The Conners Recap: Dan, Played by John Goodman, Faces Challenges Following Roseanne’s Passing
As the Conners gear up for legal action following Roseanne’s tragic death, John Goodman‘s character, Dan, finds it difficult to express his emotions regarding her overdose.
In the episode aired on Wednesday, April 16, of the popular ABC series, Dan’s lawyer Jean (Jane Lynch) confided in Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) about a significant hurdle they faced before their deposition, remarking, “I’ve been practicing with Dan, but I’m struggling to get him to show emotion while discussing what happened with Roseanne. He just suppresses it.”
She added: “I even shared examples of depositions where family members broke down in tears to illustrate what might resonate with a jury, but he didn’t even bother to look at them.”
Later, Dan confessed to daughters Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and Becky (Lecy Goranson) that he had been “avoiding” Jean for this very reason.
“She keeps urging me to show more emotion for my deposition. I just struggle to open up,” he confessed. “I drink to connect with my feelings, but after five or six beers, I forget what I’m supposed to feel.”
Dan reflected on how his upbringing affected him, saying, “[But] it probably wouldn’t hurt to try something new.” In a touching conclusion to the episode, Jean and Jackie serenaded Dan with “Danny Boy” while encouraging him to drink, finally leading him to shed a few tears.
The last season of The Conners has referenced Roseanne Barr‘s character multiple times. Barr originally portrayed Roseanne in the classic sitcom, which ran from 1988 to 1997. Following its brief revival in 2018 and Barr’s subsequent departure amid controversies, the narrative evolved into The Conners. The spinoff was created without Barr’s participation, and she has not appeared since.
“I just can’t bear it, so I don’t [watch],” Barr, 72, shared with The Los Angeles Times in February 2023 about the new series. “When they killed off my character, it was a message to me, reminding me of my mental health issues, suggesting they wanted me to commit suicide.”
She continued: “They ended my character … And all of that was their way of saying thank you for attracting 28 million viewers, which they’ve never had before and will never see again. Because they can kiss my a**.”
As The Conners approaches the conclusion of its final six-episode season, Barr is focusing on her life in Texas.
“We own 30 acres and live in what is known as ‘Hill Country,’” Barr’s son Jake Pentland shared with Us Weekly earlier this month. “Roseanne also drives the tractor often, which helps maintain the lawn. She enjoys driving around, although she occasionally runs into trees, but she keeps up with the yard.”
In addition to hosting “The Roseanne Barr” podcast, Barr filmed Kill Tony for Netflix and has been busy writing scripts. “You might be seeing her back on TV soon,” Pentland hinted at that time. “You never know.”
Pentland also suggested that Barr might be moving again, this time to Florida, adding, “She has many close friends in Palm Beach, and they frequently hang out, shop, and dine together. She enjoys a low-key life in Palm Beach, spending time on a boat with friends or relaxing at the beach.”
The Conners airs on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
