‘The Conners’ Season 2, Episode 15 ‘Beards, Thrupples and Robots’ Review: Oddities

The Conners is one of those sitcoms that successfully transition to modern-day society. After it brings closure to newly acquainted brothers, it now focuses on a peculiar relationship. Today’s workings of a relationship are far from traditional and the show capitalizes on this new reality. At the same time, the main premise of being a working-class family remains along with its harsh brand of humor.

On Tuesday’s episode of The Conners, Jackie Harris’ (Laurie Metcalf) relationship with Ron (Clark Gregg) and Janelle (Jennifer Grey) reaches the hookup stage. Meanwhile, Ben (Jay R. Ferguson) decides to take on a new look while looking for magazine advertisers. Desperately, Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) applies for a job at Price Warehouse, ending with Harris Conner-Healy (Emma Kenney) as her boss.

Clean-shaven

Eric McCandless/ABC

Subtly, this episode deals with business world stereotypes. Ever since his introduction to the show, Ben maintained a fully grown beard. With his company discontinuing their magazine ‘Lock Em’ Up’, he and Darlene become unemployed. Since the company does not have Lock Em’ Up’s intellectual property rights, Ben and Darlene decide to relaunch it.

The problem is that they will need advertisers to fund Lock Em’ Up’s production. Initially, Ben has a hard time selling the magazine’s advertising spots. Once he shaves his beard, however, he finds a client willing to sign a contract. Of course, the Conner family did not miss the chance to mock Ben’s new appearance. This is, after all, a family tradition. Still, it is nice to note that Ben and Darlene can finally restart Lock Em’ Up.

Desperation

Eric McCandless/ABC

Temporarily unemployed, Darlene decides to do her part and look for a job. As awkward as it is, Darlene applies for a job at Price Warehouse where Harris also works. When Darlene does get the job, she becomes Harris’s subordinate. The mechanics of a filial relationship naturally changes at work, especially if it is not a family business. With that said, Darlene and Harris end up bantering with each other and Harris eventually fires her mom. Neither of them has the last laugh, though, as Harris herself gets laid off as well.

Much like its take on business world stereotypes, the episode subtly presents the possibility of robots taking over manual labor jobs. This is a reality that people face especially those working in retail and the manufacturing industry. It is either that or cheaper, outsourced laborers. Once again, the show presents such realities in funny, indirect ways that leave an impact on the viewers.

Old-Fashioned Threesome

Eric McCandless/ABC

Jackie’s strange new relationship ends as quickly as it starts. Initially, it seemed like Ron and Janelle are merely looking for some way to spice things up in their sex life. However, the truth behind their ordeal eventually surfaces. Yes, both Ron and Janelle go out on dates with Jackie but the hookup stage reveals it all. Ron startles Jackie, still uncomfortable with the idea of a threesome, by kissing her without Janelle in the room. An argument ensues and Jackie makes a quick exit. While the dynamics of how relationship work nowadays is as fluid as water, a few things remain intact. Ron and Janelle were not honest with each other, let alone their marriage therapist when they decided to venture into thrupples.

Mitch Haaseth/ABC

Oh, and Jackie’s reputation precedes her so much that Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne decided to try their luck on her and Darlene as well.

‘The Conners’ Season 2 Episode 15 ‘Beards, Thrupples and Robots’ Final Verdict

The Conners is exploring various ways to gain viewership. This time, they have guest stars and real-life husband and wife Clark Gregg and Jennifer Grey for the second episode in a row. Also, Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourn appear as a bonus at the ending. They pair such moves with modernized plot topics, from relationships to social issues. So far, Season 2 episodes have better ratings compared to Season 1 episodes in IMDB. If they keep this up, they may reach the ratings that they wish to achieve.

The Conners continues Tuesday, March 24th with ‘Tats and Tias’ at 8/7c on ABC.