S01.E01: Keep on Truckin'

[tessaray]

Original Air Date: October 16, 2018

A sudden turn of events forces the Conners to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford in a way they never have before.

[Concerned]

The super loud laugh track suggests this is funny, but it dreary and boring. Opioids so funny.

[JNM5505]

God, was the original series from the 90s this bad? At least Darlene is still likeable.

[mythoughtis]

I like it so far.  Yes, the Rosie died episode is sad and bleak. We’d be satisfied with nothing less. The character was loved even after the actress wasn’t.  future episides  will be more cheerful.   

[Jillybean]

Laurie Metcalf made me cry.

[AntiBeeSpray]

17 minutes ago, mythoughtis said:

I like it so far.  Yes, the Rosie died episode is sad and bleak. We’d be satisfied with nothing less. The character was loved even after the actress wasn’t.  future episides  will be more cheerful.   

Same here. I liked it. The interaction between everyone was really good. And Darlene, Becky and DJ were on point tonight  XD.

Edited October 17, 2018 by AntiBeeSpray
meant DJ, not Mark lol

[Bronzedog]

Not too bad.  A little awkward, but, now that they've explained what happened to Roseanne they can move away from her as the main topic of the show.  It might be all right.

[LucyEth]

For me two best scenes, Dan and Marcy on the porch and Darlene and Jackie.  I liked DJ's wife.

[Dee]

I need more Becky, Darlene & DJ scenes.

[nichelle]

I forgot to watch.

[Chaos Theory]

Sorry Boycott The Connors people.  This was actually funny and heartwarming and even a little heartbreaking.   It is already so much better then anything put out last year.  And so far even Harris has been softened a bit.  The jokes were funny and on point.  And everything worked for me from Dan’s anger at the woman he thought was responsible for Roseanne’s  Death to Jackie’s eventual breakdown. This all just worked for me.

Edited October 17, 2018 by Chaos Theory

[SimoneS]

It started slow, but I thought it had more heartwarming humor in the last 15 minutes. I will keep watching.

Btw, was that Mary Steenburgen? I barely recognized her.

Edited October 17, 2018 by SimoneS

[Lily H]

Well, THAT was awful. You just can't make good comedy out of a woman dying of an opioid overdose and her grief-stricken family. It all seemed very flat without Roseanne, too. I can't see this lasting.

[chitowngirl]

4 minutes ago, Chaos Theory said:

Sorry Boycot The Connors people.  This was actually funny and heartwarming and even a little heartbreaking.   It is already so much better then anything put out last year.  And so far even Harris has been soften a bit.  The jokes were funny and on point.  And everything worked for from Dan’s anger at the woman he thought was responsible for Rideanne’s Death to Jackie’s eventual breakdown. This all just worked for me.

I can’t like this post enough! The episode totally captured “3 weeks later” of a loved one passing.

[SparklesBitch]

I thought it started out a little clunky, but I ended up really liking it. It was funny and heartbreaking and sweet. 

The scene between Marcy and Dan broke my heart, as did the one near the end between Darlene and Jackie. Laurie Metcalf is a national treasure. 

I also loved Dan helping Mark pick a seat mate for his field trip, as well as Becky, Darlene and DJ snarking on each other. 

This is pretty much how my own family deals with death and tragedy, so I’m all aboard! 

[Bronzedog]

I still don't like Harris.

 I think Jackie's breakdown was very realistic.  She was trying to hold it together for the immediate family but Roseanne had also been a part of her entire, almost daily, life.  Plus, IMO, Laurie Metcalf is better in those scenes than the wacky Jackie scenes.

[txhorns79]

Am I wrong, or did it appear that any pictures of Roseanne have been removed from the set?  I didn't see anything.  I liked the scene with Jackie and Darlene.  Some of the scenes felt off, like they were too reliant on the laugh track to try and convince the audience they were funny. 

[Annber03]

31 minutes ago, Jillybean said:

Laurie Metcalf made me cry.

Yeah, that scene between her and Darlene got to me a little. I also felt so much for Dan. 

27 minutes ago, LucyEth said:

For me two best scenes, Dan and Marcy on the porch and Darlene and Jackie.  I liked DJ's wife.

Same. 

I liked this. I thought it fit in well alongside some of the more serious moments in the original "Roseanne".

[WednesdayAddams]

This episode was better than the first episode last season. As long as we get this Jackie and not Gilligan Jackie, we'll be good. I cried at Jackie's break down. It all reminded me of my family when my Uncle died. It was real with nice heartfelt moments. 

[Giuseppe]

Y'all, I really liked it. I thought they handled the situation really well, and the acting and writing actually seemed vastly improved from most of last year's episodes. Becky and Darlene's interactions were great, and I loved some of the more unexpected humor, like Becky saying the pills were the only thing she wanted from Roseanne's closet (even if that was a bit inappropriate given the circumstances).

I was surprised by how much I didn't miss Roseanne Conner. Overall, I thought it was a good start.

[Valny]

Quote

 The episode totally captured “3 weeks later” of a loved one passing.

I thought it was smart to do that time jump. I totally thought we'd be finding out Roseanne died when the family did, and that was making me a little on edge just before it started. 
I had two guesses how she died:  1. Car accident and 2. Heart attack.    Never thought it would be because of the pills.  You got me show.

Add me to those who liked this.    The scene with Jackie and Darlene choked me up....I think those two were really feeding into Roseanne's real departure.  I usually see things like this coming,but I totally didn't see Darlene's "it hurts"   and then references the corn holder in the back!  That cracked me up and it was a nice relief after that sad scene.

Becky had some funny lines too, I just can't remember right now.

Quote

Becky and Darlene's interactions were great, and I loved some of the more unexpected humor, like Becky saying the pills were the only thing she wanted from Roseanne's close

Thank you! that's one of Becky's I laughed at!

Edited October 17, 2018 by Valny

[Giuseppe]

7 minutes ago, txhorns79 said:

Am I wrong, or did it appear that any pictures of Roseanne have been removed from the set?  I didn't see anything. 

I noticed an old picture of Roseanne, Darlene, and...someone on the wall next to the front door during one of the living room scenes. It was obviously from the original show's run.

[Steff]

I really enjoyed it.  Becky had me laughing out loud while Dan, Jackie & Darlene made me get all teary eye'd.  I hope it does well because I could enjoying having The Conners around for awhile. 

[rollacoaster]

Man, John Goodman has lost some serious weight.

DJ's wife is sharp! I loved her banter with Darlene. 

Line of the night: "Reservation? We have our own Cabana." 

I hope this Jackie stays as well. 

I didn't miss Rosanne at all. 

My daughter totally picked the broody, sarcastic boy, and predicted Darlene's son would, too. Loved Dan helping him compare. 

[Luciano]

I was smiling at the Dan/Mark interaction and the fact that Mark went for the boy equivalent of Darlene - which she responded to by saying it was a point for her team. Also Dan asking Joey if he had seen things in 'Nam after Joey said that everyone dies.

Edited October 17, 2018 by Luciano

[Concerned]

What a boring mess. Acting skills generally what you would see in high school. Morbid story line. Everybody stands around looking bored or shouting lines without engaging in a conversation. The show will likely be cancelled after four weeks, though I think some of the talented actors will head to the lifeboats sooner. Bet some of the actors are talking to their agents now about getting off this sinking ship and about half the actors are so bad they will never work again. Even by today’s standards, this show isn’t fit for broadcast.

[Annber03]

4 minutes ago, rollacoaster said:

DJ's wife is sharp! I loved her banter with Darlene. 

Same! I'm all for them having more scenes together. 

Quote

Line of the night: "Reservation? We have our own Cabana." 

LOL, I liked that line, too. 

[Petunia13]

Becky's always been my personal favorite so I'm glad to see her humor showcased this premiere. 

Who'd have thought snarky, reserved Darlene would grow up to be the most involved and sensitive of the bunch? ? 

In some ways Jackie will end up flailing and struggling more than Dan. After all she and Roseanne have been a duo longer and she was the balance and steel to her wackiness and whimsy. 

DJ and his wife are great.

The actress who plays Harris is so much more likable (and prettier) here than on Shameless. I've judged her too harshly as Deb (to be fair Deb is annoying ?). 

[Colorado David]

eh ok, i hope to see better. Darlene's attempt at sad did not buy me, sorry to buck the trend here, it felt like distant relative i need to feel sad at type sad. Dan I bought emotionally, Jackie while goofy I bought as I think the character is somewhat mental to begin with. Zero death emotion Becky or DJ, but it's a sitcom, doesn't matter at all.

[SHD]

Scenes like the one on the porch with Marcy show that John Goodman is 1000x better at acting than anyone else on the show. It's not even close.

[BooksRule]

I agree with a couple of others that it was kind of awkward and clunky.  I'll give it a couple of more chances, though, to see if it improves.  It should get funnier, once the grieving has passed.  

Quote

I loved some of the more unexpected humor, like Becky saying the pills were the only thing she wanted from Roseanne's closet (even if that was a bit inappropriate given the circumstances).

That was my first laugh of the episode.  I also laughed when Jackie couldn't find the trash can because she had placed it outside of the kitchen triangle.

[tessaray]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion of the show. Direct comments to what happens on-screen and not your fellow posters. 

[mythoughtis]

The producers, actors, etc did a very good job of making everyone look like they were 3 weeks into grieving... tired, haggard, cried out. I wonder how they did that - maybe make them stay up 24 hours and then film?  

Becky got  to mention Mark’s death, in having dealt with a death in the family before. 

I think we all expected Jackie would have a lot of difficulty. Roseanne has been her protector/ manipulator Jackie's entire life.  Now she has to really stand on her own.   

[txhorns79]

Quote

The producers, actors, etc did a very good job of making everyone look like they were 3 weeks into grieving... tired, haggard, cried out. I wonder how they did that - maybe make them stay up 24 hours and then film?  

I may be wrong, but I think Dan, Jackie and Becky have looked that way since last season.  The HD doesn't do them any favors. 

Quote

I think we all expected Jackie would have a lot of difficulty. Roseanne has been her protector/ manipulator Jackie's entire life.  Now she has to really stand on her own.

I think Jackie's storyline will be the most interesting.  Roseanne was such a huge presence for her entire life to the point where I doubt Jackie was making many decisions absent Roseanne's input.  I think it will be fascinating to watch Jackie try to live life on her own.   

Edited October 17, 2018 by txhorns79

[Mu Shu]

I thought it was pretty good, but the whole everyone in Lanford is miserable and struggling is getting old.

please let Dan get a break with a life insurance policy which allows him to retire and take up a part time at the Lobo.  That would generate some storylines outside the house.  Or take over Roseanne’s Uber route.  Not like The lotto storyline, just enough money to not have to struggle so much. 

As long as they stay away from politics and get some breaks, the cast will be fine without RoseNne.  I think she was the one driving the constant down and outedness and political crap.  

[Wanda]

41 minutes ago, Concerned said:

What a boring mess. Acting skills generally what you would see in high school. Morbid story line. Everybody stands around looking bored or shouting lines without engaging in a conversation. The show will likely be cancelled after four weeks, though I think some of the talented actors will head to the lifeboats sooner. Bet some of the actors are talking to their agents now about getting off this sinking ship and about half the actors are so bad they will never work again. Even by today’s standards, this show isn’t fit for broadcast.

With apologies for my previous response, my main points still apply. The show is in no danger of cancellation, nor having its talent abandon it. John, Laurie and Sara have spoken in numerous articles of their wish to say a proper goodbye to their characters and the memory of “Roseanne’”. Their original contracts were for 2 seasons and it’s possible all episodes have already been filmed as there are only 10. Lecy and Michael weren’t acting anymore, this show was a special situation. Finally, after all the publicity and drama, ABC is committed to seeing the Conners through no matter the ratings or the critics.

[mtlchick]

59 minutes ago, Valny said:

Never thought it would be because of the pills. 

When I heard that she died I immediately thought it was pills related and related to the knee surgery.  It was a running theme  during last season that she had an addiction so for me, it made sense that it was going to be her conclusion.  

I want some light for this family again in some way.   Whether or not it returns next season, I hope the end game is they FINALLY have some happiness. 

1 hour ago, SimoneS said:

Btw, was that Mary Steenburgen? I barely recognized her.

I'm hoping it was the make up that was making her look puffy.  

[Tanichka]

Laurie Metcalf is the best thing about the show.  Wow, does John Goodman ever look old!  

Mary Steenburgen really needs makeup.  She sure looks her age!

[BusyOctober]

I love Laurie Metcalf.  I like John Goodman.  Never cared for Roseanne as an actor or as a personality, but she had some good moments in her show(s). I watched the  Roseanne reboot for nostalgia purposes, but didn’t really like it.  Aside from Laurie, John and Roseanne, the rest of the cast couldn’t act or deliver lines that landed IMO. Then the sh** hit the fan, and the reboot got rebooted. I said I’d tune in to the first ep just to see how they’d kill off Rosie.  My opinion of the non Goodman and Metcalf cast stands.  Peeee-eeewww!  The rest of the cast still stinks.

  And I get that the show runners had to wrap up the Roseanne issue quickly to move forward, but the story just didn’t hit an even tone for me.  I think it was an interesting and timely choice to have Rosie OD.  Opioid addiction and health care cost are two of our biggest problems that no one in Washington has addressed in any meaningful way.  

But as for this show, I won’t be back for episode 2.

[txhorns79]

Quote

Becky got to mention Mark’s death, in having dealt with a death in the family before. 

I would have liked a nice Becky/Dan scene.  I mean, she at least has some idea of what Dan is going through, given she also lost her spouse unexpectedly. 

[Chit Chat]

1 hour ago, Valny said:

I had two guesses how she died:  1. Car accident and 2. Heart attack.    Never thought it would be because of the pills.  You got me show.

Roseanne said a few weeks ago that this is how her character would die, and that's all I cared to know.  I have no interest in this show, as I only tuned into the remake of the original series out of curiosity,  with no ties to the original series.   I wish them  the best of luck in this current endeavor though. 

[Wanda]

I got the feeling they skipped the makeup chair to achieve the bereaved look for everyone.

did anyone else swear Laurie sounded like Mary Cooper with her first few lines? No? Just me? Better cut back on the BBT reruns then.

[Pallas]

Uncivil posts have been removed. The show, characters, actors, storylines and creative team are all fair game, but not each other. Again, as tessaray noted above: "Direct comments to what happens on-screen and not your fellow posters." 

We are not the Conners; we just watch them on TV.  

[SmithW6079]

1 hour ago, rollacoaster said:

Man, John Goodman has lost some serious weight.

DJ's wife is sharp! I loved her banter with Darlene. 

Line of the night: "Reservation? We have our own Cabana." 

I hope this Jackie stays as well. 

I didn't miss Rosanne at all. 

My daughter totally picked the broody, sarcastic boy, and predicted Darlene's son would, too. Loved Dan helping him compare. 

I disliked DJ's wife. She has spent several months of deployment in a foreign country with a different culture, and she returns as a judgmental American "Christian," unable to look at any viewpoint of her own. Her crack to Darlene about reading the Bible, because Darlene dared mentioned a religion followed by a billion or so other people is what infuriates me most about myopic Americans. I've seen it with some of the veterans I've worked with -- they return from deployment without an understanding of another culture.

I agree about not missing Roseanne.

 

1 hour ago, Concerned said:

What a boring mess. Acting skills generally what you would see in high school. Morbid story line. Everybody stands around looking bored or shouting lines without engaging in a conversation. The show will likely be cancelled after four weeks, though I think some of the talented actors will head to the lifeboats sooner. Bet some of the actors are talking to their agents now about getting off this sinking ship and about half the actors are so bad they will never work again. Even by today’s standards, this show isn’t fit for broadcast.

Both John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf are multiple award-winning actors. Roseanne was the truly awful actor, as are some of the kid actors.

I tuned in to see how they'd off Roseanne. I don't think I'll be back, mostly because I wasn't a big fan of the original series and didn't watch the first-season reboot at all. I've long found Roseanne to be unfunny, crude, and obnoxious. 

I liked the easy banter among Becky, Darlene, and DJ, but I don't see Darlene as the matriarch of the family. Then again, sometimes life forces us to take roles we never expected to.

[Melina22]

I was finding the show just okay, until the scene between Darlene and Jackie, which choked me up more than any show, drama or comedy, has in a very long time. It was so moving, and so beautifully acted. And the final scene with Dan alone in the bed felt so real.

I have to admit, though, that I'm uneasy with Darlene's son's storyline, which appears to revolve almost entirely around his sexual orientation. To me this seems sort of inappropriate, given that he appears to be about 8. It's almost like he's there to make a point, rather than just being a member of the family. I wish they'd made him older and/or less one-note. I'm sure lots will disagree with me, but that's okay. 

I'm not 100% onboard with the show yet, but I'll definitely keep watching. 

[Skycatcher]

1 hour ago, rollacoaster said:

Man, John Goodman has lost some serious weight.

 He looked so haggard and grief stricken. It was perfect for the part he's playing but I hope that's not what he's left with after the serious weight loss.

[breezy424]

1 hour ago, SHD said:

Scenes like the one on the porch with Marcy show that John Goodman is 1000x better at acting than anyone else on the show. It's not even close.

I would put Laurie Metcalf right up there with John.  Even higher.

[MaryMitch]

Great episode. I wasn't expecting this to be so good!

[AgentRXS]

It was okay for me. I wasn't expecting the first episode to be a barrel of laughs. It's not like every episode of Roseanne was funny either---lots of episodes had heavy material. The only time I felt anything in regards to Roseanne's death was when he went to lay down in the empty bed for the first time. I guess my anger at Barr still carries over to Roseanne Conner.

Goodman looks every inch of the 70-something that he is. I'm not gonna bash the guy for losing weight, but the oversized shirts are not complimentary to him at all. I hope that as he moves on, he starts dressing for his weight.

I'm not looking forward to this becoming Darlene and that is the direction this looks to be heading in. However,I'm still in it for Metcalf &Goodman. I do think this will be a one-season wonder even if the ratings are fantastic.

2 hours ago, Giuseppe said:

I noticed an old picture of Roseanne, Darlene, and...someone on the wall next to the front door during one of the living room scenes. It was obviously from the original show's run.

It was a picture of Darlene and DJ from the 1st season , but "Roseanne"  was so blurry in that photo that I honestly don't think it was her. The person in the picture was too thin for the weight Roseanne was back then.

ETA: @MaryMitch I meant to write DJ and wrote David instead. Ugh. Edited and fixed.

Edited October 17, 2018 by AgentRXS

[MaryMitch]

3 minutes ago, AgentRXS said:

It was a picture of Darlene and David from the 1st season , but "Roseanne"  was so blurry in that photo that I honestly don't think it was her. The person in the picture was too thin for the weight Roseanne was back then.

I didn't see the picture, but David didn't show up until season 4, so maybe it wasn't him either.