The Conners might be Laurie Metcalf’s best-known comedy show, but she finally has a worthy successor in Netflix’s new crime-comedy. From 1988 to 1996, Metcalf gained a name for herself as Jackie Harris on Roseanne. In 2018, she returned for season 10, which was intended as a revival. However, Roseanne Barr had to get written off, which should have been the end of things.
Roseanne’s departure actually allows other characters to shine in The Conners, though. Without the former lead, others get more time and attention, especially Jackie. When the show ends in 2025, questions came up about where she will go next.
Metcalf’s most recognizable roles have been in sitcoms, so everyone kind of expected that she would continue in comedy. Surprisingly, all four of her projects have been completely different. She played Ed Gein’s mother in the cast of Monster, the mother of a brilliant musician in Everybody Digs Bill Evans, and a killer mother in Scream 7.
While she’s been great in each role, fans of The Conners have longed to see her back in comedy again. Fortunately, Laurie Metcalf’s Big Mistakes is a worthy comedy replacement. The story follows two dysfunctional siblings, Morgan and Nicky, who get blackmailed into working for a crime boss. Metcalf plays their erratic mother, Linda, in the dark comedy, and The Conners fans won’t be able to get enough of her.
Laurie Metcalf’s Performance Is The Best Part Of Netflix’s Big Mistakes
Although my review of Big Mistakes for ScreenRant was largely critical, I heavily praised the show’s cast. All are great, but two cast members stand out among the rest: Boran Kuzum and Laurie Metcalf. One is a breakout star, and the other is an acting legend.
Dan Levy knew that he needed to raise the bar when Metcalf signed on. He toldThem, “She only makes you better. She’s a force. And as a writer, it was like, ‘Oh, we’ve got to up the bar. Laurie Metcalf’s walking on set.’ You’ve got to make sure that script is tight if Laurie Metcalf is there.”
Although he didn’t necessarily achieve that with the overall story, he certainly achieved it with Metcalf’s character.
Metcalf’s Linda is a loud, overly critical mother who pits her children against each other. In any other actor’s hands, she would be completely detestable. However, Linda quickly becomes a character you’ll be dying to see onscreen thanks to Laurie Metcalf’s impeccable comedic timing and emotional resonance.
Linda has witty one-liners and laugh-out-loud moments. She always has the perfect response to the ridiculousness that’s happening around her. At one point, she stands up for her lipstick, punching a guy while wearing kids’ face paint.
Plus, Laurie Metcalf has one moment towards the end of Big Mistakes that transforms Linda from just hilarious and likable into one of the most empathetic, complex characters in the show. Her flaws make a lot more sense as her background is revealed.
Laurie Metcalf Has A History Of Playing Comedically Dysfunctional Characters
Metcalf thrives in this type of role. Her Rosanne character fits the “dysfunctional” bill, even more so in The Conners. Jackie Harris is the definition of insecure neuroticism. Throughout Lady Bird, the actor manages to add some dramedy to her volatile character. In Getting On, Dr. Jenna James is selfish and overbearing, yet fun to watch.
Sadly, Laurie Metcalf has consistently been snubbed at awards shows for her comedy roles, except for Hacks and Roseanne. She’s a comedic genius and deserves so much more appreciation.
Laurie Metcalf Makes The Most Unlikable Characters Into Fan-Favorites
Even though she has many strengths, the biggest thing that sets her apart from other actors is that she turns the most unlikable characters into fan favorites. Linda’s meanness initially put me off the character in Big Mistakes, but she turned it around quickly. Debbie Salt is a detestable villain in Scream, but she’s still one of the most loved Ghostfaces.
Mary Cooper is an insufferable religious zealot, but Laurie Metcalf makes her someone fans still wanted around in The Big Bang Theory. Marjory McCarthy is another mother who gives her love selectively to her children, ranking one as the “best,” but she steals the show. Ultimately, Big Mistakes just shows that, after almost 50 years onscreen, she’s still got it.