Reconciling the two Roseannes has never been easy, says Matthew Gilbert. "The real Roseanne has long been an annoying, illogical, moody, impulsive star who breaks things — such as the national anthem — because she wants to. She is the Tabloid Roseanne, and her pranks are exhausting and offensive," he says. On the other hand, he adds that Roseanne's Roseanne Conner "has always been less complicated and more positive. She has been a symbol of working-class pride, a woman who says what she wants despite the cultural signals that urge her to stay submissive, and a wife and mother willing to do anything for her family." ALSO: Roseanne fans are having to defend Roseanne Barr's controversial personal beliefs.
TOPICS: Roseanne, ABC, Roseanne Barr, Revivals, Trump Presidency