The Wonder Years Review: Love & War (Season 1 Episode 19)
The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 19, “Love & War,” deftly explores the effects of war and the stigma surrounding unwedded domesticity with a stellar performance from Spence Moore II. It’s undoubtedly one of the show’s most poignant and touching episodes.
“Love & War” thankfully resolves the emotional cliffhanger from last week’s episode and thrusts Dean into unfamiliar yet universally relatable territory. Those who are older siblings can relate to that moment when they’re no longer the youngest in the family.
LILLIAN: I guess you’ve been over there tasting everyone’s cookies.
Saycon Sengbloh always delivers as the matriarch of the Williams family, but “Love & War” allows her to flex her comedic muscles. Her timing is pitch-perfect, and it’s entertaining watching her go toe-to-toe with Yvonne Orji, who guest stars as Tammy.
Moore II churns out the most gut-wrenching performance of the episode. His heartbreaking monologue and behavior throughout “Love & War” touch on the psychological effects of battle and how difficult it is to reassimilate into society after experiencing violence on that scale. The Wonder Years seamlessly weaves this topic with the comedic aspects of the narrative.
DEAN: Whenever Mama didn’t use periods, I knew things were about to get good.
But the biggest (and most pleasant) surprise of the episode is its ending. The Wonder Years brilliantly forges a connection with the original series. We learn that the sister of Bruce’s fellow soldier who died in battle is Gwendolyn “Winnie” Cooper. In the 1988 pilot, Winnie’s brother Brian perishes while in the line of duty in Vietnam.
Fred Savage directs several episodes of this season and serves as executive producer, so one could argue that’s this iteration’s link to the original show. Regardless, the Winnie connection is masterfully executed and unexpected.
The Wonder Years delves into the stigma surrounding significant others living together in non-marital bliss. Of course, this isn’t a big deal today, but Bruce clashing with his parents over his choice to move in with Tammy also highlights the age-old parental mistake: driving your children in the direction you don’t want them to go.
BRUCE: On the battlefield, you only have a second to make a decision.
“Love & War” is hilarious and heartfelt in equal measure, with Saycon Sengbloh delivering the laughs while Spence Moore II doles out the tender vulnerability. It artfully explores multiple themes while showcasing compelling characters in a family-friendly, endlessly warm setting. Long live The Wonder Years.
Stray Observations:
- The black and white interrogation scene is comedy gold. Here’s hoping The Wonder Years leans more into those delightful breaks from reality.
- It’s well-known that any cookie trumps oatmeal raisin cookies. Sorry, Lillian.
- Laura Kariuki’s facial expressions, especially when reacting to something in the background, are on another level.
- Everything changes when you become an older sibling. It boasts simultaneously terrifying and exciting new family dynamics.
- We would quickly achieve world peace if Bill could defuse tense international situations before escalating with his “Be cool” catchphrase.
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.
3 comments
Man I was already tearing up when Bruce was talking about how he got injury.
Then the connection to the first series really got me.
Me too… I was both totally surprised and pleased. Bruce’s story left a lump in my throat and the photo of Brian and Winnie, along with Brian’s Dog Tags, made me well up with tears. My favorite episode.
Me too… I was both totally surprised and pleased. Bruce’s story left a lump in my throat and the photo of Brian and Winnie, along with Brian’s Dog Tags, made me well up with tears. My favorite episode.
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