‘The Conners’ Season 2, Episode 10 ‘Mud Turtles, A Good Steak And One Man In A Tub’ Review: Realities

A lot transpires as The Conners ends its second season run. Along with the welcoming of a new family member comes a prospect business to reopen. With the show’s trademark of rollercoaster rides through humor, sarcasm, and drama, the finale ends bittersweet. Desperation pushes the characters to make tough calls. When a possible opportunity turns out to a scam, one decides to take the tough road to a better future.

On Tuesday’s Season Finale of The Conners, Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) and Harris Conner-Healy (Emma Kenney) receive a letter from a college in Illinois. Meanwhile, Becky Conner (Lecy Goranson) deals with Jackie Harris’ (Laurie Metcalf) new friend and business partner, (Dawn Cheryl Hines). As this happens, Dan Conner (John Goodman) recuperates from a back injury before having to make a definitive choice on his relationship with Louise (Katey Sagal).

Hard to Make Friends

Eric McCandless/ABC

Jackie and Becky’s sub-plot presents an intricately-woven situation. Reopening an old business that the Conners previously managed is no easy task. Along the way, Jackie meets a supplier, Dawn, that Becky finds questionable; possibly taking advantage of them. Given how short they are on a budget, Becky’s skepticism is understandable. However, it turns out that Dawn’s perceived fake friendliness is genuine. Dawn has a strange, expensive taste on recreational activities that seemed off to Becky, but ultimately Jackie was right. Much like herself, Dawn found it difficult to make friends given her age and demeanor. Women did not necessarily dislike Dawn, but they likely found her intimidating; and for both of them, men share that view. Thankfully, their newfound friendship may be one of the things key to The Lunchbox’s Revival.

Commitment

Eric McCandless/ABC

Dan and Louise had a good run throughout the season. In it, we watch as the former high school acquaintances become closer and develop a romantic bond. Unfortunately, their story does not last as this season becomes its conclusion as much as its introduction. Just as Dan recovers from a work injury, he faces a definitive choice. Louise’s old band received a contract to go on tour. Now, she contemplates staying for Dan or going on tour. All Dan has to do is to make their relationship official. Sadly, the man cannot bring himself to make such a choice. With that said, Louise leaves Dan to fend off for himself. Indeed, Dan still has qualms with having someone take his deceased wife’s place. After being with someone for that long, it does seem difficult for one to commit to someone else.

A Better Future

Eric McCandless/ABC

Having a college offer to accept one’s child in is good news, up until we get to the finances. Darlene, thinking that the opportunity will be good for Harris, insists on pursuing this deal. Despite Harris’ plan on getting a Business Degree offered to her while working at a grocery, she agrees to go with Darlene. Disappointment floods the room as the University’s Financial Aid Programs involve loans that will take Harris twenty years to repay. This situation causes a mild rift between the mother and daughter, but they make things work. After all, it is rightfully commendable to note Harris’s streetsmart. Finding a job that pays and helps her get good professional credentials is a good deal.

‘The Conners’ Season 2, Episode 10 ‘Mud Turtles, A Good Steak And One Man In A Tub’ Final Verdict

One cannot stress how realistic The Conners gets with each episode. Each character’s unique situation presents scenarios akin to real life. The show’s trademark brand of humor does not lose its touch despite how modern their problems can get. Further developing the well-loved characters’ story arcs continues to keep old fans invested. At the same time, the carefully written storylines make The Conners relevant to today’s real-world problems. Sometimes, all you need to relax is to find a show that mirrors your life situation.