Roseanne character update: David Jacob (DJ) Conner, brother and friend

Roseanne returns to ABC. What is in store for us? Let’s check in on DJ Conner…

It’s not every day you get to see something you cherished growing up come back to you after it’s gone. Roseanne returning to network television is not only a blessing but to have the original cast is more than exciting.

Since the debut return is on March 27, I decided to timeline the original characters from where they first started to where it will continue to go. Bringing in those that we fondly remember, Roseanne, Dan, D.J., Becky, Darlene, and Jackie. I will also touch on those that drove the story forward: David, Mark, Crystal, and Beverly (Roseanne’s mom).

In one last tribute, I will bring in the minor characters that will also be coming back: Anne-Marie, Chucky, Nancy, and the second Becky, who will now be the surrogate to the original. Then the newcomers, Mary (DJ’s daughter), Mark (Darlene and David’s son), and Harris (Darlene and David’s daughter).

Next up, DJ…

David Jacob (DJ) Conner is the second youngest of the four siblings. He is the brother of Darlene, Becky, and Jerry. As we see his sisters gravitate toward either their mother or father, DJ was always a middle of the road wherever the wind blows type of child.

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Always helpful, he took upon himself to help those in his family. If his dad needed a buddy to watch the game with, DJ would be there, even though he had a lack of passion for sports. In one episode, DJ took care of the countdown timer to when Roseanne’s pregnancy test strip would be ready.

Even though partly invisible due to a lack of outward mischief, he wasn’t very good at hiding things. For instance, his sisters found two shoe boxes one filled with doll heads and the other body parts. He got caught spying on his older sister Becky and the neighbor changing clothes.

Quite strange, DJ would decide it was coffee time at eight years old, pouring himself a mug after waking up, as he has done 1,000 times never. When I asked Michael Fishman about the character DJ he stated: 

"D.J. was more pugnacious. I suppose we are both odd in our own ways. I would say D.J., and I share an open, accepting heart. We can be outspoken but kind. D.J. always had an openness I cultivated. His acceptance of different people, ideas or positions. I’d say we are most alike in our curiosity."

He didn’t connect much with the oldest, Becky; she was a few years older and out chasing boys. With Darlene, it was a definite a love-hate relationship. He would antagonize her as much as possible, and she retaliated chasing him through the house. At one time she pushed his head into the wall to mark how much he has grown through the years. Darlene would also use him as a guinea pig; once putting him on a plank to shoot him through the ceiling. Luckily, Roseanne saved him putting a stop to that chaos.

The love for his sisters was always there. In one episode, he tells Darlene that he missed her when she was away at college. He also teamed up with his siblings to help them get what they wanted from his parents

Next: Roseanne character update: David, Mark, Beverly, and Crystal

When DJ got older, he found an interest in filming. He turned his room into a poster board of Steven Spielberg and eventually moved down to the basement. Roseanne had hoped he would create his own studio. He was serious enough about this hobby that he filmed Darlene giving birth and created a stop-motion clay-animated film.

In season 10, DJ has a daughter (Mary) with someone he met while in the military. She is still overseas, and it is unclear why his wife is not with him. Also, we are unsure why DJ has returned to Lanford, perhaps to introduce Mary to the family?

Check my update on Roseanne, Dan, Becky, Darlene Conner and Jackie Harris

Roseanne Season 10, Episode 1, premieres March 27 on ABC.