Ailens was the 25th episode and the season finale of Season 4 of Roseanne, also the 97th overall series episode. Written by Jeff Abugov, and Joel Madison from an original story by Madison with Ron Nelson, the episode was directed by Andrew D. Weyman. It originally aired on ABC-TV on May 12, 1992.
Synopsis[]
DJ's spelling-bee triumph is a welcome bright spot as Rodbell's luncheonette closes down and Dan's bike shop continues its slow descent. Becky is upset to find out there is no college fund set up, and regrets getting good grades for nothing. Meanwhile, Nancy is heartbroken when Arnie leaves her, especially when he claims he was abducted by aliens.
Plot summary[]
In the fourth season finale, the Conner family is once again facing a grim financial future. Roseanne and Bonnie lose their jobs after Rodbells decides to close the lunchonette and turn it into a bargain bin. Dan comes to the realization that the bike shop is not going to turn around.
All is not lost however, because DJ is discovered to be the "very best speller in all of Lanford." The entire family attends his spelling bee competition (even reluctant Becky) to cheer him on!
Nancy learns Arnie has left her, leaving behind a note indicating he has been abducted - by aliens from outer space. The post-credits scene reveals that this is true.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Roseanne Arnold as Roseanne Conner
- John Goodman as Dan Conner
- Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris
- Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner
- Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner
- Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner
- Natalie West as Crystal Anderson
Guests[]
- Tom Arnold as Arnie Thomas
- Sandra Bernhard as Nancy Bartlett
- Martin Mull as Leon Carp
- Bonnie Sheridan as Bonnie Watkins
- Mark Blum as Mike Summers
- Anne Gee Byrd as Teacher
- Taylor Fry as Nicole
- Joey Simmrin as Roger
- Steve Kramer as Roger's Father
- Clint Allmon as Alien #1
- Jeff Heston as Alien #2
Trivia[]
- This marks Bonnie Watkins (Bonnie Sheridan) last ever appearance on the series. Despite being a close friend of Roseanne's, she is never mentioned again and no explanation is given for her disappearance.
- After being in use since the first episode ("The Test") of Season 3, this episode marks the final use of the current title sequence where the family is playing poker. Brief snippets of this title sequence will be used again in the Season 7 episode "All About Rosey".
- This is the final episode to have Natalie West (Crystal Anderson) as a regular. She will be removed off the title sequence by next season, and be reduced to a recurring character.
- Jeff Heston and Clint Allmon will return again as aliens for a cameo appearance in the next season episode "Stand on Your Man".
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