The Wonder Years Review: The Workplace (Season 1 Episode 4)
The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 4, “The Workplace,” is one of the show’s strongest outings thus far, deftly weaving a poignant and sweet homage to Black women, bolstered by standout performances from Saycon Sengbloh and Elisha Williams.
DEAN: “Pop That Cherry.” Is that another way to eat it?
“The Workplace” showcases the struggles of Black women to gain agency and an equal playing field in the workplace. This episode is a necessary reminder that they’re the backbone of humanity, and we see Lillian Williams unfairly bend over backward to solve every problem at her job.
Despite being the only person with a Master’s degree, Lillian isn’t the boss. So far, The Wonder Years hasn’t shied away from hard-hitting issues — “The Workplace” holds up a mirror and shows us the ugliness of white supremacy; the unpalatable, pervasive microaggressions and blatant racism the Black community faces every day.
“The Workplace” strikes the perfect balance between deep profundity and lightheartedness. Dean’s time with Bill’s band adds a layer of humor that nicely complements the heavier parts of the episode.
DEAN: I guess for a Black woman in the position my mom was in in the 1960s, “working mom” meant you didn’t have a place at anybody’s lunch table.
As per usual, Williams charms as Dean, injecting the young protagonist with the sweet naivete that comes with adolescence and the wisdom that informs Black people’s experiences growing up in 1960s America.
It’s a far cry from Kevin Arnold’s wonder years, but the universal similarities of first loves, first heartbreaks, and the relentless quest to be cool are still present.
Sengbloh doles out a powerhouse performance, imbuing Lillian with a kaleidoscope of nuances while being a bona fide superhero on screen.
The Wonder Years beautifully elevates Black mothers and strengthens the bond between Dean and Lillian. “The Workplace” is equal parts heartfelt and humorous, peppering in Dean’s lack of knowledge when it comes to sexuality and his tenuous grasp on the concept of war.
LILLIAN: Give out before you give up.
“The Workplace” pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities Black women face in the office with aplomb, grace, and in a way that honors their contributions, seen and unseen. Simultaneously, the outing brilliantly frames the vital relationship between a mother and her son, and all the hilarity and tenderness that accompanies it.
Stray Observations:
- Can we petition to get a full-fledged funk rock album from Dulé Hill? His voice is fantastic.
- The sexual innuendos and hints in this episode are hilarious, from Dean mistaking condoms for balloons to Bill’s bandmates noting that “popping a cherry” is another way to eat it “if you do it right.”
- The Wonder Years seems to be embracing the fantastical interludes/breaks from reality with Dean envisioning himself playing in a band called “The Deans” and Lillian’s football sequences in her workplace. They add such a fun layer to the show.
- Here’s hoping we get a response letter from Bruce and we learn more about him in future episodes.
- It’d be interesting to watch Lillian explain to Dean what those “balloons” really are…
What did you think of this episode of The Wonder Years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Wonder Years airs Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.