TV - Movies
The Story Behind
The Triggered
Episode Of The
Conners
By JESSE CLARK
As a sitcom, “The Conners” has been generating laughs for Americans for years, but a Season 4 episode called “Triggered” tackles a serious subject matter in a way that is anything but funny. While there are plenty of comedic moments throughout the episode, a large portion of the material is incredibly disturbing.
In “Triggered,” the Conners are on lockdown due to an active shooting at the mall down the street, only to realize they have family members who are trapped inside. Chronicling the trauma and aftermath, the episode is an all-too-real depiction of how gun violence can turn lives upside down in the blink of an eye.
The episode was created because this terror resonated with families across America. The idea came from a high school teacher from Illinois, who asked cast member Lecy Goranson if they could write something that addressed the country’s gun violence problem.
Goranson brought the idea to executive producer Bruce Helford, sharing the teacher’s intention to let people know they are not alone in feeling scared. In an interview, Helford said it was a "no-brainer" for him from the moment that Goranson pitched the idea, and hoped it sparked discussion.