Roseanne Reviews R

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.

“Good Girls, Bad Girls” episode 10, season 5. Wikipedia summary is: “Molly has an extra ticket for a rock concert in a neighboring town, and Roseanne reluctantly allows Darlene to go. When Darlene arrives home in a cab at 4:00 a.m., Roseanne initially doubts her explanation that Molly ditched her to smoke pot in a stranger's van.”

Out of about 30 lines by non-family members, none are spoken by people of color.

“It’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays” Episode 12, Season 5. Wikipedia summary is: “A snowstorm forces the Conners to be far-flung on Christmas Eve: Roseanne, Jackie, Bev, and Nana Mary are stuck at the Lunchbox; Dan, DJ, Nancy and Nancy's Girlfriend Maria (Morgan Fairchild) are trapped at the Conner house; and Darlene is stranded at David's, witnessing his abusive home life.”

Dan mis-interprets something the gay couple the family is friends with and thinks that they said something too sexual for the ears of his young son. I think there’s a problem with even good allies having an exxagerated sense of how sexual LGBTQ+ people are and I’m sure that if it had been a heterosexual couple, Dan wouldn’t have objected to what they said in front of his son.

“Crime and Punishment” and “War and Peace” Episodes 13 and 14. Wikipedia summaries are: “The Connors are called to DJ's school to discuss the "obscene" reading material he brought to class. Dan and Roseanne are shocked to learn it is one of Darlene and David's comic books. Later, Darlene accidentally walks in on Jackie in D.J.'s bathroom, finding her covered with bruises. Roseanne presses Jackie for an explanation and learns that Fisher assaulted her. Dan beats up Fisher and lands in jail. Ed Begley, Jr. appears in this episode. Brice Beckham (Mr. Belvedere) appears.” And “As Roseanne takes Jackie to the hospital, and Darlene bails Dan out of jail, the news of Dan hitting Fisher quickly spreads through town. Meanwhile, Fisher begs Jackie to come back. Roseanne is shocked to hear this was not the first time Fisher hit Jackie, but learns that Jackie is strong enough to make her own decisions.”

This two-parter is about Jackie being physically abused by her boyfriend. I don’t have much to add except that that’s horrible.

In “Crime and Punishment” there were 40-50 lines by non-family members and about 10% were by people of color.

In "War and Peace" there are 20-30 lines by non-family members and 20% are by people of color.

“Lanford Daze” Episode 15, Season 5. Wikipedia summary is: “Vegetarian Darlene vandalizes the Lunch Box as a protest against eating animals. To punish Darlene, Roseanne forces her to sell loose-meat sandwiches at the diner's Lanford Days festival concession stand.”

Out of about 20-25 lines by non-family members about 10% are by people of color.