Daytripper

Any word when this is returning? I read somewhere not until early 2024 because of the writers strike. But that ended two weeks ago. Why that long? Don't most shows air 2-3 weeks after they are filmed? Just curious why the writers haven't started writing the new season the moment the strike ended and why they aren't filming now.

MR Round

The Writers Strike ended but the actors are still striking

Josh-da-man

I don't think any scripted shows will be returning until sometime in 2024, maybe some in February if we're lucky. I don't think they had done much, if any, work on the fall network programs when the writers went on strike, so you'll probably have at least two or three months from pre-production to having the season premieres in the can.

And, on top of that, the actors strike is still ongoing. And, even if that gets resolved, they probably won't be doing much work over the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year's Day).

Daytripper

I didn't know this. I guess the cast of "SNL" aren't considered actors (?) It's returning next week.

DJariya

You didn’t know all actors in the U.S. were on strike since July?

From the SAG AFTRA website regarding SNL:

SAG-AFTRA members appearing on Saturday Night Live either as hosts, guests, or cast members are working under the Network Code agreement, which is not a contract we are striking. They are not in violation of SAG-AFTRA strike rules, and we support them in fulfilling their contractual obligations.

The program is a SAG-AFTRA non-dramatic production under a separate agreement that is not subject to the union’s strike order.

The majority of our members who are regular cast on Saturday Night Live had contractual obligations to the show prior to the strike. Many are under option agreements that require them to return to the show if the producers exercise their option which the producers have done.

Daytripper

No, I didn't know they were still on strike.

Daytripper

Decent premiere. They shot a new intro since Mary is no longer on the show. Still no Louise. It's just weird now that she's still not in it. And oh, John Goodman's new teeth are very distracting.

MrX

It will never not be weird seeing Nick Offerman clean shaven and playing a normal person.

bluesix

I dont understand the point of view of this show anymore. Is Darlene supposed to be the main character with the wacky family whose life we follow? Before it was more about the family but now it seems to focus just on Darlene and her man, Darlene and her kids, Darlene and her job. We don't really follow anyone else anymore, Before there was Becky storylines or Jackie storylines or even a Dan and Louise focused episode here and there.

I don't mind that she has made the show evolve to focus on her character. She is a producer on it. I just hope there is going to be some payoff when it wraps up the way Dan hinted at tonight. Does she stay a lunch lady until her son graduates and then finally packs up her shit and leaves Lanford? I hope we get some resolution before this wraps up. Didn't ABC say something about this only running one or two more seasons because of 7 year contracts with the cast?

GuessWho

Thanks for saying that. I thought I was the only one.

mickey65

I laughed out loud at Becky's comment about diapers and donuts...

Daytripper

Although it hasn't been officially announced, this sure feels like the last season of the series the way they are tying some storylines up now. First, Jackie giving up the Lunch Box to Harris. And now Bev riding off into the sunset. Which actually brought a tear to my eyes.

mickey65

I like how Jackie respected her decision to do that after Bev explained how she just didn't want to sit in that little apartment and wait to die.

I'm getting used to Ben now and he seems alright. I didn't like him for a couple of seasons! LOL

AaronHernandez

Estelle Parsons turns 97 this year,I can see no matter how long they plan The Conners for them giving themselves a wrapped up storyline for her just in case. Even if she is mentally and physically in great condition someone that age it can turn around in a second.

Daytripper

I know. I'm going through the same thing with my mom right now. Which is why this episode moved me so deeply. About Parsons, I have never been so impressed with an older actress. It was clear she was reading from a monitor or cue cards most of the time. Her eyes were always to the left or right of the person she was speaking to. But she did it so effortlessly, and without a beat. It was not distracting like "SNL". And she had A LOT of lines. God bless her.

bluesix

Same. Altho I would love to be able to do this for my ex-hippie mother and know that she was off on one last adventure I dont know that my family would allow it to happen. It does bring to mind what you want your own life to look like at that age. We need to do a much better job of allowing our oldest members of society a way still enjoy their lives with some freedom and keep their minds engaged but also keep them safe and near available medical care. There has to be way to give people this and still allow them to die with dignity.

That being said, I loved this episode and wish the entire thing had been centered on Jackie and Bev. They did a great job with story in the 11 minutes allotted and we got to see a few glimpses of Laurie Metcalf's real acting skills in those last scenes which brought me to tears as well. Agree with everyone else that Estelle Parsons was amazing. I noticed the eyes looking off screen too but at 97!...she can do it however she likes! Amazing career and if this was her last episode they did her justice.

Daytripper

They sure did! And if there is any justice, she'll get an Emmy nomination for this episode at the very least.

Joe Schmoe

I sometimes forget Dan is married because we hardly ever see his wife. Where is she? She finished touring, right? Did I miss the explanation for her absence in every episode so far this season? Also, is DJ's daughter still living in Lanford while her parents are in the Middle East or did she join them?

GuessWho

She couldn't stand his new teeth either,

windom

Yeah, they dumped her from the cast: https://tvline.com/casting-news/the-...er-1235105400/

bluesix

Another decent episode tonight. The writers on this show have gotten better. It's too bad if this is the final season because they are firing on all cylinders. Becky still doesn't have much to do. Neither does Harris really. But I actually look forward to watching this show which is not something I would admit the past few seasons. Agreed with someone's comment earlier, even Ben is actually likable now.

Joe Schmoe

Well, I'm glad someone enjoyed this week's episode. I thought it was heavy handed and the jokes were simply not funny. It also didn't offer any explanation for where Louise has been all season prior to this episode even though she lives in Dan's house for Pete's sake.

Damfino

Is anybody else wondering how Darlene and David produced such a tall kid? That boy towers over the whole family now.

Joe Schmoe

Tumor on his pituitary gland?

Dan1boy

She's the singer for her band and usually out touring. At least that's the explanation given in prior seasons.