Ep 17. Becky's Choice

Roseanne season 1 episode 17 is entitled "Becky's Choice." In this episode, Becky is excited to attend a concert with her friend Chip, but her parents Roseanne and Dan aren't sure if she's ready for that level of independence. Meanwhile, Roseanne's sister Jackie makes a big announcement about her future plans.

The episode opens with Becky excitedly telling her parents about the upcoming Bob Seger concert she wants to attend with Chip. Roseanne and Dan are initially hesitant, worrying that their 15-year-old daughter is too young to go to a concert unchaperoned. However, they eventually agree to let her go after an extensive discussion about safety precautions and responsible behavior.

Jackie arrives to visit the family and drops a surprise bombshell on everyone - she's planning to become a cop. Roseanne is initially dubious about her sister's ability to handle the job, but ultimately offers her support. However, their mother Beverly isn't so kind and insults Jackie's decision, putting a strain on their already complicated relationship.

Back at the Conner household, the family is getting ready for Becky's big night out. She's getting dressed up and practicing her dance moves in preparation for the concert. Roseanne is worried about her daughter and laments to Dan that she's growing up too fast. Dan reassures her that she'll be okay, but Roseanne still feels uneasy about letting her little girl go out into the world.

As Becky leaves for the concert, Roseanne and Dan reflect on their own experiences of growing up and finding their independence. They talk about their own youthful adventures and mistakes, and Dan reminds Roseanne that they have to trust their children to make their own choices and learn from their own experiences.

The episode ends with Becky coming home from the concert, excitedly recounting her night to her parents. She tells them about the music, the atmosphere, and the excitement of being part of a big crowd. Roseanne and Dan listen to her stories with a mix of pride and wistfulness, realizing that their daughter is growing up and forging her own path in the world.

"Becky's Choice" is a poignant episode that explores themes of independence, growing up, and parental anxiety. It's a relatable story for anyone who's ever had to let go of a child or a loved one, and a reminder that while change can be scary, it's also an inevitable part of life. The episode also touches on the complex relationship between siblings, and the challenge of supporting family members even when we don't always agree with their choices. Overall, "Becky's Choice" is a standout episode that showcases the best of Roseanne's blend of humor, heart, and honest human drama.