Ep 15. Possums, Pregnancy and Patriarchy

The Conners season 5 episode 15 titled "Possums, Pregnancy and Patriarchy" explores the ongoing issues and conflicts within the family, bringing to light some of the deeply-rooted patriarchal tendencies that are still prevalent in society.

As the episode begins, Becky finds herself in a bit of a predicament as she discovers that her house has been infested with possums. Panicking at the thought of having to deal with them herself, she seeks help from Dan and Darlene, who eventually agree to assist her.

Meanwhile, Darlene's pregnancy continues to cause complications, and she finds herself struggling to balance her work at the casino with her growing discomfort and medical needs. After fainting at work, she is urged by her doctor to take some time off and prioritize her health, though her boss is less than understanding.

As tensions rise within the family due to these various issues, some of the underlying patriarchal attitudes that have been present throughout the series begin to surface. Dan's insistence on taking charge of the possum removal, rather than allowing Becky to handle it herself, highlights the ways in which men are often expected to be the "fixers" in situations like this.

Similarly, Darlene's struggles at work are compounded by the fact that her boss is a man who downplays her medical concerns and seems to view her as a liability rather than an asset. She is forced to confront the ways in which women are often overlooked and undervalued in the workplace, particularly when dealing with issues related to pregnancy and maternal health.

Throughout the episode, the Conner family grapples with these various challenges and conflicts, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by everyday people in navigating the complexities of modern life. As they work to find solutions to each of their problems, they are reminded of the importance of coming together as a family and supporting one another, even in the face of adversity.