As The Conners enters its final season, there’s immense pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the saga that began with Roseanne in 1988. Over its decades-long run, this blue-collar family has become a cultural touchstone, navigating life’s joys and hardships with grit and humor. However, as the series bids farewell with a six-episode Season 7 event, there are certain missteps the show must avoid to protect its legacy.
Here are 10 potential mistakes that The Conners must steer clear of in its final bow:
10. A Sudden Windfall for the Conners
If there’s one lesson Roseanne season 9 taught us, it’s that giving the Conners a lottery win—or any unrealistic financial miracle—destroys the heart of the show. Viewers fell in love with the Conners for their unflinching portrayal of working-class struggles. A fantasy ending where they suddenly strike it rich would undercut years of authentic storytelling and betray the essence of their journey. Let the Conners fight for their wins, as they always have.
9. Dan & Louise: Still a Part-Time Marriage
Dan finally found happiness with Louise after losing Roseanne, but their relationship has often felt secondary to the family drama. With Katey Sagal delivering a heartfelt performance as Louise, this couple deserves a moment to shine. It’s time for Louise to become more integrated into the family and for her bond with Dan to reflect the full-time partnership they’ve built.
8. Darlene & Ben’s Business Flops Again
Darlene and Ben’s venture into publishing has been a rollercoaster. With their new Hardware Magazine, they deserve a win—not another failure. After years of chasing stability and creative fulfillment, seeing them succeed would be a hopeful conclusion that honors their resilience and growth as characters.
7. Mark’s Future Ruined by His Scamming Job
Mark Conner-Healy has worked tirelessly to build a better future for himself, often at great personal cost. His brief stint as an email scammer, though morally murky, was born out of desperation to afford college. Ending his story with legal troubles or academic ruin would feel unnecessarily bleak for a character who embodies determination. Let Mark thrive—it’s what he’s earned.
6. Another Heartbreak for Becky
Of all the Conners, Becky has faced some of the toughest challenges, from the loss of her first love to battles with addiction and single motherhood. Her relationship with Tyler (played by Sean Astin) is a rare bright spot. The finale should offer Becky a deservedly happy ending, proving she’s capable of finding peace and stability at last.
5. Bev’s Death
Bev’s storyline has been a rollercoaster of its own. After the series teased her demise with a dementia diagnosis in Season 5 only to miraculously “cure” her, killing her off now would feel redundant and overly morbid. Let Bev remain the feisty matriarch we’ve come to know—alive and kicking, even if it’s just to provide a few final zingers.
4. A Gimmicky Live Episode
The live episodes of The Conners were interesting experiments but ultimately felt out of place in a series grounded in realism. For its final chapter, the show should avoid gimmicks and focus instead on heartfelt storytelling.
3. DJ’s Absence
Michael Fishman’s DJ was a key part of Roseanne and early seasons of The Conners. His absence in later seasons has left a noticeable gap. As the series concludes, DJ’s return is essential—not just as a nostalgic nod but as a meaningful acknowledgment of his place in the family’s story.
2. Harris Leaving Lanford
Harris’ evolution has been one of the most compelling arcs in The Conners. Initially rebellious and eager to escape small-town life, she’s since grown into a mature young woman, even taking over the family’s beloved Lunchbox restaurant. Her departure from Lanford would undermine this growth. Let Harris stay and cement her role as the next generation of Conners.
1. Roseanne’s Return
As much as Roseanne Barr’s character looms large over the series, bringing her back—whether as a ghost, flashback, or archival footage—would undo the progress The Conners has made in carving its own identity. The show has thrived by focusing on Roseanne’s family and their stories, proving that life goes on, even after loss. Leaning into cheap nostalgia would diminish the hard-earned growth of the remaining characters.
A Final Goodbye Worth Waiting For
Season 7 of The Conners has the potential to deliver a heartfelt and dignified ending to a saga that has spanned generations. By avoiding these pitfalls, the series can honor its legacy and offer viewers a goodbye that feels earned, authentic, and true to the spirit of the Conner family.
