The Conners In Significantly Fewer And Less Problematic Seasons, 4: The Dark Ages

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 more recent descent into racist, right-wing celebrity crackpot who blames their problematic opinions on everything but their own brain and mouth has been such a disappointment.

I loved the show. And I still love what it was. We're a few seasons into Roseanne Minus Roseanne, and it's on par with peak Roseanne, and certainly worth watching a large swath of its back catalog.

---

Season 4:
​The Dark Ages

---

Episode 1: This Old House

Darlene has a boyfriend! Darlene has a boyfriend! And it's that guy who's going to end up being the least offensive character on Big Bang Theory! Also, Roseanne and Jackie dredge up some trauma when their childhood house is up for sale.


Episode 2: The Commercial Show

The Conner family is chosen to appear as customers in the new Rodbell's commercial. There's even breakups and characters leaving the show with minimal emotional impact!


Episode 3: Lies

Roseanne faces a lie detector at work.


Episode 4: Terms Of Estrangement

The bike shop closes down, and another character moves off the show. This one is a little more impactful.


Episode 5: The Dark Ages

It's all about power when The Conners forget to pay their electric bill, and Darlene suffers for Becky's transgressions against the family.


Episode 6: Crime And Punishment

Jackie's new boyfriend isn't all he's cracked up to be, and Dan stands up for her. Also, DJ suffers for Darlene's transgressions against artistic decency.


Episode 7: War And Peace

Fallout from the previous episode.


Episode 8: It's A Boy!

The house sure has seemed quieter since Becky left. Looks like it's time to welcome a new family member!


Episode 9: Tooth Or Consequences

Roseanne and Jackie have been running a diner since Rodbell's closed, and its future comes into question when Roseanne's old boss, Leon, shows up as the local health inspector.


Episode 10: Daughters And Other Strangers

The show underwent quite the change when Becky got married and moved out of the house. What will happen when Darlene goes off to college?