I'm convinced that Darlene's character arc (& her relationship with Chad) in The Conners Season 7 could have gotten better treatment 

The seventh season of The Conners sought to strike a balance between humor and emotional investment for the family, but Darlene's plot- especially her marriage to Ben and her friendship with Chad- found it difficult to provide significant development. Although the season finale held on to her relationship with Ben, their reconciliation was sudden, sacrificing the nuance of their previous conflict.

The addition of Chad as a possible emotional confidant for Darlene contributed little to the story, nor did it explore its stakes or consequences. The show also missed an important chance to revisit Darlene's decades-old dream of being a writer, a trait that was introduced decades ago in the original Roseanne series.

These elements made her arc feel incomplete about other characters' more clear-cut conclusions, leaving one to question whether her journey was afforded the prominence it needed.

The Chad subplot was not deep or meaningful

Darlene's interactions with Chad, Seth Green, revolved around her increasing frustration with Ben's workaholic behavior. Their dialogue at the bar suggested that there could be an emotional affair, but the narrative never reached the level of a real threat to her marriage.

Chad was used as a sounding board for Darlene's grievances, but remained on the surface. The narrative never tested Darlene's commitment or required her to directly confront Ben with their problems. Rather, the subplot lost steam just as quickly when Ben admitted his neglect, making Chad's presence irrelevant.

His departure from the series was abrupt, and the absence of any long-term consequences made the arc seem more like a creative detour than an honest examination of Darlene's emotional journey.

Ben and Darlene's reconciliation required more complexity in The Conners

The resolution of Darlene and Ben's marital issues was sudden in the season finale. Following moments of sparse dialogue and increasing distance, Ben suddenly realized his neglect and promised to reform with one conversation. This quick resolution overrode the gradual process of rebuilding trust or responsibility that previous seasons had set.

Past disagreements, like their finances or disagreements over parenting, had been depicted in subtler terms, so the hurried reconciliation seemed unearned. A more orderly solution-like seeing Ben actively value family time or Darlene standing up for herself more clearly-might have served as a payoff to their storyline.

The method of The Conners finale, in resisting excess drama, came at the expense of depth.

Darlene's professional dreams were ignored

Darlene's unrealized dream of writing has been one of the threads since the classic Roseanne show. The Conners Season 7 afforded a perfect moment to resolve this: Ben's magazine ownership would have provided an opportunity for Darlene to be a writer, editor, or columnist.

Rather, the season concentrated on her marital conflict and working part-time at Wellman Plastics and pushed her artistic ambitions aside. This was particularly glaring because of the show's focus on the family's money troubles and Darlene as the main breadwinner.

Having her professional development integrated could have provided richer depth to her character, cementing her strength and connecting her arc to the overall themes of The Conners with economic struggle and renewal.

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Darlene's season 7 arc on The Conners was marred by underwritten conflicts and lost potential. The Chad subplot created tension without payoff, and Ben and Darlene's reconciliation wasn't given the gradual build to make it believable.

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