<em>The Conners</em> has concluded its two-part series finale, leaving fans with mixed feelings about the show’s execution. With a run of about seven years, the latest <em>Roseanne</em> revival has wrapped up its narrative in just six episodes. In the final weeks, Dan Conner, portrayed by John Goodman, courageously decided to take legal action against the pharmaceutical companies responsible for Roseanne’s tragic death. Meanwhile, Jackie Harris, played by Laurie Metcalf, made a significant career leap back into law enforcement. Plus, Becky, represented by Lecy Goranson, not only found true love but also secured her dream job. However, Darlene, played by Sara Gilbert, continued to navigate challenges within her marriage.

Throughout this journey, Darlene was also learning the importance of stepping back and allowing her children the freedom to make their own choices. Last week, the show aired a two-part series finale where The Conners bid farewell to their cherished Roseanne and to the loyal viewers for the last time. While the anticipation for this finale was palpable, it became clear that it would not deliver the emotional closure fans had hoped for. In an interview with People, Metcalf candidly warned fans that the series finale might not feel wholly satisfying. She hinted, “There’s a lot to wrap up, and I think the writers are really working hard to get everybody’s storylines sort of… not completed. It’s not going to have a big bow tied up with the Conners.” Unfortunately, her cautionary words proved to be quite accurate.

Key Characters Were Absent from The Conners Series Finale

In the realm of series finales, audiences like myself often have expectations of closure, hoping for answers to lingering questions. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not all queries posed over the decades, especially across various revivals, can be addressed in a single hour-long episode. Nevertheless, fans anticipated resolution for some of the most significant storylines, which sadly did not materialize. The finale showcased growth and development for several characters, but it notably excluded two of the Conners’ children: DJ and Jerry. While the series finale highlighted various transformations among the core cast, their absence was felt deeply.

For instance, Becky successfully completed her education and, despite being overly candid during a job interview, ultimately landed a position that aligned with her aspirations. The finale even included subtle nods to the original series, like Jackie tapping into her passion for law enforcement once again. However, the absence of mention regarding the two youngest Conners was glaring. The truth about their whereabouts and relationships to the family remained unexplored. While Jerry’s absence has been a mystery throughout the series, DJ and his daughter were integral to the Conners’ story from the beginning. DJ’s wife, who served in the military, had appeared in earlier episodes, yet the finale failed to acknowledge the younger members of this beloved family.

Is This Truly the Final Chapter for ‘The Conners’?

Given that this marks the series finale, which also serves as a heartfelt tribute to Roseanne, having the entire Conner family present would have added a sentimental touch. Jackie, Becky, Darlene, Dan, and the grandchildren were given the opportunity to express their feelings and pay homage to Roseanne at her gravesite. Yet, the absence of DJ and his family, alongside Jerry, was conspicuous. Although Jerry’s storyline has been absent since the inception of the series, the production team had previously indicated that family conflicts would eventually be resolved. The series finale could have provided a perfect platform to delve into that storyline, especially as it might have clarified his absence.

Conversely, DJ has been a core character since the show began, so discovering the whereabouts of him and his family would have been a meaningful conclusion for his character, similar to the resolutions provided for others. Perhaps by leaving these threads unresolved, it opens the door for potential future revivals where these questions might finally be answered. While The Conners series finale attempted to balance real-life issues with the individual narratives of the main characters, it ultimately fell short in addressing all the lingering questions and plotlines. Fans might have to regard the situation with Jerry as a narrative oversight and come to terms with the reality that the series may never feel entirely resolved.

For those interested, you can stream all episodes of The Conners on Netflix in the U.S.