During its first three seasons, The Wonder Years became one of ABC's most prestigious series, as well as one of its biggest successes. It had apparently come out of nowhere and went on to win numerous Emmy Awards, including the 1988 Emmy for best comedy and the 1990 Emmys for best writing and directing.
Examining the critical and ratings success of the series, the network decided to move it to Wednesday nights where it could open the night and, hopefully, pump new ratings blood into the aging Growing Pains. While his hopes are that The Wonder Years will hold on to its audience, Bob Brush points out that he doesn't concem himself with the move at all.
"We have no control over the placement of the series on the schedule," he says. "All we can do is the same job we've been doing."
One departure from the series between seasons was Todd W. Langen, who has decided to pursue a career in films. "I love the show," he emphasizes, "but other career things beckon me. It's funny, because I absolutely love the show and think it's the best half hour on television. It's ironic that partially because of my success on the show, it's almost taken me away from the show because of the offers I've received in other arenas, particularly features."
"Growing Up"
Original Airdate 9/19/90
Written by Bob Brush
Directed by Michael Dinner
Summer 1970. We learn that Wayne has bought a car, Karen is accepted to college and Kevin kissed Winnie under the bleachers at the Fourth of July celebration. Things are great between Kevin and Winnie, having survived a whole summer of a "long distance" relationship.
Unfortunately, things are tense in the Arnold household (what else is new?). Wayne's got a new girlfriend, Angela, who's truly a pig, having the audacity to ask Jack if he's going to eat the food on his fork when he pauses for a moment to talk. Additionally, Karen is taking courses in college like "Hindu Philosophy," which ticks Jack off to no end, and everyone just seems to be getting on each other's nerves. To help soothe things over, Norma suggests that the family go to Jack's company picnic. The kids don't want to, but Norma wins out. Enroute, the mood lightens a bit as Kevin, Karen, Norma and Jack reflect on picnics past, laughing at the memories. This joyous spirit is short lived, however, as Wayne smashes his car into the family's as they come to a stop.
As the picnic gets underway, spirits seem to have dampened. One of Jack's associates invites him to play on the company softball team, which excites Kevin until Jack squashes any hopes of his participation in the game. Kevin's mood brightens a bit when he meets former Tom boy Mimi, who has, shall we say, developed since the last time he saw her. The duo take a rowboat out on the lake, where Mimi admits that she's always liked and looked up to Kevin. The boy's mood darkens again when he learns that Mimi's father, who Jack has always considered the company fool, was promoted right over him. With that bit of information, Kevin states that he wants to row back, until one of the oars slips into the water. Mimi suggests that they go swimming, but Kevin things that's a ridiculous idea, because they're not wearing their bathing suits. "Who needs bathing suits?" is Mimi's matter-of-fact response. Kevin gets instantly flustered, starts stuttering and is about to fall into a state of shock as Mimi begins to lift her shirt over her head and he slips out of the boat and into the water.
Back on land, Kevin's mood is not a good one, particularly after Jack teases him in front of some other men. Kevin loudly declares that he's playing in the softball game. Later, during the game, Kevin is the only kid on the team. Jack pitches some balls and Kevin, who is angry over this whole day, makes some snide comments about Mimi's father's promotion. Infuriated, Jack throws a fast ball, which Kevin actually strikes, and he begins running. By the time he gets to third base, he learns that the ball he hit struck Jack right in the head. Not knowing what else to do, Kevin runs off and spends the remainder of the day thinking.
That night, Kevin meets up with a devastated Wayne. Angela dumped him, and he doesn't know how to deal with it. Kevin tries being a good brother, providing supportive words, but Wayne shuts him up on every turn. Jack, bandage on head, approaches them. Wayne, expecting some serious fireworks, runs off. Jack, surprisingly, talks to Kevin about his co-worker's promotion, apologizing to him for not telling him himself. They joke about Kevin's "lucky shot." Later, the family gathers around a burning fire at the picnic, joining a sing-a-long. Older Kevin notes that it was time for the family to address the future, and accept the fact that they're all growing up, which is an undeniable aspect of life.
At episode's end, Karen sets off for college. At that moment, there is a beautiful transition to an old home movie look, as though the Arnolds in 1990 are watching old films of the event. A lovely touch.
The biggest flaw of "Growing Up" are its striking similarities to season three's opening episode, "Summer Song." There are certainly enough differences to make this an enjoyable episode. After all, even an average episode of The Wonder Years is better than 90% of the shows on television.
"Ninth Grade Man"
Original Airdate 9/26/90
Written by Jill Gordon
Directed by Daniel Stern
Guest Starring: Charles Tyner (Mr. Nestor), Julie Condra
(Madeline), Julie Payne (Miss Falcinella), Crystal McKellar
(Becky Slater), Tony Nitolli (Tony Barbella), Blake Super (Shop
Kid), Josh Berman (Guillomme), Robert Picardo (Cutlip)
Older Kevin discusses evolution; how things in life change. It's the week before school begins. Kevin, Paul and Winnie are at the local pizza place. Paul is freaking out about starting ninth grade, and Winnie about beginning life in a new school. Kevin reassures her that their love will get them through, and Winnie counters by saying they have to think of each other every hour on the hour for the first day in school. Kevin agrees.
Kevin feels confident about beginning ninth grade, until the school day actually begins. He is accosted by bully Tony Barbella, who makes claim to his locker, and Becky Slater, who expresses her hatred for him. Kevin had introduced her to Craig Hobson (actually, she ran him over with her bike last season), and Craig broke up with her and went to military school. As Becky so delicately puts it, she doesn't get mad ... she gets even. One has to wonder why she and Wayne don't get together, as they're both such angry people.
At 11:58, Kevin looks at the classroom clock, knowing that in two minutes Winnie is going to be thinking of him. Suddenly his life becomes more complicated, when he is truck by the beauty of classmate Madeline, and she seems to take an instant liking for him. Naturally, he doesn't think of Winnie at noon, which adds guilt to his menu of emotions that day.
Later, Paul finds himself stuck in chemistry (a course he didn't want), and Kevin is given industrial arts-in other words, shop. Incredulous, Kevin goes to speak to the teacher, but the man is absentminded, hard of hearing and just plain weird. He does ultimately say he'll let Kevin switch out of his class, if he wins an arm-wrestling match. Older Kevin notes that it wasn't even lunch time, and things were off to a smashing start.
At lunch the cherry is put on Kevin's cake as Becky dumps milk all over his lunch. Afterwards, in French class, Kevin is surprised to see Madeline, who speaks the language fluently. Fantasy time, as Kevin images he and Madeline are speaking to each other in French. What follows is the translation as revealed via subtitles.
Madeline: "I've waited for you all my life."
Kevin: "Do you want some butter?"
Madeline: ... The moment I saw you, I knew there was no one else."
Kevin: "Do you want some butter?"
Madeline: "You fill my heart .... you haunt my mind."
Kevin: "Do you want some butter?"
Brilliantly comical moment, as it makes perfect sense that even in a fantasy, Kevin would only speak the words of the language he knows. Fantasy ended, he finds himself standing in the middle of the classroom, softly saying Madeline's name. The class laughs, while Madeline smiles at him.
Kevin goes to see the guidance counsellor, who, it seems, is out for most of the fall. In his place is Coach Cudip. Reluctantly, Kevin starts to spill his guts about how the ninth grade isn't what he thought it would be, how he has no locker and how his classes are all wrong. Cutlip contemplates this for a moment, and just for the barest of instances we and Kevin think he might have something useful to offer. Naturally, he doesn't. He admits that what Kevin has brought to him is a complex problem that can only be solved in one way: running laps.
Outside, Kevin is running, when the girl track team approaches. Everyone but Becky stops running. Kevin sees her approaching him and picks up his speed. Becky starts running next to him, and older Kevin notes that this might be the kind of competition the two of them need to setde their differences. For a time the duo are neck and neck, but it is Kevin who ultimately wins the race, leaping up and down in slow motion like Rocky Balboa on top of the museum steps in the original film of that series. Becky's response is to deliver a humiliating punch to Kevin's stomach, which sends him down to the ground, gasping for air. A moment later, Madeline is standing there, smiling. She thanks Kevin for being so nice to her, because it's difficult being the new girl in school. She kisses him, smiles and joins the other girls on the track team as they walk away.
That night, plagued by all that has happened that day, he goes to the pizza place and sees Winnie waiting for him. We see the love in their eyes, and can sense the satisfaction Kevin feels at having at least one constant in his life that's working out the way it's supposed to. But, like the rest of his day, things get screwed up when Madeline walks in, sees Kevin with Winnie and goes to the jukebox. Winnie rests her head on Kevin's shoulder, noting, 'You don't know how hard it is to be the new girl in school." The final shot is of Madeline looking over her shoulder at Kevin, and the look on Kevin's face revealing that he's in deep trouble.
Don't know about that Kev. He finally gets Winnie and his eyes start wandering. So young, so much to learn, so much dramatic fodder for future episodes.
"The Journey"
Original Airdate 10/3/90
Written by Jeffrey Speakoff
Directed by Peter Werner
Guest Starring: John Anthony (Walter), Michael Tricario
(Randy), Brandon Crane (Doug), Sara Lundy (Girl #1), Stacey Young
(Girl #2), Robert Picardo (Cutlip)
Accompanied by clips from war films, older Kevin compares adolescence to war. You try to do the right thing at a crazy time, but there is a noble side to war, where you forge friendships, bringing together the good, the bad and the ugly. We cut to gym class where Cutlip is instructing the class in a sport that will help refine their reflexes: dodge ball. Naturally, it's a slaughter for the boys, as their fellow classmates take pleasure in hitting each other with balls, doing their best to knock each other down. The overall thought one has is who came up with the idea of this sport in the first place? It seems like an open invitation to take out all of your hostilities on someone else and not get in trouble for it. Anyway, we digress....
In the locker room, a kid named Walter informs everyone that there is a slumber party taking place that Friday night at the home of a local high school girl. It is Walter's intention that they crash the party. Kevin is resistant, although Paul definitely wants to go. Later, Doug Porter tells them that Walter's sister said that bringing beers will be the ticket they need to get inside the party. While fantasies of sex fill their young minds, with everyone but Kevin enthusiastic over the idea.
On Friday night, Kevin and Paul are camping out in the former's back yard. They are joined by the other kids, who want to use the tent as a waiting place for Walter, who's bringing beers with him. Walter shows up and reveals the beer. Suddenly the tent collapses, thanks to Wayne, who starts beating up on Kevin all but three of the beers. Older Kevin informs us that at that moment, he realizes that there are some things worth fighting for .... no matter how stupid they might be. He joins his comrades and they slowly make their way towards the slumber party.
Enroute, they imagine a station wagon is a police car, and leap behind some bushes. Doug hurts his ankle and Kevin breaks one of the bottles of beer. Everyone heads to Walter's house so that he can sneak out more beers. Unfortunately, Walter walks in the house, is caught by his mother and grounded. It is Paul who steps forward and delivers what to their young minds is an awe-inspiring speech. They must go forward on their mission. That is exactly what they do, right into the midst of a raging thunder and rain storm.
Finally, they arrive at the address. They see the silhouettes of the girls through the shades. Paul whispers to Kevin that he's scared, because he's a virgin (like they're really going to get sex!) Then, one of the boys go up to the window and one of the girls peer out at them. After a moment, she dismisses them as ninth graders and pulls the shade closed again.
The boys head back home, uniting in having at least accomplished their mission. There may not have been any booty waiting for them, but at least they put a goal before themselves, and achieved it. And yes, Paul remained a virgin that night.
Not a great episode, but certainly one that provides its own share of enjoyment. Looking back at it and the scene where Wayne beats up on Kevin, when are we going to get a story in which Wayne gets a taste of his own medicine? If anyone deserves it, he does.
"The Cost of Living"
Original Airdate 10/10/90
Written by Mark Levin
Directed by Nick Marck
Guest Starring: Alan Fude (Ken Stein), Justin Whalin (Mark
Kovinsky), Brandon Crane (Doug Porter), Cal Gibson (Caddy
Master), Eric Foster (Kid)
Jack is doing the bills, resulting in his frustration at the level of "out-go" compared to income. He calls the boys in for their weekly allowance, creaking open his wallet to the sound of a mausoleum door slowly swinging open. He gives Wayne four dollars and Kevin two dollars, then closes it to the same sound effect. Wayne complains about his expenses while Kevin accepts what he gets.
In school the next day, Doug Porter is complaining about the price of an ice cream cone, while Paul moans about the fact that his five dollar allowance just isn't enough to get him through the week. Kevin is stunned that Paul gets so much, and realizes that something has to be done about it.
That night, Kevin plans on speaking to Jack, until the man comes in, complaining that the new manager, Ken Stein, is busting his hump. Kevin nonetheless asks him about a raise in allowance, and Jack's response is to say that it will require extra chores. "I work hard for my money," says Jack, "and so will you." Kevin has absolutely no problem with that, and in a montage we see him really breaking his back working around the house. The result: one dollar more in allowance.
Kevin talks to Mark Kovinsky and learns that the youth is making over $20 a week working as a caddy at a local golf course. Jack doesn't like the idea, but before he can say anything, the phone rings and it's Ken Stein. Kevin hears him say, "That's what I'm here for. Whatever you say, Ken." Then he hangs up and is obviously angry. At that moment, Kevin considers Kovinsky's words and realizes that it's time he become his own man, despite Jack's feelings, and signs up.
That weekend, Kevin gets ready to go to work, while Jack is on the phone, agreeing to meet with Ken, once again muttering, "Whatever you say, Ken."
At the golf course, Kevin is assigned to Ken as caddy, and as such is with his father, who pretends he doesn't know him. As the game continues, Ken is doing great, while Jack keeps screwing up. Ken rubs the apparent victory in Jack's face.
Ken goes off to get some refreshments, and while they're alone Jack asks Kevin if he's alright, suggesting that Ken finish with another caddy. Missing his father's concern, Kevin snaps that he's fine. Their conversation is interrupted by Ken who rejoins them, suggesting that Jack's poor performance may have something to do with the fact that his clubs are old and cheap. Jack's only response is to say, "Let's just see what these old clubs can do."
The game continues and we see that Jack was holding back. Suddenly his whole attitude changes and he starts winning, with Ken screwing up. His superior attitude alters. At the last hole, Ken screws up and in frustration throws his club into the lake, demanding that Kevin go into the water and get it. Kevin hesitates and ultimately responds, "Whatever you say, Ken," not missing the irony. Looking at Kevin in the water, Jack purposely screws up so that ken wins, thus making sure that Kevin gets a good tip.
Afterwards, Kevin is given $10, and, having gained a new respect for his father, offers to buy him lunch. As we see the two of them eating, older Kevin tells us that this was the first time that he had taken the time to thank his father for all he had given him.
Pass a tissue please.
Like "Coda" and "Summer Song...... The Cost of Living" presents an enjoyable little story, but caps it off in such a way that the preceding events suddenly become that much more poignant. Not since season one's "My Father's Office" and season three's "Tree House" has Jack and Kevin been so close. In the author's mind, this only reaffirms the belief that in the ensuing years, the two men would become extremely close.
"It's a Mad, Mad Madeline World"
Original Date 10/24/90
Written by Eric Gilliland
Directed by Rob Thompson
Guest Starring: Julie Condra (Madeline), Michael Tricario
(Randy), Julie Payne (Mrs. Falcinella), John 0'Leary (Jeweler),
Josh Berman (Harold), Ben Stein (Mr. Cantwell)
Winnie gives Kevin an I.D. bracelet for their anniversary. They make a date for the movies the following night.
At school, we learn that Kevin hasn't said anything to Madeline since the day she kissed him. In French class, the students are given the assignment of cooking a French dish that they will have to prepare in teams of two. Choosing names out of a bowl, Madeline picks Kevin. At lunch, Randy emphasizes that anything can happen with Kevin and Madeline alone in her house. Paul comments that Kevin is going out with Winnie Cooper and is practically married. The other boys leave and Madeline joins Kevin at the table, asking what they should cook. She suggests chocolate mousse. She then compliments his I.D. bracelet, which he says he got from his girlfriend, Winnie Cooper. She calls Winnie special, which allays his fears of being alone with her. Later, Kevin breaks his date with Winnie, who emphasizes that doing his homework is the right thing to do. One thing you can't deny, that Winnie is quite a gal.
That night at Madeline's, they begin preparing the mousse. Things go great, with the two of them having a wonderful time. Kevin panics, however, when Madeline asks him to taste the chocolate on her finger. This moment is built up hilariously as the ultimate temptation. Kevin is clearly tempted, but he runs out of the house and starts riding his bike home, until he realizes he left his bracelet at her house.
Next morning, he rides his bike down to Winnie's bus stop, which surprises her in a delightful sort of way. Then she notices the bracelet isn't on his wrist, but he lies to her, stating that he doesn't wear it while he's riding to make sure that nothing happens to it. Kevin promises to wear it for their date at the movies that night. Winnie calls him "the best" and boards her bus.
At school, Kevin says he needs his bracelet for that night's date with Winnie at the movies in town. Madeline states that she doesn't have it on her, so Kevin will have to go to her house that evening to get it. In class, Kevin turns to Paul for advice and is told he should buy a new bracelet. Later, he goes to a jewelry store and purchases a new one, which he has engraved. Kevin arrives home and is horrified to see that the inscription on the bracelet is "Kevin Amold." He has to go to Madeline's house now.
He gets there, knocks on the door, but there is no answer. We can see that he's nauseous.
At the movies, Kevin does everything he can to hid his wrist so as to keep Winnie from noticing the missing bracelet. Suddenly, Madeline walks into the theatre and sits down behind the couple. Kevin starts sweating and breathing nervously. With no choice, he starts to tell Winnie about his bracelet. Then, Madeline's hand comes between them and hands the bracelet back, with her explaining that Kevin must have dropped it on the floor.
At episode's end, Kevin states that he and Winnie are united forever, as he clasps the bracelet closed. A second later, it slips off his wrist to the floor.
The last five minutes of "It's a Mad, Mad, Madeline World" are just terrific, with the audience going through a wide variety of emotions as Madeline enters the theatre and has the sheer audacity to sit behind them. 'Men she does something so kind at the end. Great manipulation of an audience.
The final image of the bracelet slipping to the floor is a terrific one, foreshadowing things to come.
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COPYRIGHT © 1991 BY EDWARD GROSS.
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