It’s time for the season finale of The Conners — and it sounds as if fans have a lot to look forward to in this episode. Some spoilers have already revealed a few hints about what is on the way with this January 22 episode, and now a few more tidbits have emerged.
Sara Gilbert — who is an executive producer for the series, as well as the actress who plays Darlene — talked with TVLine about Tuesday’s finale. As fans know, it has been a wild ride for the series this season, and it seems there’s a wild ride ahead with this Season 1 finale, too.
As the Inquisitr has previously detailed, Conners spoilers have teased that there’s a big return coming in this episode. It’s been widely speculated that Darlene’s ex, David — played by Johnny Galecki — may show up at the family home. This may throw off the plans she’d been making with her new beau, Ben.
Gilbert seemed to hint in some of what she shared that Galecki was indeed the rumored big return. The Conners spoilers via TV Insider have now spilled the beans and confirmed that the rumors were true.
Of her character’s ties to that of Galecki’s, Gilbert explained, “I think David and Darlene are so tied to each other emotionally that they keep coming into each others’ lives. I don’t think either one of them can easily step away from each other.”
Gilbert did acknowledge that there is a “bit of a cliffhanger” coming at the end of this Season 1 finale. So far, ABC has not yet officially renewed the show for a second season. However, the buzz has been that the network wants it back — and the cast seems to want to be back.
Tonight is full of big changes, big trouble, and one big return. #TheConners Season Finale begins at 8|7c on ABC! https://t.co/PukupugYAV
— The Conners (@TheConnersABC) January 22, 2019
After all of the drama that came before this Conners reincarnation, there was a lot of speculation about whether the show could succeed without Roseanne Barr. The ratings have been fairly strong, at least strong enough for ABC to be interested in keeping it around.
Given that there is a cliffhanger of sorts on the way, fans would be bummed to be left permanently hanging. Gilbert said that she “remains hopeful” that they’ll get a Season 2. She echoed this sentiment while speaking with TV Insider, noting that they are “cautiously optimistic” that they’ll get another season.
Just multiple generations of strong women ? #TheConners | ? @EmmaRoseKenney pic.twitter.com/Lko6mWreM3
— The Conners (@TheConnersABC) January 21, 2019
Even if Tuesday’s episode ends up being the series finale, it sounds as if Gilbert will see it as relatively satisfying. She says that this next show works well as a “fitting bookend” to last fall’s debut — and it seems that a lot of things will come full circle, and will be tied up in a solid way.
“Some of the emotions of the premiere come up again in this episode. That’s something that was really important to me. I didn’t want to do a sitcom version of loss where there’s one ‘very special episode’ and then it’s done and everybody moves on.”
How does David’s return impact Darlene’s decision about moving to Chicago with Ben? The Conners spoilers signal that Darlene and David will discuss all of this, and it sounds as if fans will be left hanging — ultimately not knowing what she decides to do.
Gilbert explains, “Darlene is torn between a lot of possibilities. She can help or hurt people depending on what she chooses [to do].”
Spoilers tease that there is something for everyone with this Conners finale, and that the episode will serve as a fairly satisfying series finale if ABC doesn’t order another season. The reunion between Darlene and David, as well as all of the other action, airs Tuesday night on ABC.
