The Conners Actor’s Upcoming TV Role Sheds Light on Major Mistake in the Roseanne Franchise

As the long-running series The Conners prepares to wrap up with its eagerly awaited Season 7 in March 2025, it seems to be taking a misstep with Darlene’s daughter, Harris. This season, which will comprise a six-episode “Farewell Event,”marks the conclusion of the Roseanne franchise after an impressive 36-year run. With a large ensemble cast, achieving a satisfying ending for all characters remains a challenge. However, some, such as Emma Kenney’s Harris, deserve a more substantial narrative focus.

Initially introduced as a simplistic Gen Z caricature during the latter seasons of the original Roseanne series, Harris was characterized by traits like entitlement and cynicism. Her role primarily served as fodder for stereotypical jokes about the youth, cementing her as a somewhat unlikable figure. Following Roseanne’s death and the show’s transformation into The Conners, Harris was given more prominence, evolving into a more nuanced character. Yet, despite her character’s development over six seasons, including storylines around a failed engagement, a miscarriage, and an ADHD diagnosis, Harris’s direction and purpose remain ambiguous. The anticipated appearance in Happy’s Place could potentially exacerbate this issue.

Emma Kenney Joins Happy’s Place as Reba’s Daughter

Guest Role as Gracie in Happy’s Place

Harris in kitchen scene in The Conners Season 6

Harris at the counter in The Conners Season 6

According to TVLine, in Happy’s Place, Kenney will portray Gracie McAllister, the daughter of Reba McEntire’s character, Bobbie. In the upcoming episode titled “The McAllister Girls”(Season 1, Episode 10), Gracie, recently returned from military deployment, is characterized as “no-nonsense and somewhat tough.”This portrayal presents a stark contrast to Harris’s more lackluster characterization in The Conners, where her personality has often been aligned with a sense of aimlessness.

While The Conners attempted to explore Harris’s character through subplots like her management of the family restaurant, The Lunchbox, these story arcs frequently felt underdeveloped. For example, after showcasing her potential during a collaboration with celebrity chef Morris Chestnut, viewers witnessed a swift regression in her narrative, as she reverted to irresponsible behavior. Although the introduction of her ADHD diagnosis in Season 6 was intended to add depth, it failed to materialize into meaningful follow-up that truly explored her character’s struggles or growth.

Cast Member	Character
John Goodman	Dan Conner
Laurie Metcalf	Jackie Harris-Goldufski
Sara Gilbert	Darlene Conner-Olinsky
Lecy Goranson	Becky Conner-Healy
Kate Sagal	Louise Conner
Emma Kenney	Harris Conner-Healy
Ames McNamara	Mark Conner-Healy

Gracie’s Character Represents Growth — A Missed Opportunity for Harris

Lack of Direction for Harris in The Conners

Kenney’s portrayal of Gracie emphasizes the transition to a more accomplished, driven character, something that has been largely absent in her role as Harris. Despite her significant presence in The Conners over seven years, Harris’s character arc appears stagnant and lacking in genuine connection and direction. This juxtaposition becomes even more evident with Kenney’s character in Happy’s Place, where she can exemplify ambition and complexity that The Conners failed to capitalize on throughout her time on the series.

As viewers anticipate the last season of The Conners, it’s difficult not to reflect on how the show could have better developed Harris’s character. The impending spotlight in Happy’s Place not only shines a light on Kenney’s potential but also highlights the missed opportunities for her character in the original series, emphasizing the need for more meaningful storytelling in the realm of sitcoms.

Source: TVLine

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