Review
I must say that "Roseanne" has got to be by far one of my alltime favorite television sitcoms. I watched it for its entire run on ABC from 1988 to 1997 and still watch it in reruns on Nick at Nite. It was a welcome departure from most family sitcoms of the time (i.e. Full House Family Matters The Cosby Show). While interesting and diverse (I watched them sometimes) these shows often lacked the portrayal of the typically less than ideal realities of everyday life. "Roseanne" was different in that it showed to the extent possible people as they really are. It proved that working class people and families can make you laugh. They dont have to be rich blond and thin to be funny.
Roseanne Barr plays Roseanne Conner a hardworking sarcastic but lovable wife and mother who is never short of "telling it like it is." John Goodman plays her husband Dan Conner tough but lovable to mom and the kids. Oldest daughter Becky is the most rebellious and loves boys. Middle child Darlene is the tomboy and takes after Roseanne with her sarcastic wit. Youngest child DJ takes after his father. Along for the ride is Roseannes younger unmarried sister Jackie played by Laurie Metcalf. While intelligent and wellmeaning like Roseanne Jackie is much more naive and gullible. Other characters include Crystal who later marries Dans father Ed. Roseanne and Jackies mother Bev the domineering passiveaggressive guru is a recurring character. Among many others we also have Beckys boyfriend and later husband Mark Darlenes boyfriend David friend Nancy (Sandra Bernhard) and Roseannes boss at the restaurant Leon (Martin Mull). Jackie later gives birth to son Andy and Roseanne and Dan have a son Jerry.
Over the years Roseanne and Dan face many challenges that keep them on their toes. They bounce from one job to another before landing modest steady employment. Becky challenges them the most especially when it comes to Mark. Darlene is similar when it comes to David. DJ keeps somewhat in the background in the early years but becomes more prominent as he gets older. Jackie has many different careers and relationships sometimes bizarre. The Conners lose more than they win but through it all they "get by." This is why I enjoyed the show so much. It showed that life does not always go the way we want it to unlike a lot of other shows and we have to deal with this. But somehow we get by too!
While I did not enjoy the last season as much (it was too far removed from its original objective) it still ranks up there on my list of favorites. People of all races ethnicities ability levels creeds sizes orientations etc are just like us. This is how life is and truly should be!