Ep 7. Follow the Son

In the seventh season of one of the most iconic television shows of all time, Roseanne, viewers are in for a treat with the episode titled Follow the Son. This particular episode always manages to stand out from the rest due to its heart-warming yet humourous storyline. The episode effectively manages to highlight the daily struggles that working class families in America face and the importance of familial support in times of trouble.

As the title suggests, the episode focuses on one of the Conner family's most beloved members, their son DJ. At this point in the season, DJ has just started going through that awkward teenage phase, which is causing some concern for his parents. Roseanne and Dan are worried that their son is experiencing some kind of social anxiety when going to school, so they decide to visit his school in the hopes of resolving the issue. Throughout the episode, viewers see the Conner family grappling with the challenges of parenting and the difficulties that their son is facing, which are ultimately linked to struggles that Roseanne and Dan have faced in their own lives. Their eldest daughter, Becky, is going through a tough time with her marriage, while their middle child, Darlene, is dealing with the stress of going to college. It's in moments like these that viewers are reminded of the eminent themes that make Roseanne such a classic show; the importance of sticking together as a family and relying on each other during hard times.

One of the key aspects of the episode is the casting, which includes appearances from Sarah Chalke and Johnny Galecki, both when they were much younger actors in their early 20s. Sarah Chalke plays Becky - at this point in the series - and Johnny Galecki plays her on and off again love interest, David. The show is notable for launching the careers of both actors, who would later become famous for their roles in other successful TV shows, like Scrubs (Chalke) and The Big Bang Theory (Galecki).

Another standout moment in Follow the Son is how the writers handle the issue of gender expectations for young boys, which is something that has always been a hallmark of the Roseanne series. As a working-class family, the Conners have always had to navigate the complexities of masculinity within their community, and this episode is no different. However, the show takes a stance on the issue that is both progressive and at times, funny. We see DJ struggling with the expectation of fitting in with the other boys; wearing "cool" clothes and playing sports when in reality, all he wants to do is indulge in a bit of sewing and cooking. It's a great example of the show's ability to add depth and sincerity to their comedic moments, making Roseanne a show that can always deliver an impact.

The themes explored in Follow the Son highlight the issues of parenting and the difficulties faced by teenagers, which makes it a heartfelt and relatable episode. Whether it's trying to decipher teenage behaviour or dealing with the struggles of raising a family on a limited budget, this show never fails to connect with its audience. The key message of the episode is that support and understanding are critical to overcoming any obstacle, and sometimes, it requires you to look past your preconceived notions of what is expected.

Overall, the episode leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the Conner family's ability to come together during tough times. It's a wholesome episode that will have you laughing, crying and above all, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort. Follow the Son is a sentimental and honest depiction of family life, which continues to resonate with viewers even after all these years.