Ep 14. My Name is Bev

In season 7 episode 14 of Roseanne, titled "My Name is Bev", the Conner family is thrown into chaos when Roseanne's mother, Beverly, comes to stay with them. As usual, Bev is her manipulative and difficult self, criticizing everyone and demanding that things be done her way in the household.

However, what starts as typical Bev behavior soon becomes something much more serious when she suffers a heart attack. The family rushes her to the hospital, where their fears are confirmed: Bev needs surgery in order to survive.

The episode explores the complicated emotions that come with a medical crisis in the family. Roseanne tries to be strong for everyone, but she's clearly struggling to cope with the idea of potentially losing her mother. Dan, normally the rock of the family, is visibly shaken and terrified by the prospect of Bev's surgery.

As they wait for news from the doctors, the family is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about their relationships with Bev. Despite all of Roseanne's frustrations with her mother, she realizes that she doesn't want to lose her. She starts to see Bev in a different light, remembering moments from their past where her mother acted kindly or protected her.

Meanwhile, Jackie is also grappling with her own guilt. She's been avoiding Bev since the previous Thanksgiving, when she told her mother she wasn't welcome at her lesbian wedding. Jackie can't stop thinking about the fact that if Bev dies, she'll never get the chance to apologize and make things right.

The show handles these emotional themes with its trademark mix of humor and heart. There are plenty of quips and one-liners, but they don't detract from the seriousness of the situation. Instead, they add a layer of realism to the family's reactions: even in the darkest moments, people still find ways to make each other laugh.

When it's finally time for Bev's surgery, the family is a mess of nerves and worry. They gather in the hospital waiting room, each trying to hold onto their own hope in the face of uncertainty. The reality of Bev's mortality hits them hard, and they're forced to confront their own fears and regrets.

Without giving too much away, the episode is ultimately a touching exploration of family dynamics and the ways in which people can surprise you in times of crisis. It doesn't shy away from the difficult emotions that come with facing a loved one's mortality, but it also finds moments of levity and warmth. By the end of the episode, we're reminded that even in the face of overwhelming uncertainty, the Conners are still a family at heart.

Overall, "My Name is Bev" is a standout episode of Roseanne that showcases the show's ability to handle complex themes with humor and grace. It's a must-watch for fans of the series, and a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into the show's later seasons.