The Conners has never been afraid to approach the issues impacting everyday families. In tonight’s episode, “Cheating, Revelations and A Box of Doll Heads,” Darlene (Sara Gilbert) is forced to confront the inequities of virtual learning when Mark (Ames McNamara) struggles with an important exam.
It’s important to Gilbert that the show addresses situations like the ones exhibited in the episode. “If you have such a large platform, it’s so important to use your voice and talk about what’s going on in the world.”
“I think our episode helps to illuminate more of the problems,” agrees McNamara. “It shows also how it
doesn’t just affect the kids, but it affects everyone in the family.”
“This is obviously a fictional group that represents a lot of people who are very kind, smart, intelligent, funny, good people that cannot break the cycle of poverty, and cannot break through the levels of how unfair things can be in this country,” says Gilbert. “It shines a light on the inequities in our country. I
think we’ve all seen how people with less means already were struggling, but it put a spotlight on that and it furthered those struggles.”
Even though the episode is addressing a serious topic, they still manage to bring in comedic moments. “My favorite thing about Mark is all of the fun banter and interactions that he has with the family,” McNamara says of his character. You’ll be able to see those moments for yourself on tonight’s episode of The Conners, airing on ABC at 9 pm EDT and streaming the next day on Hulu!
About The Conners
The Conners follows America’s favorite family as they continue to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford. Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. will continue to grapple with parenthood, dating, financial pressures and aging in working-class America. Through it all – the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns – with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails. The series stars John Goodman as Dan Conner, Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris, Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner, Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner-Healy, Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner, Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy, Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy, Jayden Rey as Mary Conner and Jay R. Ferguson as Ben. “The Conners” is executive produced by Tom Werner, along with Sara Gilbert, Bruce Helford, Dave Caplan, Bruce Rasmussen and Tony Hernandez. The series is from Werner Entertainment.