The Wonder Years Review: Science Fair (Season 1 Episode 8)
The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 8, “Science Fair,” explores Dean’s problems with a school bully through the lens of comic book superheroes and villains. Even though Dean initially views himself as a caped protagonist fighting for justice, his mother, Lillian, swoops in to save the day.
“Science Fair” teaches young Dean a valuable lesson, one that everyone should remember: hurt people hurt people. Chances are, your worst enemy probably suffers from a tragic origin story, whether it’s a broken home life or unimaginable grief.
DEAN: Back then, there was an unspoken agreement that Black parents were allowed to parent not just their own kids, but all the kids in the community.
The episode blatantly yet gracefully shares this message of universal kindness — no bells and whistles or deeply metaphorical story components. Merely, it’s a school bully picking on our lead character, and it’s an all too relatable scenario with an all too relatable lesson.
Sometimes, simplicity is best, and less is undoubtedly more. The Wonder Years harbors plenty of imaginative breaks from reality with Dean’s frequent daydreaming, but the series never bogs down the story with unnecessary frills and trimmings.
DEAN: I’d finally vanquished the supervillain, so why did it feel like I lost?
Saycon Sengbloh steals “Science Fair” with her portrayal of Lillian, imbuing the steadfast, refreshingly straightforward mother with kindness and genuine generosity. We’re no stranger to Lillian’s wellspring of empathy, but the episode kicks it up a notch with her taking Michael under her wing.
Newcomer Jah’Mir Poteat adds depth to Michael the bully, making you feel for him and his plight. The scene at the science fair wherein Dean reveals Michael’s mother is in a mental hospital is downright heartbreaking, and that’s thanks to Poteat’s subtle dramatic work.
Once again, Don Cheadle and Elisha Williams seamlessly fuse older Dean and younger Dean, with Williams’ physicality perfectly complementing Cheadle’s hilarious and sometimes tender dialogue.
LILLIAN: God don’t like ugly, Dean. How you treat people comes back around.
“Science Fair” might not be The Wonder Years‘ strongest outing, especially when compared to the poignant, profound stories in “The Workplace” and “Independence Day,” but it still makes an impact.
Not much happens plot-wise save for the primary storyline. But, again, the show does something not many other programs do — it hones in on a particular plotline, reminding us that a simple statement can touch hearts and transform lives. For that alone, “Science Fair” serves its purpose, and, unlike Dean’s failed science experiment, it performs successfully.
Stray Observations:
- The comic book panels that interweave with Dean’s real-life situation add a masterful touch to the episode.
- Lillian might rank as one of the best TV moms of all time — nobody does it like her. Bill is undoubtedly one of the coolest TV dads.
- Ah, the junior high science fair, where you’ll find an overabundance of paper mâché volcanoes and potato clocks.
- “Science Fair” proves how timeless comic books are and how superheroes like Spider-Man and the Hulk resonate with kids of all generations.
- Is there anything worse than your crush thinking you’re a “wimp” when you’re a teen?
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.