Ep 14. Bad Dads and Grads

The Conners season 2 episode 14, entitled "Bad Dads and Grads," follows the beloved working-class family as they navigate the complicated and often messy issues that arise in their daily lives.

As the title suggests, the episode focuses on both fathers and graduates. Darlene's son Mark is graduating from middle school, and tensions run high as the family prepares for the big event. Meanwhile, Dan's estranged father, Ed, unexpectedly shows up at the Conner household, causing a stir and bringing up old wounds.

The episode is filled with spats and heartwarming moments alike, as the Conners grapple with the difficulties of being a family in the modern world. Along the way, they confront issues like parenthood, toxic masculinity, and the struggle to maintain relationships in tumultuous times.

Throughout the episode, the characters delve into the often-complex relationships between fathers and children. While Darlene is overjoyed to see her son cross the graduation stage, she also grapples with the reality of her own complex relationship with her own father.

Similarly, Dan and Ed's fraught relationship comes to a head as the two men attempt to reconcile years of misunderstanding and pain. Despite their best efforts, however, their bond remains rocky, and the family is left wondering whether they will ever be able to repair their relationship.

"Bad Dads and Grads" is a fitting title for an episode that grapples with such universal themes as family, love, and loss. As the Conners navigate the highs and lows of everyday life, the episode manages to straddle the line between hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply poignant, making it a must-see for fans of the series.