The Wonder Years Review: Bill’s New Gig (Season 1 Episode 20)
The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 20, “Bill’s New Gig,” takes on a more lighthearted tone after last week’s somewhat somber fare, with a delightful performance from Saycon Sengbloh.
“Bill’s New Gig” is a rarity for the series in that it doesn’t pose a life lesson for Dean to learn. Instead, Dean takes a backseat to the A-plot, honing in on Bill’s tenured position as a professor and his musical aspirations. The Wonder Years seldom gives its main storylines to the adults, so it’s a nice change of pace.
BILL: I’m just trying to write a Saturday night song. You keep trying to make it all Sunday morning.
Comedically, everyone fires on all cylinders in this outing, from Elisha Williams’ endless charm and Dulé Hill’s suave sleekness to Sengbloh’s understated wit. Their comedic stylings never clash, nor do they veer into over-the-top territory.
The comedy brims with honesty and the actors approach the humor from a grounded place. Sengbloh’s Lillian is the anchor of the Williams family, often depicted as the “super mom” who moves mountains for her loved ones. “Bill’s New Gig” allows Sengbloh to showcase Lillian’s subtle pettiness to hysterical results.
LILLIAN: What’s with men always wanting ice cream when there’s perfectly fine dinner at home?
Additionally, Sengbloh puts her vocal prowess on display, belting out The Wonder Years theme song like a seasoned pro.
Hill always has natural, easy onscreen chemistry with all of his scene partners, and it’s fun to watch that “be cool” persona go toe-to-toe with Jazmyn Simon, who stirs the marital pot this week as Janice.
“Bill’s New Gig” brilliantly ties in the show’s theme song and utilizes it as an opportunity to display the versatility of its cast members. The series’ signature warmth is more apparent than ever, and the addition of the music strengthens that warmth.
BRUCE: The army taught me how to kill a man in his sleep without making a sound.
The Wonder Years gives us a lighter episode without a vital lesson or laser focus on Dean — and that’s perfectly fine. The hearty laughs and comfort-food atmosphere are enough to sustain anybody on their worst day. Sometimes, it’s best to switch on the TV, switch off the brain, and enjoy the ride.
Stray Observations:
- Let’s all agree that Bill and Lillian Williams are responsible for the inception of The Wonder Years theme song. Cool? Cool (Or, as Bill says, “Be cool.”).
- After hearing Saycon Sengbloh rock it behind the mic on this week’s episode, we undoubtedly need a musical episode in Season 2.
- Ice cream before dinner never actually spoils dinner. Food is food!
- We need a sing-off between Jazmyn Simon and Sengbloh. Better yet, a duet from them remixing the theme song.
- You’re never too old to eat cereal that turns your milk purple. Cereal isn’t age-restrictive, no matter how silly it looks.
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.