Roseanne Reviews O

 This is a set of reviews of Roseanne episodes. My general thoughts about that show are here. I will focus only on the political aspects and will mention what percent of lines spoken by non-family members are spoken by people of color.

“The Commercial Show” Episode 19 Season 4. Wikiedpedia summary is: “The Conners are picked for a Rodbell's commercial, much to Darlene's embarrassment. Leon and his partner break up. The Bowmans are moving back to Chicago.”

There’s about 55 lines by non-family members, but only about 10% were spoken by people of color.

Also, there’s some significant stuff about Leon being gay.

“Therapy” Episode 20, Season 4. Wikipedia summary is: : ”Darlene mouths off about a girl at school, and Roseanne accompanies Jackie to her therapist.”

Out of about 25 lines by non-family members, none are by people of color.

“Lies” Episode 21, Season 4. Wikipedia summary is: “Darlene bypasses Roseanne for advice on David. Roseanne is anxious about a lie detector test in her workplace.”

A very minor character gets upset that he’s eating meat and that he’s using paper products (a cow and a tree had to be killed) but (unfortunately) I think it’s just the writers being funny- I don’t think we’re supposed to take him seriously the way we would if Darlene said something like that.

Roseanne, in a misguided effort at being a good ally outs Leon at work to an investigator working for the corporation (she thinks they’re investigating Leon because he’s gay and calls that un-Ameican). It’s kind of inspiring, if you ignore how she outed him when his supervisors might not have known (probably didn’t know) that he’s gay. She tries to undo the damage by saying that he’s not gay.

Out of 50 lines spoken by non-family members, none are spoken by a person of color.

“Deliverance” Episode 22, Season 4. Wikipedia summary is: “8-months-pregnant Crystal goes into labor and Dan coaches her as she gives birth to her long-awaited daughter. Roseanne and Bonnie feud over who will manage the coffee shop, the feud causing Roseanne and Jackie to miss Crystals daughter being born, but both learn it is closing down in three weeks. Darlene tells David to stop crowding her.”

Out of about 40-45 lines spoken by non-family members, none were by people of color.

“Secrets” Episode 23, Season 4. Wikipedia summary: “Depressed because Becky still will not see him, Mark gets drunk at the Lobo Lounge and puts his fist through the jukebox. Dan tends to him, then must lie to Roseanne and Becky.”

Out of about 30-40 lines by non-family members, about 20% are by people of color.