Ep 3. The Dark Ages

Roseanne season 5 episode 3, titled "The Dark Ages," takes a comedic look at the Conner family's struggle with technology in the 90s.

The episode opens with a frustrated Dan trying to fix the VCR, while Roseanne and Jackie attempt to figure out how to use Roseanne's new computer. Hilarity ensues as Roseanne struggles to type and spell on the computer, and Jackie accidentally deletes all of her work.

As if this weren't enough, Darlene and Becky have their own technological mishaps. Darlene can't figure out how to use the family's new answering machine, causing her to miss a call from the boy she likes, and Becky becomes obsessed with a virtual reality game that she is unable to beat.

The Conner family's struggles with technology highlight the ever-changing landscape of the 90s and the challenges that come with trying to keep up.

Throughout the episode, Roseanne and the rest of the family poke fun at their own technological shortcomings, with Roseanne quipping, "I miss the good old days when we were too poor to afford any of this stuff."

Despite the comedic tone, the episode subtly addresses the fear and uncertainty that can come with technological advancements. The Conner family is worried about being left behind in the "dark ages," and they're not alone. Many people in the 90s were struggling to keep up with the quick pace of technological evolution.

As the episode comes to a close, the Conner family finds a small victory in their technological hardships. Darlene successfully uses the answering machine to call the boy she likes, and Becky finally beats her virtual reality game.

"The Dark Ages" is a lighthearted and humorous episode that reflects the technological struggles that many families faced in the 90s. It serves as a reminder of how much the world has changed in just a few decades and provides a nostalgic look back at a time before smartphones and social media dominated our lives.