The Wonder Years Review: Country Dean (Season 1 Episode 14)
The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 14, “Country Dean,” transports Dean to a new locale, presenting challenges all on its own. It’s a lighthearted, fun outing that gives series regulars Elisha Williams, Don Cheadle, and Saycon Sengbloh a chance to shine along with guest stars Regina Taylor and Willie C. Carpenter.
“Country Dean” illustrates the age-old disparities between “city kids” and “country folks.” If you attended a relatively diverse school, chances are you ran into your fair share of both.
LILLIAN: The difference is college is not in the back of a van driven by a boy named Kwame.
Feeling out of his element, Dean decides to give himself an advantage by boasting about everything he isn’t. As usual, Williams delivers the goods, hitting those comedic beats effortlessly like a seasoned pro.
The episode opens Dean’s eyes to those who don’t live in his world. Not everyone can afford four TVs in their house or the luxury of driving a nice car. “Country Dean” takes our lead out of his comfort zone and exposes him to a completely different environment.
DEAN: Instead, I was going to experience two of the unhappiest words in the English language — “No TV.”
The Wonder Years tackles all of Dean’s adolescent or worldly issues with family-friendly humor, tender grace, and respect. We feel for him while simultaneously laughing alongside him.
“Country Dean” also broaches the subject of mother-daughter relationships and their various complexities. We’re privy to Lillian and her mother’s messy yet loving relationship and Lillian’s bond with her daughter, Kim. We don’t often see a storyline like this since Dean is the star.
The Wonder Years lovingly reminds us that mother-daughter bonds come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is precious. The episode highlights the stark differences between these relationships. While Lillian caters to her mother’s whim and bends over backward to impress her, Kim does as she pleases, seemingly disinterested in seeking Lillian’s approval.
KIM: And you stripped all that corn the kids shucked without breaking a nail?
“Country Dean” serves up a heaping helping of hilarity and slapstick comedy with its trademark heart and warmth. Williams continues to showcase his potential as a young performer, solidifying himself as one to watch out for in the coming years.
This episode tells us to look beyond our scope, past our boundaries, and see the world outside our bubble. We might find delightful surprises there.
Stray Observations:
- Dean’s extravagant, celebratory first-day-of-spring-break meal looks appetizing. Plus, watching TV all day sounds like heaven. This kid knows what’s up.
- Moms are constantly coming in hot with the snappy comebacks. Exhibit A: Lillian and her mother.
- Who didn’t spend their formative years trying to impress their distant cousins with fabricated stories of their success? It’s all about image, baby.
- Sometimes, parenting is cyclical — Lillian’s relationship with her mom is similar to her bond with Kim.
- It’s common knowledge that a vicious yet unspoken feud exists between city-slickers and country kids.
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.