Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Conners season 5 finaleWhile The Conners season 5 finale seemed set to bring back a Roseanne character, the episode instead ensured that this cast member will now likely never return. The Conners has an uneven history when it comes to cameos from its predecessor Roseanne. On occasion, bringing back fan-favorite characters like Chuckie Mitchell or Roseanne’s aging mother Bev works well for The Conners. This ensures that the spinoff feels like an extension of its predecessor and makes the world of Roseanne and The Conners seem consistent. However, there is a reason that only some of the spinoff’s cameos are successful.

When The Conners brings back Roseanne characters, the show runs the risk of overshadowing its new cast . Stories that center around returning characters from Roseanne can make long-time viewers nostalgic for the ‘90s series. However, these plots can also make the main cast of The Conners (particularly the younger generation of stars) feel superfluous. The proliferation of Roseanne guest stars can mean that The Conners feels like an extension of the original show, leaving the new characters with little purpose. This is why it was something of a relief when Johnny Galecki’s David Healy did not return in the season 5 finale.

Mark’s Graduation Cut David From The Conners Season 5

In The Conners season 5, episode 22, “Grad Finale,” Mark invited his father to his high school graduation. However, after a fight with his mother Darlene over the likelihood of David dropping out, Mark had a change of heart. Mark ended up uninviting David when he realized he saw Ben as his real father. While The Conners season 6 could still technically bring back David if Galecki is available, this seems much less likely now. After all, Ben and Mark’s bonding moment leaves David with no role in the series, since Harris and Darlene have no time for him.

Mark was the last character with a lingering connection to David. Although David was likable but flawed in Roseanne’s original run, both the Roseanne revival and The Conners turned him into a less thoughtful, caring figure. This might have been because Galecki was not available to reprise his role full-time, meaning Darlene was effectively depicted as a single mother to Harris and Mark thanks to David's flakiness. However, it might have been because the showrunners felt this was the best direction to take the character. David always struggled with responsibility, so it does add up that he might never find his footing as a parent.

The Conners Season 6 Doesn’t Need David’s Return

Now that Mark is heading to college, The Conners season 6 wouldn’t have any use for David even if his actor could return. David’s role in Mark’s life was already limited, but the events of “Grad Finale” made it clear that Mark has replaced him. Ben fulfilled the need for a father figure in Mark’s life. Meanwhile, David didn’t even earn an invitation to his son’s graduation let alone a place in his heart. As a result, it looks like viewers have seen the last of Roseanne’s David Healy, and The Conners season 6 seems unlikely to change this.