‘The Conners’ Season 2, Episode 16 ‘Tats and Tias’ Review: Mothers

The Conners takes on an aspect of womanhood in this episode. After its take on unconventional relationships, the show now focuses on motherhood. Unemployment takes its toll on one as she loses everything she hoped to achieve. Meanwhile, one’s busyness earns her enough to raise a baby but takes much of her time in return. Faced with these dilemmas, the Conner women show what it means to do what you have to for your child.

On Tuesday’s episode of The Conners, Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) comforts Harris Conner-Healy (Emma Kenney) on losing her first job. Dan Conner (John Goodman) reunites with an old friend, Tony (Steve Agee) and finds Harris a job opportunity. Meanwhile, Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf) helps Becky Conner (Lecy Goranson) contact Emilio’s (Rene Rosado) family to take care of their baby, Beverly Rose.

Emilio’s Tias

Eric McCandless/ABC

Since Becky and Jackie run the Lunchbox, Becky barely has time to take care of Beverly Rose. Of course, everyone else in the house had something to do, too. When Jackie raises the idea of having Emilio’s relatives take care of the baby, Becky considers this option. After a brief discussion with Emilio via video call, Becky and Jackie eventually bring Beverly to Emilio’s Tias, Ruthie (Blanca Araceli) and Elsie (Marlene Forte). What they did not consider however was that Ruthie and Elsie harbored bad feelings toward Becky. If it was not for Jackie’s Spanish speaking skills, they would not have learned what Ruthie and Elsie felt.

The second time Becky drops Beverly off, a confrontation ensues. While their falsely-founded statements were inexcusable, their anger for Emilio’s deportation was justified. The man, albeit undocumented, merely wished to provide for his family. In the end, though, Ruthie and Elsie present a possible solution: Becky marrying Emilio. It would be easier for Emilio to enter the country legally if his spouse is an American Citizen. This is something Becky was unaware of, and it could work. Potentially, we may witness the introduction of yet another new family member.

Grew Up Too Fast

Eric McCandless/ABC

Harris’ return to the Conner family home is something that Darlene long-awaited. With her daughter back, Darlene made sure that she was there to cheer her up as she processed the loss of her job. It is perhaps Darlene’s suppressed separation anxiety that drew her closer to Harris compared to how they usually interacted. In this episode, we see more of their mother-daughter dynamic compared to previous ones. Usually, these two characters are generally emotionless and sarcastic, so it was nice to watch them express affection.

Still, Darlene’s fairy tale motherhood extension eventually had to end. Harris needed to get herself up and about, just as Dan mentioned. Luckily, his old biker buddy Tony recently opened a bike shop and needs employees. Harris does get the job and to celebrate, they [probably] get a family tattoo at the bike shop.

‘The Conners’ Season 2, Episode 16 ‘Tats and Tias’ Final Verdict

The Conners further explores the potential of the show. This time, it introduces new characters and expands in terms of set design. Having various locations portrayed on-screen effectively adds to the realism of the show’s premise. Hopefully, Harris sticks around longer in her new job, and Emilio and maybe even his family become series regulars as well.

The Conners continues Tuesday, April 7th with The Icewoman Cometh’ at 8/7c on ABC.