Roseanne Returns

By: Suzanne Fox

If ever there was a time for “Roseanne” to make a return, this is it. I should specify that this is an optimal time for the “Roseanne” show to reboot, but I also mean the woman Roseanne Barr. At times it can be difficult separating the character from the comedian, but Roseanne, the actress, has always been true to her own beliefs. Who could forget when she ran for the presidential nomination of the Green Party in 2012? She uses her own label to describe her activism, aptly called “Progressive Politics.” That progressive nature is evident when looking back at the original series and will definitely be in the revived series.

Like many other beloved rebooted shows on TV today, the comedy “Roseanne” was much loved when it aired the first time, back in 1988. The audience had a front row seat in the Conner household, set in the imaginary town of Lanford, Illinois. Roseanne and her husband Dan (John Goodman) were middle school sweethearts who had three children together Becky (Lecy Goranson), Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and DJ (Michael Fishman). Later on another baby, Jerry, was added to the Conner family (at the same time that Roseanne Barr was pregnant). Completing the Conner family, visits were made on a daily basis by Roseanne’s much loved sister Jackie (Laurie Metcalf). Roseanne and Jackie were as much of a couple as Roseanne and Dan. Other characters revolved in and out of the Conner family dynamic, including grandparents, neighbors, co-workers and boyfriends.

The “Roseanne” family truly bonded on and off air. In Roseanne’s reality show entitled “Roseanne’s Nuts,” she had some of her friends and cast members from her original series on her Hawaiian set. Roseanne Conner and Roseanne Barr are both proud moms who take care of their family on and off screen. One of the most acclaimed actors who appeared on “Roseanne” as Darlene’s boyfriend/husband David was Johnny Galecki. In real life, Johnny Galecki seems to have an affinity for his “Roseanne” past. He is set to return to the reboot as Darlene’s ex-husband. Some of his “Roseanne” family have even made cameos on his current show “The Big Bang Theory” as Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert have both had repeat appearances. Many members of the original Roseanne cast have been guests on “The Talk,” where Gilbert is a host. By keeping these fictitious blood lines open, the opportunity to recreate the show “Roseanne” now was perfect.

Much has been publicized about the significance of “Roseanne” returning to the air at this time.  Roseanne Barr has been very vocal in her political opinions and that was also very true of her TV character. Reports from different news sources indicate that Roseanne and Dan are supporters of President Trump. Any disbelief that these liberal characters would support Trump has been reconciled with the fact that the Conners have always proudly been Middle America folks who face regular personal economic crises. They would have bought into Trump’s plan of “Making America Great Again.” The Conners of today probably hope and believe that Trump could stimulate the economic climate. All along the very vocal Conners were in a battle to educate America about homosexuality, teenage sex and marriage, pregnancy, abortion, drugs, mental illness, physical and verbal abuse, bigotry, poverty, obesity and many other divisive topics.  Each character tackled an issue of significance (and usually more than one topic) as their personas aged, became more educated and more self-aware.

As an avid Roseanne follower (I also loved her show “Roseanne’s Nuts”), I hope that the essence of the original show centered on the family will outshine whatever political beliefs Roseanne Barr projects onto her characters. This show was successful because of their treatment of sensitive subjects. However, at the core of what made “Roseanne” great was the love that this family had for each other. They struggled together, they learned from each other and no matter what- they supported each other. The TV show, then and now, has always been billed as a comedy. Barr and her writing team have always been able to artfully and creatively tackle sensitive subjects and tie them into the family while keeping them united. Now that famed comedian Whitney Cummings is an executive producer on the “Roseanne” update, we are sure to see that signature sass on touchy topics remain.

Early reports from the rebooted “Roseanne” series indicate that Roseanne and Dan (who is alive) are still married, living in their original home and spending time together on their famously ugly plaid sofa with the crocheted afghan. David and Darlene are divorced and DJ has a biracial daughter. David and Darlene have two kids – a teenage daughter (Emma Kenney from “Shameless”) and a gender fluid son. The notable absence of Becky’s husband Mark Healy (played by Glenn Quinn) is scheduled to be addressed. Sadly, Quinn died of a heroin overdose in 2002.

As mentioned above, family and their interpersonal relationships are what held this show together. A trailer that was released of the new show features Roseanne and Dan in bed. He has a sleep apnea mask on as he lies next to Roseanne. Roseanne has trouble waking him and exclaims that she thought he was dead. Dan comments that everybody keeps assuming that. As the series has always had a knack for weaving in public belief (or disbelief) while skillfully maintaining the integrity of the show, we see this as a humorous nod to the series finale back in 1997 that led viewers to believe that Dan was dead via a heart attack. We also clear up those lingering ideas that Jackie was gay, DJ could be a serial killer and the family winning a $108 million Illinois lottery prize. SPOILER: The rebooted show clearly indicates Dan is alive and the family still struggles financially.

What remains to be seen is how the lives of the Conners have evolved in the past twenty years. Released trailers show that Darlene is living at home while Becky is not. Darlene insists that she is there to take care of her aging parents. Dan and Roseanne have installed a chair lift and mention is made of Roseanne’s bad knee. The issue of health insurance and the cost of medicine is discussed as Dan and Roseanne trade pills. The premise has been set for this family to still be involved in each other’s lives, utilizing the family’s cohesive and turbulent dynamic we will see how socioeconomic issues can be addressed. Darlene has a son who enjoys wearing feminine clothing. Even if this goes against the grain of what Trump espouses, Roseanne has always walked a potentially polarizing line in what her words and actions dictate. The Roseanne character may have been anti-Hillary and voted for Trump, but there is no doubt that she will love and support her grandchildren.

Roseanne, the actress and social commentator, has never shied away from controversy. In 1990, she infamously sang (or some say screeched) the “Star Spangled Banner” at a San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds game. She claimed to have trouble hearing herself, which forced her to sing as loudly as possible. Yet the Roseanne that has been in the public eye for over thirty years has never made excuses or justifications for her work, her beliefs or her choices. In real life and in her work, Roseanne has always been true to herself.

The original show Roseanne was based upon Roseanne’s comedic work about being a “domestic goddess.”  From the first episode of the original series up to the new shows about to air, Roseanne parlays her personal battles and victories into plot lines. Roseanne has a gay sister and brother in real life. On her original series, Roseanne included many gay characters including friends, co-workers, and family. In Season Six, Episode 18 Roseanne goes to a gay bar and meets a woman named Sharon (Mariel Hemingway). They share an on-air kiss that was viewed by over thirty million people. ABC, the home of the Roseanne show, initially did not plan to air the episode. They feared the backlash on kids that a show about a typical American family would provide. Some sponsors, including Kraft Foods, dictated that no commercials for their products should air during that episode. True to her nature, Barr said she would move her show to another network if they did not include this episode. Additionally, in Season Eight, Episode 11 Roseanne’s former boss Leon (Martin Mull) marries his long-time boyfriend Scott (Fred Willard). Ironically, Mariel Hemingway made a guest appearance again at the wedding.

Roseanne Barr has been in the public eye for over thirty years and has been very vocal and adamant about her support of Donald Trump, even as she admits that he does and says crazy things. Roseanne continues to evolve with the changing times. She is very active on social media (although at a press panel two months ago she revealed her kids got her passwords and took away her Twitter access). She is very clear about who and what she supports and how that will translate into the Conner family’s belief system today. Fortunately for us, the viewers, we get to witness not only Roseanne’s growth, but that of her family. We’re excited that the original cast is back, including Sarah Chalke (Becky #2). This is a family that we grew up with and now have the honor and privilege of revisiting.