Roseanne: Why Jackie Became a Trucker

Roseanne: Why Jackie Became a Trucker
ABC
October 1, 1991
Sitcom
DVD
B

Chuck Lorre wrote this episode which does indeed explain why Jackie becomes a trucker.  She runs into Gary offscreen and becomes depressed, especially since he's now engaged.  Also offscreen, she gets drunk and sleeps with Arnie, who's still engaged to Nancy.  But we don't know this when the episode opens and it looks like the plot is going to be about D.J. wanting to keep the dog he got in a trade with a friend.  Dan has a poker night, including Leon, so Roseanne has a girls' night out.  But Jackie is more depressed than ever and when she tells the other women, they're horrified.  (We learn that Arnie went to high school with Roseanne and her friends.)  Meanwhile, the guys are surprised to find out Leon is gay but they're mostly accepting.  (Arnie has a funny line where he swaps out Andy Griffith for sleeping with Melanie Griffith.)  Anyway, Jackie decides to make some changes in her life, so, yes, she's going to become a trucker.

I again have to omit James Pickens, Jr. because of excessive tags, but he does have a funny line about "gay Bill in Chicago."  Michael Traeger wouldn't return as Marvin till '94.