The Wonder Years
March 21st 2008 01:18
While it still had its cheesy moments, the Wonder Years was a huge step away from the norm of the 80’s.
The day to day struggles of Kevin Arnold was universal, no matter what decade you lived in, or what language you spoke, infact I think it was one of the greatest shows ever made.
The amazing thing about the show is how well it still holds up today. I recently watched seasons 4 through 6, and while there were obviously a few shockers, the Wonder Years still packs a punch.
Dwayne is a great standout that gives the show a little comedy relief, but also shows great depth in the later episodes – a great example is when his best friend comes back from Nam (Dwayne was originally supposed to go with him).
There was his super-geek friend Paul Pfeiffer, who eventually became a better basketballer than Kevin, much to his dismay.
It’s funny how harsh Winnie is on replay – but, so is Kevin. I guess it was more realistic than I remembered.
Do you remember when they went to the lake for summer and Kevin met Cara?
What about when he had to paint the dragon on his car for his job at the Chinese restaurant.
Do you remember when Karen left home?
Or any of the number of times Becky Slater punched out Kevin?
One of the distinct aspects was the most famous narrative voice-over a show ever had.
Brilliant lines that have been ripped off constantly since:
Narrator: I’d really had enough of Paul.
Kevin: I’ve really had enough of you Paul!
Jack Arnold is an absolute classic, and my favourite character. While he plays the heartless and hard-working Dad most of the time – when he does show his softer side, it’s all the more effective.
There’s a great scene is the famous “Madeline’ story arc where Kevin comes home from Paul Pfeiffer’s party after seeing the all-alluring siren Winnie Cooper with her new boyfriend. He curses out Winnie, dumps Madeline and storms out.
He accidently stumbles upon Jack in the garage.
- Remember this is from the tough-as-nails Korean War vet that spent the last 5 years yelling and grumbling at his family.
(Not verbatim)
Jack: ‘How are things going?’
Kevin: ‘Okay’
Jack: ‘...with Winnie I mean’
Kevin: ‘Well, things are pretty much over with us now.’
Jack: ‘I guess it must hurt a lot, doesn’t it?’
Kevin: ‘I guess so...’
Jack: ‘Wish I could say it gets easier.’
Cue music.
Kevin: ‘Can we go inside’
Jack embraces his son and they go inside.
Jack: ‘You just hang in there now’
You don’t get character development like that anymore.
The scene:
Also, someone was kind enough to upload this entire pivotal episode.
So you can go watch ‘Denial’ and its prelude episode ‘Heartbreak' HERE
So you can go watch ‘Denial’ and its prelude episode ‘Heartbreak' HERE
Jets jacket, green lawns, highschool lockers, droning teachers. All these things made Wonder Years what it was.
“Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers; the next day you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul.”
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Comment by James Rickard
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Nomad (awesome dude)
Comment by Jarrah
Back to the Eighties
I think once they got busted the job was over or something...
Comment by Anonymous
I just had to stop myself from crying from that scene!
It really was the best show wasnt it
Comment by katyzzz
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Well done and obviously well received.
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