What I’m Watching: Roseanne

Roseanne: Season 10, Episode 5 “Darlene v. David” (B)

Not having watched this show during its original run means that I’m not familiar with the recurring characters who are now showing up again. I recognized Johnny Galecki from “The Big Bang Theory” right away as David, Darlene’s absent husband who suddenly showed up back in her life. I didn’t recognize Estelle Parsons, the esteemed Oscar winner from “Bonnie and Clyde” who is now ninety years old, as Roseanne and Jackie’s mother Beverly. I wasn’t all that fond of the content involving Beverly, who is apparently quite the sexually active senior, and who may now be sticking around a permanent basis after being barred from her retirement home due to her classification as a danger to others. David, on the other hand, was plenty entertaining, not pausing on the fact that his new girlfriend’s name was Blue and then launching unprepared into a long speech he didn’t expect to be allowed to finish. Darlene was intoxicated by the notion that they might be able to reconcile, but some helpful heart-to-hearts with her family members showed that their marriage never really worked in the first place. At least their relationship can be civil, with Dan sternly warning him not to mess anything up and Roseanne comforting him with her assurances that she still wants him to prove her right. Harris could use a role model that she didn’t have to guilt into buying her weed or ice cream, and having both of her parents around and a bit happier might just set her in the right direction.