One of the Classics
Written: Sep 06 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: intermingles normal kids with historical themes
Cons: none-a brilliant show
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| dequebec's Full Review: Wonder Years, The |
I am 23 years old. When kids in my generation think of the late 60's and early 70's, we primarily imagine Vietnam War protests, flower children sitting around a little dazed, and all that crazy stuff. The wonderful thing about the Wonder Years is that this show doesn't deny that such things occurred (a la Brady Bunch), but rather depicts them as being PART of the lives that were being led by kids not so different than ourselves.
The Wonder Years is centered around the life of young Kevin Arnold, your slightly-nerdy but not too-scapegoated protaganist. The show highlights the normal comedic teen anguishes Kevin encounters, such as first loves, participating in the school play, and raising a dog. We all have memories of French Class, the cute teacher, class elections, and being in a garage band. We all laugh along with Kevin's struggle to gain independence, accomplished by driving a Chinese food delivery car and sneaking into R-rated films. The show often steps out of the comedic realm, however, and explores more complex topics such as the moment a teen realizes his parents unhappiness, betraying your best friend, and a young man's dealing with an overwhelming sense of inadequacy as he is rejected by the U.S. Army. Era-specific events and trends are brilliantly woven into story lines rather than overpowering them. Kevin's older sister Karen has fascinations with hippie groups, and ultimately defies her parents by moving in with her boyfriend. Kevin's girlfriend, Winnie, never really escaped the sadness of having lost a brother in the war.
In one of the finest scenes I have even viewed on television, a friend of Kevin's brother Wayne returns from fighting in the war. Before leaving the states, this friend was a dorky, goofy young man, quite used to being seen as the class goofball who can't take anything (least of all himself) seriously. When he returned to the states after his service, he attend a high school football game with Wayne. Some kids see him as a hero, asking him with starry eyes if he killed anybody. Other people shout hateful slurs at the veteran. During the game, this kid leaves to take a walk. Wayne finds him, sitting in his underwear, crying. He says "nothing seems to fit anymore." Wayne, usually self-centered and arrogant, begins to unbutton his shirt. Holding the shirt out to his friend he says, "then take mine."
This is an amazing show folks. Whether to expose your kids to your era or to learn about your parents time, you'll enjoy it and benefit from it. oh yeah, you'll also laugh quite a bit.
Happy viewing
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dequebec
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Member: Jennifer
Location: los angeles, CA
Reviews written: 131
Trusted by: 118 members
About Me:
No longer an editor, thanks a bunch Nirav.
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