The Connersseason 7 not bringing back a legacy character is totally unacceptable. After seven years, theRoseannespinoff sequel is finally coming to an end with a special 6-episode farewell event. It is an understatement to say that there’s a lot riding onThe Connersseason 7 delivering a satisfying run. Not only will it wrap up Dan and his family’s arc, it will also be ultiimate ending to the franchise. ABC gets a second chance to make up forRoseanne’s divisive capperin 1997. It’s a rare opportunity that they may be squandering, per a new report.
ABC’s premier family comedy is already from a shortened run followingThe Connersseason 6slashing its output due to the 2023 dual Hollywood strikes. The John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf-led project could have used a full-season order instead of a truncated one. Still, with some of the Conners' major issues already resolved, the hope is thatThe Connersseason 7 will be devoted to tying remaining loose ends while also serving as celebration of the franchise’s legacy. Sadly, it’s difficult to imagine that, because the show will continue to ignore an important character until its end.
DJ Will NOT Appear In The Conners Season 7
Dan & Roseanne’s Third Kid WIll Continue To Be Absent
It has already been confirmed that Michael Fishman will not return as DJ inThe Connersseason 7 (viaTVLine). Co-executive producer Bruce Helford attempts to justify the news with the promise that the storylines in the remaining episodes of theRoseannefranchise will justify their decision not to bring back Dan and Roseanne’s third kid, saying:
“Honestly, once you see the arcs [you will understand. What we never want to do is just bring somebody in just to see that person on the show. We want everyone to have something important to play.”
The confirmation also announces that aside from Fishman, other legacy characters such asJohnny Galecki and Estelle Parsons will not be back as David Healy and Bev Harris. It’s worth noting that the former The Big Bang Theory actor is currently semi-retired from acting and is focusing on his private life. Meanwhile,The Connersseason 6 sent off Bev on a train adventure on the heels of her patching things up with Jackie.
Why DJ’s Absence In The Conners Season 7 Is A Betrayal Of Roseanne’s Legacy
What Happened To The Concept Of Family?
While it’s understandable thatThe Connersseason 7won’t be able to feature David or Bev back, considering the circumstances of their actors, it’s a travesty that they chose to continue ignoring DJ.Fishman was written out ahead ofThe Connersseason 5, and it remains unclear why. The actor has maintained that he is grateful for the opportunity to be part of theRoseannefranchise, and it doesn’t seem like he won’t be able to partake if invited back. It’s doubtful that the show’s story would be enough to justify this, considering that they have the creative control over the narrative that they want to tell.
Why Roseanne’s Jerry Has Never Appeared In The Conners (Even Though He Exists)
The Conners is down to its final season, and unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Jerry will finally make an appearance even though he exists in canon.
If his original exit was a cost-cutting measure that allowed the show to continue, then it’s forgivable. However, to not even attempt to reunite him with his family before the universe officially ends for good is a betrayal of sitcom’s core messaging, which is the importance of family. It was already disrespectful that they just wrote him out after being an afterthought for years. They could have at least made amends by bringing him, even just for a brief appearance beforeThe Connersseason 7 officially closes the door on theRoseannefranchise.
