Ep 8. PMS, I Love You
- TV-PG
- November 6, 1990
- 21 min
-
7.4 (277)
In Roseanne season 3 episode 8, titled "PMS, I Love You," the Conners are dealing with the usual struggles of everyday life. The episode centers around the often-taboo topic of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as Roseanne and Jackie both experience it and try to cope with their symptoms.
The episode begins with Roseanne complaining about feeling bloated, achy, and irritable. She's snapped at her husband Dan and her kids over seemingly small things, and she's fed up with feeling out of control. When her sister Jackie comes over, she's equally miserable and the two commiserate about the insanity of PMS.
As the episode progresses, we get a glimpse into each woman's experience with PMS. Jackie suffers from intense cramps and tender breasts, while Roseanne deals with mood swings and insomnia. Both women feel frustrated and powerless to control their symptoms, and they find solace in each other's company.
Throughout the episode, Dan and Roseanne's marriage is also put to the test. Dan struggles to understand what Roseanne is going through and why she's acting so differently, and he's frustrated that he can't do more to help her. Meanwhile, Roseanne feels like Dan is being insensitive and dismissive of her struggles.
One of the highlights of the episode is the scene where Roseanne and Jackie go to the doctor to try and get relief for their PMS symptoms. The doctor, played by guest star Stephen Tobolowsky, is hilariously unhelpful, offering useless advice like "take a vacation" and "exercise more." Roseanne and Jackie are understandably frustrated and angry, feeling like they're not being taken seriously.
Overall, "PMS, I Love You" is a classic episode of Roseanne that deals with a topic that is still rarely discussed openly and honestly on television. The episode does a great job of showcasing the toll that PMS can take on women, both physically and emotionally, and it's a great example of the show's willingness to tackle difficult subjects in a thoughtful and humorous way.
As always, the performances from Roseanne Barr, Laurie Metcalf, and the rest of the cast are top-notch. Their comedic timing and chemistry are as strong as ever, and they bring a real authenticity to the struggles of everyday life that the Conners face. "PMS, I Love You" is a must-watch episode for fans of Roseanne and anyone who can relate to the challenges of being a woman.