Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Conners season 7, episode 1, “It’s Gonna Be A Great Day.”
The premiere of The Conners season 7, entitled “It’s Gonna Be A Great Day,”launched with significant plot developments, yet one notable character was absent. The episode marks the beginning of a new arc for Jackie as she engages with a police officer played by Zoe Perry, ultimately deciding to rejoin the police force. This storyline intersects with Mark’s challenges, as Aunt Jackie confronts him about working for dubious email scammers. Despite Jackie’s urging to quit, Mark insists he needs the income for his college tuition.
This rapid unfolding of events is a testament to the expansive cast of The Conners, which necessitates swift storytelling to adequately cover multiple character arcs. Since the shocking death of Roseanne led to the show’s transformation into a spinoff, balancing its diverse multigenerational characters has proven challenging. This often results in brisk plot progressions, exemplified by the swift developments in Jackie and Mark’s stories, alongside episodes that exclude significant characters altogether. The trend continues with the season 7 premiere.
Harris’s Absence in The Conners Season 7, Episode 1
Emma Kenney’s Harris is Missing from the Season Premiere
In “It’s Gonna Be A Great Day,”while Jackie and Mark delve deeper into their narratives, Dan grapples with the potential of suing opioid manufacturers linked to Roseanne’s tragic death. Meanwhile, Ben and Darlene discover that their schedules do not align, causing frustration, and Becky deals with her boyfriend Tyler’s extravagant gestures. However, it is notable that Harris, portrayed by Emma Kenney, is completely absent from this episode, with no mentions of her character throughout the storyline.
Interestingly, in the opening of season 6, Harris was seen taking charge of her Aunt Jackie’s restaurant, The Lanford Lunchbox, after Jackie recognized her own disinterest in running the business. Despite introducing new characters like the off-duty cop, audiences were left without an update on Harris’s progression as a manager.
While Harris’s role could develop into an intriguing subplot—possibly leading to stress or personal growth—it’s disappointing that the writers chose not to address her situation, considering the challenges she faced previously, including struggles with ADHD and managing a business that proved more difficult than she anticipated.
Speculating Harris’s Absence in The Conners Season 7, Episode 1
Harris’s Management Role from Season 6
To provide some context, Harris did move out of Darlene’s home in the previous season, which clarifies her absence during scenes that took place there in the season 7 premiere. Darlene’s storyline likely absorbed much of the episode’s focus, and it’s feasible that Harris was preoccupied with her responsibilities at The Lanford Lunchbox.
Emma Kenney’s Instagram post from October 2024 hinted that she may have filmed fewer scenes than her fellow cast members, suggesting that Harris’s presence will still be felt later in the season. The titles of upcoming episodes—”Applications, Accusations, and a Man-Bag” and “Danny Boy, the Interview, the New Hire, and the Hanging Chad” —indicate that Harris will engage in critical responsibilities pertaining to the restaurant.
Anticipating Harris’s Return in The Conners Season 7
Limited Episodes to Resolve Harris’s Storyline
This season, The Conners consists of just six episodes, a significant reduction compared to previous seasons. Consequently, it is crucial for the show to address Harris’s storyline sooner rather than later, especially since her management of The Lanford Lunchbox was minimally touched upon in the latter part of season 6. Prioritizing her arc is essential in the remaining episodes, given the limited screen time available to conclude her story effectively.
Moreover, Harris’s character should play a pivotal role in Mark’s ongoing plot, as she possesses the life experience to guide him through both his illegal job difficulties and the familial tug-of-war that exists in their lives.
Looking ahead, the narrative must explore how Harris is managing the restaurant while simultaneously supporting her brother in navigating his precarious choices. This interconnected storytelling will not only enrich Harris’s arc but also provide a deeper understanding of how the characters rely on each other.
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