One of the most eagerly awaited television revivals in recent years was the return of Roseanne. When ABC announced its comeback last fall, viewers across the internet erupted with excitement, rummaging through their closets to dig out nostalgic 90s attire. Many believed that a dose of irreverent humor and a portrayal of “real” American family life could address some of society’s pressing issues. Praise was abundant.
However, I was skeptical. Roseanne? Is this really the show we want to revisit? A figure known for provocative antics, including a controversial Halloween costume choice and a penchant for outlandish conspiracy theories? It felt surreal.
My perspective differs from that of my peers, as my parents deemed the show too crude for our household. While I once resented their “uncool” stance, I now appreciate their foresight. The truth is, this reboot fails to capture any redeeming qualities of its predecessor.
Admittedly, the original Roseanne resonated with audiences for its candid portrayal of the struggles faced by working-class families. It was notable for its humor and relatability. However, this revival has stripped away those qualities. While it does depict the challenges many working families encounter and reflects the current political divide, it crosses a line by normalizing hate, bigotry, and ignorance through its lead character’s blatant support for Trump. This portrayal trivializes serious issues and undermines the struggles of marginalized communities.
My criticisms extend beyond mere politics; this show misrepresents the very essence of decency. The latest episodes have ventured into troubling territory, showcasing abusive behavior. In a particularly shocking scene, when Darlene’s daughter Harris expressed disdain for her “hillbilly” relatives, Roseanne responded by calling her an “entitled little brat” and proceeded to spray her with water from the kitchen sink. This is not just a misguided attempt at humor; it’s outright mean-spirited and could be seen as abusive.
While I appreciate humor and can tolerate some harsh language, my fundamental rule is to avoid name-calling. It’s a matter of basic respect and kindness, which seems lost in the world of Roseanne.
Moreover, the show has faced backlash for making insensitive jokes about marginalized communities. Writer Tom Lin, known for his work on Bob’s Burgers, criticized a remark regarding the lack of shows centered on Black and Asian families. He pointed out that such comments reduce these narratives to mere tokenism, asserting that their stories are far more complex and important than the show implies.
This is a significant issue. We should aspire to better as individuals and as a society. Getting laughs from a conspiracy theorist who cloaks prejudice in job-related rhetoric is not acceptable.
If you’re searching for a show that reflects authentic American families, consider black-ish or Bob’s Burgers. For comedic entertainment, the Queer Eye reboot or Golden Girls reruns offer much more. Alternatively, for depictions of familial divides, Game of Thrones might just fulfill that niche.
In summary, while the excitement around the Roseanne reboot was palpable, it ultimately falls short of expectations. The revival has lost the essence of what made the original relatable and engaging, veering into territory that many find unacceptable.
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