The Wonder Years Review: Black Teacher (Season 1 Episode 15)
The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 15, “Black Teacher,” is one of its strongest and most poignant outings so far, bolstered by solid performances and plenty of heart. Its messages are more timely and relevant than ever, with guest star Gaius Charles oozing charm and affability as Mr. Brady.
“Black Teacher” brilliantly conveys the special treatment white kids receive in schools, but on the flipside. Mr. Brady, the first Black teacher at Dean’s school, “favors” Dean, Cory, and Keisa. Well, at least that’s how the white students in Dean’s class perceive it. Even Dean himself questions why Mr. Brady gives them extra attention.
DEAN: A team that was 100% white is now 60% Black.
This reversal showcases how unfairly the school system treats Black students compared to their white classmates, including essentially barring them from participating in academic, extracurricular activities because “sports.” In addition, Dean’s fear that the other students despise him because of Mr. Brady’s so-called favoring reveals his insecurities.
All Dean wants is universal adoration from his white classmates, Keisa, Mr. Brady, the Knowledge Bowl team, etc. — so much that he’s willing to tolerate microaggressions and unfair treatment, even if it doesn’t look that way at face value. As long as he “fits in,” he’s happy.
BILL: People predisposed to hating gonna actively hate.
But in walks Mr. Brady, someone who’s proud of his African heritage, donning traditional clothing and eagerly giving his students a cultural lesson. Dean’s bewilderment gives way to his internal declaration that Mr. Brady should “tone it down.” Do his best to fit into the societal mold. Of course, Mr. Brady’s lessons plant seeds of change in Dean.
Thankfully, Mr. Brady opens Dean’s eyes to the dangers of wanting everyone to like you. Because of the pervasive, blatant racism of the time (which still exists today, unfortunately), Dean shies away from living authentically and proudly owning who he is. Not only that, but Mr. Brady merely tries to level the playing field regarding Dean, Keisa, and Cory’s educational standing.
Additionally, Dean doesn’t feel he deserves more or should be on the same level as his white classmates because of white supremacy. It’s utterly gut-wrenching — a 12-year-old’s worries should consist of reciprocated feelings from crushes or playing sports. The Wonder Years artfully dissects these vital issues with tenderness and grace while sprinkling lightheartedness in between the somber moments.
MR. BRADY: Wanting to be liked is a dangerous thing. It can mask itself as wanting all the white students to like the Black teacher, or wanting to make everyone on the quiz team happy.
“Black Teacher” illustrates how difficult it is to stay afloat when you don’t have a support system, and we see Mr. Brady’s methods unreasonably picked apart by the white parents.
Through it all, Dean learns valuable lessons in “Black Teacher,” like harboring and displaying pride for his identity, understanding the difference between “special favoring” and “equal treatment,” and refraining from incessantly worrying about what others think.
It’s an essential outing of The Wonder Years that should be required viewing.
“Black Teacher” is heartwarming, heartbreaking, profound, and humorous in equal measure. Elisha Williams proves he’s the anchor of The Wonder Years while Gaius Charles delivers a grounded performance and dispenses life lessons for Dean and his friends. So much thought and care went into this episode, and it wholeheartedly shows.
Stray Observations:
- Naming the loquacious, grating white girl Karen is a masterstroke on this show’s part.
- We need more episodes featuring Mr. Brady. It would be fun to watch Dean evolve under Mr. Brady’s sage tutelage. Plus, more Gaius Charles is never a bad thing.
- Some of us are serial people-pleasers, so that desire for constant approval is not uncommon, especially during adolescence. But when you’re a Black kid, there’s a new, devastating layer to the people-pleasing, as showcased in “Black Teacher.” It’s heartbreaking.
- We’ll say for posterity’s sake that Bill was the first person to coin the phrase “haters gonna hate.”
- Keisa for World President, please and thank you.
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.