'Roseanne' Fans Are Both Happy and Sad About David's Brief Return
"Roseanne" had fans in tears on Tuesday night, and it wasn't because they were laughing so hard.
The episode brought back two more actors from the original series, Johnny Galecki as David and Estelle Parsons as Bev. While Bev's return was largely comical, David's was much more complicated and had fans feeling, well, pretty much all the feels.
With Galecki tied up with "The Big Bang Theory" for at least one more season, he wasn't available to be a regular in the current season of the "Roseanne" revival. He did want to be involved, though, and the writers found a way to make it happen. Unfortunately for fans, saying hello to him again meant saying goodbye again, too.
"Roseanne" Season 10, Episode 5 spoilers ahead!
Tuesday's episode marked the birthday of Harris (Emma Kenney), Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and David's daughter. That made it the perfect occasion for the absent character to return. David showed up at the Conner family's door, thrilling fans who felt the show just wasn't complete without him. However, after having taken off to do humanitarian work, he wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms; David had to answer for what he did to Darlene and his family.
The long-time loves did temporary reunite, but, of course, it couldn't be that easy. Their renewed relationship quickly ended after her family reminded her of how complicated the relationship had been. She decided it was better for her kids if they didn't get back together, crushing the hopes of many fans. However, David announced plans to move back regardless, thus reigniting those very same dashed hopes.
It was a lot to deal with, and fans needed an outlet. Their range of reactions were all over Twitter, with some fans celebrating the reunion.
Roseanne - the episode was amazing! I loved David & Darlene together❤️????
— Denise Rothwell (@Kitten040) April 18, 2018
The David return was fascinating to watch! My favorite episode of the reboot so far! #Roseanne
— Joshua Wayne Knight (@CheesyNachos84) April 18, 2018
@therealroseanne Bev and David returning last night was simply amazing! Getting all the originals back is magical! Speaks volumes! #Roseanne
— ❤️ Iowa Girls 4 Trump ???? (@IowaGir22472312) April 18, 2018
Meanwhile, others were sad to see Darlene's break it off with her estranged husband, and some couldn't get over the fact that he had taken off in the first place.
David would never abandon his family! #Roseanne#TweetsThisUntilIDie
— Lindsey (@IvoryNeptune) April 18, 2018
Watched Roseanne, best one so far. I cried over David and Darlene. Feel sorry for the children. You can love someone, but that person may not be good for you.
— Sandy Lee Hamel (@sandy_hamel) April 18, 2018
David and Darlene need to be together. ???????? #roseanne
— Sarah (@sarahryddra) April 18, 2018
@therealroseanne Roseanne! We love David! We already lost Mark. We can't lose David too ???? Can't you just, you know.. Steal him away from Big Bang Theory? ????
— Brittany Payne (@imadeawoobsta) April 18, 2018
This David and Darlene thing is making me sad ???? #Roseanne
— delicious (@Cantdealwu1206) April 18, 2018
Aahhh geez!!! We were so disappointed when Darlene & David did not get back together. We found ourselves yelling at the TV "nooooo, why?!" The show is so dear & close to my heart. I grew up watching Roseanne. I identify with it, my family could be the poster child for the show.
— Cinamin Mish (@ccinamin) April 18, 2018
Absolutely HATE what they've done with David!! I get that Galecki can't be around but to do that with the character was just wrong. Hated it. #Roseanne
— Steven O'Connor (@St3ven91) April 18, 2018
Just watched the latest episode with David and Darlene! Wow!! I teared up, esp when Darlene decided not to get back with David and told him. That was pretty emotional!
— Karina Pettinger (@Kittykatnip1970) April 18, 2018
Why have they made David the deadbeat Dad? Horrible decision. He was the best one in it. The good guy among all the crazy Conners. #Roseanne
— Steven O'Connor (@St3ven91) April 18, 2018
Dismayed as many were, plenty are still hopeful that he'll return in the future.
I'm hoping David and Darlene can reconcile! The love is SO there!!!
— cindy lavin????????⏳ (@cindylavin) April 18, 2018
I'm hoping????I think they left it really open with David moving back to Lanford. I'm hoping TBBT let's him be in the next season of #Roseanne
— Cara (@OliveMarie13) April 18, 2018
I'm a little bummed the writers broke up David and Darlene ???? l don't believe David would have been a deadbeat and running off like that. @RoseanneOnABC#roseanne They have to get back together.
— Gabby Dee (@LiLMsGabbyDee) April 18, 2018
Another great episode of #Roseanne last night! Hoping things will work out for Darlene & David!! @therealroseanne
— Griffin's Daughter (@laineymel) April 18, 2018
#Roseanne was so good, but so sad last night. I'm glad they told us the story behind David's absence and I'm glad he was back for the episode. I'm just hoping he's back from more episodes in the future!
— ⓜⓘⓐ ⓦⓐⓛⓛⓐⓒⓔ (@Grunge_Girl7) April 18, 2018
It definitely does seem like there could be room for Galecki to reprise his role in a larger capacity at some point, and with "Roseanne" as popular as it is right now, maybe the sitcom will still be going whenever "The Big Bang Theory" ends.
"Roseanne" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.