The Wonder Years Review: Lads and Ladies and Us (Season 1 Episode 10)
The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 10, “Lads and Ladies and Us,” the show’s first episode of 2022, doesn’t pack as much of a punch as the previous outing. That said, it explores significant territory.
“Lads and Ladies and Us” boasts a simple premise — the Williams family applies for membership to a high-society, exclusive club to broaden Dean and Kim’s horizons. Dean finally feels like he belongs when he bonds with a group of science-oriented kids.
ADULT DEAN: Kim and I both knew that if Mom referred to us as our father’s children, we needed to be out of range of anything she could throw.
However, Lillian’s experience is quite different. The episode delves into classism, sexism, and internalized racism, notably when Lillian’s friend talks about seeing plenty of “milk chocolate” among the club’s members but not “dark chocolate.”
We see the club’s leaders exhibit discriminatory behavior against Lillian for being a “working mom.” Of course, those born after this era can only imagine what women, especially Black women, had to endure.
ADULT DEAN: That was great news because I’d promised a stink bomb, and I’m a man of my word.
Like last year’s “The Workplace,” The Wonder Years dives deeper into these topics with methodical care, respect, and plenty of heart. This show strikes the perfect balance between thoughtful introspection and light humor, all in a family-friendly setting.
Once again, the series toys with fun imaginative sequences, giving us a glimpse into Dean’s mind, i.e., Dean angers his mother and Kim while Bill “flies” through the ceiling to escape. If the Academy doled out awards for “Best Escape From a Confrontational Situation,” Dulé Hill would win.
Performance-wise, “Lads and Ladies and Us” belongs to the consistently brilliant Saycon Sengbloh. Her nuanced, natural performance as Lillian makes her a standout in every episode, but her scene with the self-important Lads and Ladies leader is a stark reminder of her talent.
LILLIAN: When it comes to doing what’s good for my family, I always find a way to work things out.
As usual, Elisha Williams charms his way into our hearts as the effervescent Dean, and he perfectly choreographs his reactions and nonverbal work with Don Cheadle’s lively and entertaining narration.
While the stirring and heartstring-tugging “Home for Christmas” is a tough act to follow, “Lads and Ladies and Us” addresses classism and other crucial issues with poignancy and humor, as is The Wonder Years‘ modus operandi. Here’s hoping the show continues to deliver easy escapism and comforting laughs for the rest of the season.
Stray Observations:
- Introverts everywhere can relate to Dean’s penchant for clinging to his best friend in social gatherings.
- Petition to make Lillian our collective mom, please and thank you?
- You might be a robot if Kim donning Lillian’s suit for her introduction at the high-society gala doesn’t stir your emotional pot.
- The Wonder Years brilliantly touches on vital social issues with subtlety and grace while sprinkling in a hefty dose of comfort food lightheartedness.
- Admittedly, that woman shaming Lillian showcases some of the best “shade” in television history.
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.