Roseanne Season 10 Episode 5 Review: Darlene v. David

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I am totally on board with having a cake eating contest on my birthday – and any other day, too. 

It won't come as a shock to learn Roseanne Season 10 Episode 5, made me feel conflicted when it came to David. We finally got the backstory on what happened between the two of them, and it certainly did not disappoint. 

I was incredibly pleased they didn't make David a deadbeat dad but actually gave a reason why he left. Darlene and David have always fought, but it was clear Mark's death was the trigger for David and the reason why he felt he had to leave to join Doctor's Without Borders. 

Darlene Is Confused - Roseanne Season 10 Episode 5

The only person David had in this world when it came to a blood relative was Mark. Even though they fought like brothers fight David loved his brother. David losing Mark was a giant blow, and then adding in the constant fighting with Darlene, he did what he felt needed to do – escape the situation. 

Related: Roseanne Season 10 Episode 4 Review: Eggs Over, Not Easy

Did David make the right choice in leaving? Of course not! I'd never condone anyone leaving their children, but I did understand where David was coming from. I did wish he could have been more open with Darlene about what he was going through because despite Darlene's tough exterior she would have tried to help him. 

Did anyone else love how Roseanne still kept in touch with David? It's another reminder of how Roseanne has always viewed David – as a son. Roseanne has always put her neck out for David, and I wasn't shocked to learn she was still rooting for him to succeed. 

Jackie Praying - Roseanne Season 10 Episode 5

I really enjoyed Roseanne not rooting for Darlene to get back together with David, but instead for David to be there for the kids. Roseanne knew it would never work out between them, and David does need to put the kids first. I hope David can keep his promise when it comes to him being there.

Related: Roseanne: Renewed for Season 11 at ABC!

Of course, I figured Dan wouldn't be on board with David coming around. It was clear by Dan's actions he didn't want his grandkids to get hurt again. David can't continue to come in and out of their lives; Dan is just putting his foot down. I even found myself agreeing with Dan regarding David not seeing the kids just yet. 

When David moves into his new place and puts down some roots, he can see the kids. Do I think Darlene will still let him talk to the kids over the phone? Yes, but he also has to prove he is going to be the father these kids need. David didn't even know how Mark was turning out – he needs to form a relationship with his kids. 

Sisterly Advice - Roseanne Season 10 Episode 5

Who else was a little surprised by Becky's talk with Darlene? Becky was completely right about Darlene needing to grieve her marriage. Darlene had been holding on for so long and hadn't given herself a chance to move on. When long-term relationships end, you have to give yourself a chance to grieve. 

Becky was the perfect person to give Darlene advice when it comes to moving on. Mark died so suddenly, and it takes time to find happiness with other people. I am hoping they touch on Becky's drinking. I know the show has made light of her "drinking problem," but I'd like to see them explore what Becky is going through. 

Related: Enjoy UNLIMITED access to thousands of Movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video. WATCH ANYWHERE. CANCEL ANYTIME! 

Speaking of problems, who else was cracking up over the reason why Bev got kicked out of the retirement home? I'd probably have the same reaction as Jackie – not being able to get the images out of my mind. It's also wonderful to see Jackie and Bev still have the same kind of relationship. 

Let Them Eat Cake - Roseanne Season 10 Episode 5

Jackie and Bev were never going to have an amicable relationship. I also figured Bev would try to make her stay at Roseanne's more permanent. It's Bev for goodness sakes; she's not just going to leave quietly. I'm curious to see if Bev ends up staying at Roseanne's or if Jackie will be the one to ultimately take her in. 

This was another excellent episode. The door is open for David to return and to have a relationship with his kids. Here's hoping the relationship he used to have with Dan will also start up again.

Now it's your turn to tell me what you think. 

Did you like the explanation for why David left? Did you think Becky had the right idea about grieving the relationships? Are you happy to see Bev back?

Let me know in the comments below. 

If you are late to the reboot, you can watch Roseanne online now via TV Fanatic. 

Darlene v. David Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.2 / 5.0 (11 Votes)

Samantha McAllister was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in November 2018.

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Roseanne Season 10 Episode 5 Quotes

Darlene: Mom, that didn't go through.
Roseanne: I heard it beep.
Darlene: Oh my god! You're stealing that.
Roseanne: No. They're making me work as a checkout lady and my starting salary is bacon.

Now we can shop without the hassle of anyone helping us at all.

Roseanne