What Could Have Been: Jackie and Fisher as the Original “Delena” of Roseanne
Television is full of iconic couples whose relationships define entire shows, but some relationships never get the chance to reach their full potential. One of these “what ifs” from TV history is the relationship between Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf) and Fisher (Matt Roth) from Roseanne. While this couple’s short-lived romance ended due to a disturbing storyline involving domestic violence, it’s intriguing to imagine how different things could have been if they had stayed together. In fact, with a bit of revisionist history, Jackie and Fisher could have become an iconic TV couple much like Damon and Elena from The Vampire Diaries—popularly known as “Delena.”
At first glance, comparing Jackie and Fisher to Delena may seem far-fetched. After all, Roseanne and The Vampire Diaries are two vastly different shows, with contrasting tones, themes, and audiences. However, both couples share key dynamics that could have led Jackie and Fisher to be the original “Delena” had the writers chosen a different path for their relationship. By exploring the chemistry, complexity, and potential for growth between Jackie and Fisher, we can imagine an alternate Roseanne universe where they evolved into one of TV’s most beloved couples.
Chemistry and the Potential for Passion
One of the defining elements of Delena’s appeal in The Vampire Diaries is the undeniable chemistry between Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Elena (Nina Dobrev). Their romance is fiery, passionate, and complicated, with an emotional pull that captivated fans for years. Jackie and Fisher, too, had a strong initial attraction that was evident from their early interactions. Fisher, a quiet, handsome furniture store owner, offered Jackie something different from the chaotic relationships she had been in before. Their relationship initially felt refreshing for Jackie, who often struggled with insecurity and instability in her personal life.
Had Roseanne chosen to focus on the positive aspects of Jackie and Fisher’s relationship, there could have been room to explore a deep, passionate connection between the two. Jackie, like Elena, had a history of emotional vulnerability and indecision, and Fisher, like Damon, presented a love interest who was somewhat mysterious and seemingly more stable than Jackie’s previous boyfriends. While their relationship took a dark turn with Fisher’s abusive behavior, the chemistry between the two actors was undeniable. In a different storyline, their connection could have deepened, and their love story might have grown into something that fans rooted for.
Complexity and Emotional Depth
Delena’s relationship is often described as one of moral complexity. Damon is a morally ambiguous character who, despite his flaws and dark past, finds redemption through his love for Elena. Their relationship is built on emotional highs and lows, with moments of vulnerability and tenderness mixed in with tension and conflict. Jackie and Fisher, too, had the potential for a similarly complex dynamic.
Jackie is one of Roseanne’s most layered characters. She is both strong and fragile, confident and insecure. Fisher could have played a role in Jackie’s emotional growth, helping her find stability while also challenging her in ways that made her confront her own fears and insecurities. While Fisher’s character was ultimately written as abusive, it’s possible to imagine a different trajectory for him—one where he struggles with his own demons but chooses to grow alongside Jackie.
Much like Damon and Elena’s relationship, Jackie and Fisher could have had a love story that wasn’t always easy but was deeply emotional and transformative for both characters. The ups and downs of their relationship could have mirrored the struggles many couples face, adding complexity to their storyline and making them more relatable to viewers. This depth is part of what makes Delena so compelling, and Jackie and Fisher had the potential to offer a similar emotional journey.
Redemption and Growth
One of the hallmarks of Delena’s relationship is Damon’s journey toward redemption. Through his love for Elena, Damon becomes a better person, learning to control his darker impulses and becoming more selfless. This narrative of redemption could have also been applied to Fisher. While Roseanne chose to portray him as an abuser, a storyline that ultimately ended their relationship, it’s interesting to consider how Fisher’s character could have been written differently.
In this alternate version of Roseanne, Fisher could have been a flawed but redeemable character. His quiet nature and reserved demeanor hinted at a man with a complicated inner life. Rather than turning him into a one-dimensional villain, the writers could have explored Fisher’s own struggles with vulnerability and emotional expression. Perhaps, like Damon, Fisher had a traumatic past that led him to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. With Jackie’s help, Fisher could have worked through these issues, leading to a relationship that, while not without its challenges, helped both characters grow.
Jackie, too, could have experienced personal growth through her relationship with Fisher. As someone who often struggled with self-esteem and finding stability in her life, Jackie’s journey with Fisher could have helped her become more confident and secure. In many ways, Damon and Elena’s relationship is built on mutual growth, with both characters becoming better versions of themselves through their love for one another. Jackie and Fisher could have followed a similar path, evolving into a couple that overcame their flaws to build something lasting.
Fan Investment and Cultural Impact
Delena became a cultural phenomenon not just because of the characters themselves but because of the fan investment in their relationship. Fans of The Vampire Diaries were deeply divided over who Elena should end up with—Damon or Stefan—and this tension fueled much of the show’s drama. Similarly, if Jackie and Fisher had stayed together, they could have become one of Roseanne’s most discussed and debated couples.
While Roseanne was primarily a family sitcom, the show never shied away from exploring difficult and controversial topics. A complex, evolving relationship like Jackie and Fisher’s could have added a layer of emotional depth to the show that went beyond typical sitcom romances. Fans would have been invested in their journey, debating whether Fisher was truly right for Jackie and whether their relationship could withstand the challenges they faced.
In the world of Roseanne, where characters were often messy and imperfect, a love story like Jackie and Fisher’s could have been both heartbreaking and hopeful—just like Delena’s. Their potential to evolve into one of TV’s most iconic couples might have reshaped how audiences viewed both characters, offering a more nuanced portrayal of love and redemption.
Conclusion: The Road Not Taken
While Jackie and Fisher’s relationship ultimately ended in a storyline of abuse, it’s intriguing to consider what might have been if the writers had taken a different approach. Like Delena, Jackie and Fisher had the potential for a passionate, complex relationship that challenged both characters and captivated fans. In an alternate universe, Jackie and Fisher could have been the original Delena—a couple whose love story was defined by emotional depth, mutual growth, and the ability to overcome their flaws.
Ultimately, Roseanne made the choice to tell a different story, one that highlighted the reality of domestic violence and its impact on victims. This storyline was important and necessary, but it’s also a reminder that television relationships are full of possibilities. In another version of Roseanne, Jackie and Fisher’s love could have been something entirely different—something that left a lasting mark on TV history, just like Delena.
