Prose seems to fall short in conveying my adoration for and identification with Aunt Jackie, Roseanne’s much-maligned younger sister from the pioneering blue-collar, feminist sitcom “Roseanne.” Thankfully the profound simplicity of the haiku poetic form captures the essence of my emotions, and acts as the perfect balm to Jackie Harris’s frazzled disposition.
Aunt Jackie was brilliantly brought to life by actress Laurie Metcalf (formerly of the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago), who earned three consecutive Emmy awards for her glorious performance. Where Roseanne is always in control — the large-and-in-charge domestic goddess with a knowing quip always at the ready — gangly Jackie was a volatile bundle of neuroses, barely able to keep it all together. Known for her striking outfits and her persistent relationship and occupational troubles, Jackie mirrored the delirious mess we each carry within us (better hidden perhaps but not any tidier than hers). With her crying jags and wiry physicality, Jackie cut a potent tragicomic figure.
Roseanne Barr, “Roseanne: A Stash from the Past” (S6E04, 1994)
Plastics factory
Cop, trucker, restaurateur
Who are you today?
*
The men in your life
Booker, Fisher, Fred, Andy
Love is not enough
Roseanne Barr, “Roseanne” (1988-97)
Roseanne Barr, “Roseanne: Past Imperfect” (S6E20, 1994)
Sixty guys or so
“I didn’t know all of them”
Doomed to spinsterhood
*
Bruises on your back
Very special episode
Domestic violence
Roseanne Barr, “Roseanne: Crime and Punishment” (S5E13, 1993)
They dominate you
Vulnerable, unstable
Youngest sister’s lot
*
There to do laundry
All you want is some respect
Get lecture instead
Roseanne Barr, “Roseanne: The Little Sister” (S2E2, 1989)
Navajo sweater
Fringed jackets, jumpsuits, mom jeans
A fashion icon
*
Neck muscles straining
No one does hysterical
Quite like you do, friend
Roseanne Barr, “Roseanne: Skeleton In The Closet” (S7E6, 1994)
36 years old
Flabby arm, pelican neck
And no one loves me
Roseanne Barr, “Thats Our Rosey (The Best of Jackie) Volume 1” (2010)
“Roseanne” is available on YouTube and on DVD. Jackie highlights include “Little Sister” and “Why Jackie Becomes a Trucker.”
– Jon Davies
