By Andrew Cristi
JOHN GOODMAN, ROSEANNE BARR
The number one show in the world, the “Roseanne” reboot definitely lived up to fan expectations and more, and with the last episode of the season airing Tuesday night, viewers are hungry for more. So, what can the game-changing family sitcom do to follow up such a genius first season? Here are a few ideas;
MICHAEL FISHMAN, JOHN GOODMAN
- MORE D.J.
With only nine episodes this season, we only got a taste of each storyline, and we got seriously short-changed of D.J.- who from what we can see has some great material to work with. Between the fact that he’s a veteran, his PTSD, his wife still being overseas, him raising his daughter on his own, and the awesome addition that he married Gina- the black girl he wouldn’t kiss from the school play, D.J. has so much going on that he could have his own spin off- and, given Michael Fishman’s poignant scene with John Goodman where they decided to start working on bikes together, it proved that the talented actor is more than ready to take on these heavy stories. Let’s see more of him next season!
- BRING ON THE DRAMA FOR JACKIE
Speaking of actors that should be tackling deeper terrain, it’s no secret that Laurie Metcalf is one of the greatest actors on the planet, and while the gifted comedienne excels at delivering the laughs, some of the series’ best moments in the original was when Metcalf was able to pack the hard-hitting punches. For example; Jackie’s abuse storyline, or when she joined the force. These are the kind of episodes that re-shaped the sitcom and gave birth the dramedy as we know it, and a lot of that is owed to Metcalf’s brilliance- it would be great to see her dive into some more drama again.
LAURIE METCALF, LECY GORANSON, SARAH CHALKE
- BRING BACK SARAH CHALKE
Two more things that make “Roseanne” great; how self-aware the show is, and Sarah Chalke, and every time they combine those elements by mocking the ever-changing Becky situation it’s sure to provide side-splitting laughter. “Roseanne” can never have too many Becky’s, and this time, Chalke should come back again for good and play a whole new character, this time namd Becky- the new boss to Lecy Goranson’s Becky Conner. The name confusion could lead to endless jokes on Chalke being “Becky with the good hair,” and the two great actresses could return to playing off one another with their fantastic chemistry.
- MAKE DARLENE A TEACHER
They say “Those who can’t do, teach”– and those words would kill the proud and stubborn Darlene even more than her new casino uniform. A talented writer, Darlene would be living her nightmare to take a teaching position- and yet, it’s exactly the kind of story that “Roseanne” 2.0 needs. Our education system is very flawed and teachers do not get the pay, appreciation, or benefits they deserve. Schools are more dangerous than ever, and parents have to fear for their children every time they leave the house. This puts Darlene and Harris central in a place where many pertinent stories can be told in this climate, and Sara Gilbert and Emma Kenney are great actresses who can take these stories on. They might even want to bring Jackie into the fold and make her a security guard at the school, which would really show what the world has come to regarding school violence. If anyone can bring this conversation into our homes in a real but relatable and loving way, it’s Roseanne.
ROSEANNE – ABC’s “Roseanne” stars Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy. (ABC/Robert Trachtenberg)
- GET HARRIS A SISTER
One of the main recurring themes of “Roseanne” is mothers and daughters and sisters, and as the reboot comes into play we really see Darlene and Becky living their destiny as they fulfill their roles as the updated Roseanne and Jackie- which is the way it was always supposed to be. Even when Becky was absent on the show they brought in Danielle Harris and Mara Hobel as Molly and Charlotte Tilden to show off that sister dynamic, and now, they really need it so Harris has something to play off of. She also needs her own love interest, but, that is less important. Since it’s very hard to give birth to a sixteen year old, a good way to work in a sister for Harris would be to either bring in a cousin that Darlene has to adopt, or, for Darlene to have to take in a student she is teaching who is suffering from a bad home life. Kenney did great in her spotlight of the episode of the season, and we’re excited to see her shine more next year.
No matter what “Roseanne” decides to do next season, we know that Barr and company will be back once again bringing on the laughs as they change TV… and the world.
Mike McCarthy