The 'Roseanne' TV series kicked off in likable and realistic fashion with 'Life and Stuff', which briefly introduces our main characters. What's so wonderful about them is that they do come across as real people, leading average lives and dealing with typical problems. Although there isn't much of a story here, there are a few minor threads. One of them has Roseanne called to a parent-teacher meeting with Darlene's history teacher. It seems that the girl has been barking like a dog in class to try to alleviate her boredom. Also, Jackie latches onto a self- help concept of "visualization". And Roseanne needles Dan about his supposed lack of contributions to the running of the household.
Regular supporting players such as Natalie West's Crystal and George Clooney's Booker also turn up here for the first time. Sal Barone plays 'D.J.' for the first and only time before being replaced with Michael Fishman. Roseanne and John Goodman have perfect chemistry and are absolutely believable as a married couple. Sara Gilbert is a good deal of fun as the sassy Darlene. Laurie Metcalf is here made to wear a rather silly looking wig in the hopes that she'd be more visually convincing as Roseanne's sister.
The ending is just right, with Dan displaying such calm efficiency, during what could have been a tense moment otherwise, that Roseanne is able to reaffirm his value to the household.
Eight out of 10.
Regular supporting players such as Natalie West's Crystal and George Clooney's Booker also turn up here for the first time. Sal Barone plays 'D.J.' for the first and only time before being replaced with Michael Fishman. Roseanne and John Goodman have perfect chemistry and are absolutely believable as a married couple. Sara Gilbert is a good deal of fun as the sassy Darlene. Laurie Metcalf is here made to wear a rather silly looking wig in the hopes that she'd be more visually convincing as Roseanne's sister.
The ending is just right, with Dan displaying such calm efficiency, during what could have been a tense moment otherwise, that Roseanne is able to reaffirm his value to the household.
Eight out of 10.
