The Conners In Significantly Fewer And Less Problematic Seasons, 3: High Holidays

Roseanne Barrnoldargent has spent most of the last few years ruining the hard work she did in the 80s and 90s, making the most realistic American sitcom of the 20th century. While the original run of the series had its ups and -- hooooboy -- some very deep downs, it was mostly a well-written family comedy. John Goodman, Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalf, and even Roseanne were dextrous enough to be funny while still injecting drama without reaching Melodrama. For the most part, the show has been about being progressive and understanding no matter what your political background. It was about acceptance, and being good to each other, especially your family, no matter what. That's why Roseanne's current pro-Trump racist persona is so sad to people who loved the show.

I loved the show. And I still love what it was. We're only one episode into Roseanne Minus Roseanne, and it was...fine. But it certainly opened the possibility that the show could be great again, but without any stupid red hats.

​In the first two seasons, all three kids fit almost neatly into a little role. Becky had one moment where it seemed like she might be rebellious, and Darlene started to come out of her shell. In this season, we start to see a seismic shift in the younger generation (except DJ, whose personality so far can only be described as "weird").

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Season Three:
High Holidays

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Episode 1: Home Ec
It's Career Day! Darlene has always been a daddy's girl, so she's less than thrilled when Roseanne shows up at her school as a guest speaker in her Home Economics class. This is one of the better episodes of the show when it comes to dealing with gender and class, as Roseanne takes the class on a field trip to show them how to cook for a family of five on a tight budget.

Episode 2: Valentine's Day
It's Valentine's Day! Darlene and Becky each have a type when it comes to boys. So when Darlene's love interest turns out to be into Becky, she doesn't take it well. Also, Roseanne gets a job in a mall diner.​ So the kids are going to see her All The Time.

Episode 3: Her Boyfriend's Back
It's James Dean's birthday! What is Becky's type anyway? We haven't seen Chip in a while. Well, it turns out, Becky is into bad boys. This is our first glance at Mark Healey. He ain't Chip.

Episode 4: Trouble With The Rubbles
It's Love Thy Neighbors Day! We haven't seen much of little DJ this season, what is that forgettable scamp up to? Well, there are new neighbors for the Conners, and they have a kid DJ's age. Unfortunately, they're a little uptown Chicago, and not so thrilled with the Conners from Langford.

Episode 5: Scenes From A Barbecue
It's Mother's Day! Usually, we only get to see Nanna Mary on the Thanksgiving episodes. This year, all the generations converge on the Conner household on Mother's Day. Everything goes swimmingly. Except Mark is there. He ain't Chip.

Episode 6: The Pied Piper Of Lanford
It's Labor Day! Roseanne got a new job this season waiting tables, now it's Dan's turn. An old friend comes into town and tries to convince Dan to go for his dream job.

Episode 7: Darlene Fades To Black
It's Columbus Day! Jocky little Darlene goes gothy little Darlene . Or is she just depressed?

Episode 8: Trick Me Up, Trick Me Down
It's Halloween again! This year's holiday show has the added bonus of those snooty neighbors AND one of Jackie's exes comes back.

Episode 9: Thanksgiving 1991
It's Thanksgiving Day! Nana Mary is back! And Beverly! But there is someone missing. This continues the lovely theme of the generation of Roseanne and Dan's parents unraveling.

Episode 10: Santa Claus
It's Christmas in the mall! Roseanne plays Santa Claus, and as a Christmas gift, she gets to meet Darlene's new friend. Oh, and Darlene has a friend!