The Conners Series Finale Ends With A Perfect Line From John Goodman

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Contains spoilers for “The Conners” Season 7, Episode 6 — “The Truck Stops Here”

Following a span of seven seasons filled with twists, turns, and lots of family turmoil, it all culminated in a straightforward, fourth-wall-breaking scene featuring John Goodman as Dan Conner. With his loved ones retiring for the night nearby, and Louise (Katey Sagal) anticipating him, Dan reminisces about his children’s childhood, cherished moments they spent at home, and the quarrels and jokes exchanged among them. He smiles, gazes wistfully into the camera, and whispers “Goodnight.

In simpler terms, the show’s final episode concludes with a quiet yet significant moment. Aunt Jackie (Laurie Metcalf), who had initially hesitated to join the revival, successfully returns to her role in the Lanford Police Department following a series of doubts. Mark Conner-Healy (Ames McNamara) chooses to forgo college and instead heads to New York to work at a cyber security firm. The family members – Louise, Dan, Tyler, Becky, Darlene, and Ben – all express their love for each other after going through various relationship challenges.

In the end, Dan eventually gets a check from the class action lawsuit against the drug company producing the pain pill responsible for Roseanne Barr’s passing. The family received a total of $700 following numerous discussions on whether to testify. It is appropriate that this situation concludes with Dan’s bittersweet recollections – just as it is fitting that the idea for the lawsuit originated from one of the show’s cast members.

Dan’s final line was John Goodman’s idea

It was revealed that the final line spoken by Dan was actually proposed by John Goodman. The actor suggested this line, as showrunner and executive producer Bruce Helford explained to The New York Post. According to Helford, the emotional impact of the line made it difficult to consider cutting it out. Another executive producer, Dave Caplan, believes that Goodman chose to include the line as a way to express his gratitude to the fans for their loyalty.

During the performance, Goodman delivered his speech following an emotional scene where cast members shed genuine tears on screen while bidding farewell to one another. Bruce Rasmussen, the executive producer, mentioned he hadn’t seen this before in television – with characters breaking the fourth wall and revealing genuine feelings experienced by the actors behind their roles. Dave Caplan noted that this ending was fitting for a show that has consistently catered to its fans throughout its run.

After 37 years, the family will peacefully transition into retirement, although the creators haven’t definitively closed the door on another revival or spin-off in the future. As Dan was resurrected for this revival, they hinted that the Conners didn’t just vanish but continue to live their lives somewhere, managing reasonably well. This idea brings a sense of closure for sitcom enthusiasts, but it’s particularly heartening for those who adore the grumpy yet lovable Conner family.

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2025-04-24 22:29