The Wonder Years Review: Love, Dean (Season 1 Episode 22)

The Wonder Years Season 1 Episode 22, “Love, Dean,” is the perfect cap to Dean’s school year, brimming with heart, humor, and fun narrative beats.

“Love, Dean” taps into the show’s universal relatability by serving as a day of reckoning for Dean as he must come face-to-face with his feelings for Keisa. The Wonder Years‘ freshman season brilliantly and organically builds on the chemistry between Dean and Keisa while presenting obstacles aplenty to keep viewers invested. 

DEAN: I was so caught up in my poetic genius, I didn’t even realize I had accidentally confessed my love to Keisa.

The methodical buildup over 21 episodes makes the payoff of Dean and Keisa’s first kiss worthwhile, and it’s a gratifying moment for all watching. 

Of course, Dean is going away to New York City with Bill for the summer while Keisa heads to Oklahoma. Three months apart can be breeding grounds for reservations and denial alike. Plus, Keisa technically still has a boyfriend in Broderick, so there’s yet another roadblock on the pathway to love. Here’s hoping the pair overcomes them come next season.

BILL: Dean, get on your bike and ride away! Kim, put the shoe back on!

Elisha Williams’s boundless charm shines onscreen, and his connection with Milan Ray is nothing short of sweet. The B-plot featuring Dulé Hill’s Bill and Saycon Sengbloh’s Lillian is just as captivating, as the series deftly addresses double standards between genders.

Initially, Bill believes his big break working with Marvin Gaye takes precedence over Lillian’s significant promotion. Thus, he chooses for her, thinking she should sacrifice her professional ascension for his needs. Unfortunately, women are used to men making choices for them, but that doesn’t make it right. 

This storyline feels profoundly resonant given what’s happening with abortion in America and a person’s right to choose being callously snatched away by older white men in suits. It’s proof that history is cyclical, notably its treatment of women and those who aren’t white men. 

Thankfully, Bill realizes the error of his ways, and both parties walk away happy. The Wonder Years handles this plot with such poise and genuine passion, thoughtfully conveying the moral of the story with nuance and humor. 

LILLIAN: There’s a lot of traffic in New York City, so make sure you look both ways before you cross the street. You know what? Just don’t even cross the street. Just stay on whatever street you’re on and make all lefts.

“Love, Dean,” propels the narrative forward for The Wonder Years, giving us plenty to explore in Season 2. It’s a display of growth for Dean and Bill. The show effortlessly maintains a balance between hilarity and tenderness, with beautiful performances from the main cast across the board. It’s an escapist balm for the soul in these tumultuous times. 

Stray Observations: 

• Once again, Kim’s fashion sense is unparalleled. That orange and dark blue jumpsuit is to die for and a necessary addition to anyone’s closet space. 
• Granddaddy Clisby needs to join the present and embrace feminism. Everybody benefits from it!
• A Bill Williams/Marvin Gaye collaboration sounds like heaven on Earth. 
• We need a full-out musical episode next season. It just makes sense given Saycon Sengbloh and Dulé Hill’s musical talents. 
• Here’s hoping we see Dean and Keisa going steady in Season 2 and looking utterly adorable while doing it. 

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 Season 1 is currently streaming on Hulu.

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