Ben being a negligent husband again. While it is nice that he shows up again in these final two episodes, it should never have happened in the first place.

The final season should have focused on Darlene’s struggles with Mark and left her marriage alone. For once, the writers should have allowed this couple to have their story end on a happy note.

Instead, we are left with a small snippet of happiness after too much of Ben completely abandoning his family and marriage responsibilities in favor of his new business.

I won’t go into my arguments and true feelings about Ben Olinsky here since I have done so frequently over the years. If you want my latest thoughts, you can check out The Conners Season 7 Episode 2, “Fame, Flying Fists, and Cold Feet.”

It’s just a shame he didn’t come around in time to see Mark off on his new adventure. Those two have always had an interesting bond that I’ve applauded many times over, most notably The Conners Season 5 Episode 22, “The Grad Finale.”

Darlene Learns the Hardest Thing About Being a Parent — Saying Goodbye

Mark deserved to say goodbye to Ben and his mom, but it’s understandable why the writers didn’t choose to do it that way. That said, the final scene between him and Darlene is poignant.

After being at odds for most of this season, Mark and Darlene finally bury the hatchet and remind us all that their bond is truly unshakable. When Darlene starts to cry during Mark’s monologue about how much she’s always been there for him, we share those tears.

In fact, the performances from Sara Gilbert and Ames McNamara during the whole scene are why we have been loyal to The Conners since the beginning. They are the mirror of Darlene’s relationship with her own mom, even during the difficult years.

The emotional displays from both actors prove that. This family isn’t just some people we watch on TV from week to week. No, the Conner family is an extension of our family.

It’s hard to believe Mark, who used to wear sparkles, pink, and dresses to school, is now getting a foot in the door at a company doing cybersecurity. He may be moving to New York, but Lanford will always be home for him. Especially with Darlene’s one-call-a-week rule.

Becky Wants to Buy a New Truck

One of the great things about this show is how often we’ve gotten to watch Becky fall down and get back up. This is made even stronger by the care with which Lecy Goranson has portrayed this character for decades. 

Without Goranson, we wouldn’t feel so strongly about Becky finally making it to the top. Her declaration in the end that she is sober is a win for all of us, but especially Becky.

But let’s back up because some of Becky’s most honest and vulnerable moments come during The Conners Season 7 Episode 5, “Exercise Bands, Money Plans, and Faraway Lands.” She finally has the money to buy something for herself, and she wants a practical item — a new truck.

Of course, it is only natural that Tyler gives some pushback. However, Becky points out that unless he grew up poor and always had handouts and nothing new, he couldn’t possibly understand. It’s a nod to their different experiences without belittling him in any way.

Honestly, good for her. She deserves to treat herself to something new and exciting for once. Becky is now sober, supporting herself and her daughter, and in a happy, committed relationship. 

Seeing Tyler eventually see her side of things just proves that Becky has finally found a man who understands, respects, and loves her inside and out.

Too bad the show seemed to have forgotten about Beverly Rose. Where is she? Shouldn’t she be at the get-together in the cemetery?

That is my only major gripe about this portion of the finale.

Dan Gets To Say His Piece

One of the big throughlines to this final season has been Dan suing the drug company for Roseanne’s death. From the start, I was certain it would either go nowhere or they’d get their moment in court, but get no compensation.

I am grateful to be wrong on both counts. Dan gets a moment to say just how much he is hurt by the opioids taking the love of his life from him. 

It’s a heartfelt declaration that hits us deep in our emotions because she was our TV mom just as much as Dan Conner has always been our TV dad. The drug company’s decision to only pay $700 is laughable, but in a true Conner way.

Sure, Darlene, Becky, and Jackie all wanted the big payout because they felt they deserved it. However, for Dan, it was never about the money; it was about him finally being honest about how her overdose affected him. 

Thankfully, the writers don’t forget his current wife during all this. Louise has always been a pleasure on our screens since they first got together. 

As she listens to Dan declare that Roseanne is the love of his life, I want to wrap her up in the biggest hug. Of course, we don’t doubt for a second that Dan loves her, too; it’s still hard for anyone to hear such things.

At the end of it all, Dan is able to laugh, smile, and say an emotional goodbye because he has finally put all of his burdens to bed. Which is all any of them deserve — a happy life.

Stray Thoughts

• I can’t imagine how Jackie managed to get back on the police force, but good for her! I’ve never seen her that happy before.
• I love the mention of Beverly, “I have no idea where Mom is.” It gives levity during emotional goodbyes.
• It isn’t lost on me that the original run of Roseanne‘s first part of a two-part finale ended with Darlene bringing Harris home from the hospital. And the first part of the two-part finale here is Darlene sending Mark off to his adult life.
• The perfect use of flashbacks as Dan sits on the couch as the credits roll adds the right bit of nostalgia we deserve.

 

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The Conners Season 7 is now streaming on Hulu. You can catch older seasons streaming on Netflix.

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