ABC
February 25, 1997
Sitcom
DVD
B+
Barr wrote the story that Drew Ogier turned into a teleplay, and it shows what they were capable of when they stuck to the family dynamic and left out the lottery etc. Yes, Roseanne wants to use her money to help her granddaughter survive, but the episode is mostly about the emotions that this closeknit, if often bickering family goes through when Darlene gives birth prematurely and the baby has a small chance of survival. (Darlene is still only twenty-eight weeks along, so the pregnancy math on this series remains screwy.) I cried more than once, partly because I've grown to love these characters again, especially David and Darlene, and it's hard to see them in such pain. Galecki and Gilbert really step up to the acting challenge, particularly together. Goodman is of course another standout, as he helps David stay strong for Darlene. The idea of baby Harris being healed by love is corny, but it's all well done. I realize not every Season Nine episode could be like this, not without crossing into permanent dramedy status, but I'm glad that they at least made this one.
Rick Fitts played Martin Jackson on Generations, but not on the episodes I reviewed; he was a Reporter on Ellen and is a nameless Doctor here. Michael Des Barres was also on Ellen, as Nigel the Director, and had played two previous Roseanne roles before his appearance here as Dr. Phillips. Dann Florek returns as Dr. Rudmen.
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