The Wonder Years Review: One Small Step / Forbidden Fruit (Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2)

The Wonder Years Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2, “One Small Step” and “Forbidden Fruit,” finds Dean exploring NYC with Bill while Lillian’s sister stirs up trouble. It’s a strong double-opener for the series’ second season. “One Small Step,” in particular, outshines “Forbidden Fruit,” but both are a stark reminder of why a show of this tone is necessary. We desperately need sweet, fluffy escapism. 

“One Small Step” cleverly integrates the 1969 moon landing, having it represent Dean’s foray into the real world. The episode even includes clips from said moon landing, albeit a few are altered slightly to fit Dean’s voice. The episode introduces Bill and Dean to Lonnie, a drag performer from Alabama played to perfection by Tituss Burgess, who’s an episodic highlight. 

ADULT DEAN: “Sexting” may have taken longer then, but at least a guy couldn’t claim, “I sent that by accident.”

This introduction broadens Dean’s experiential horizons, and he quickly takes a liking to Lonnie. It shows how most kids, depending on their home environment, harbor little prejudice, while adults occasionally take a beat to refrain from judgment. The narrative is beautifully crafted here, with Lonnie’s brief arc given the respect it deserves. 

“One Small Step” fires on all cylinders on the comedic front, with the jokes executing a better landing than in Season 1. That’s not to say the freshman season isn’t funny, but this outing feels like the series is relaxing comfortably in its brand of humor. Everything clicks. 

 The episode chooses not to show us Marvin Gaye, and it’s a choice that works. It allows us to view him through Bill’s eyes as he works hard to impress the legendary singer. Phoebe Robinson’s Jackie is a fun addition to “One Small Step” and “Forbidden Fruit” as the yin to older sister Lillian’s yang. That scene in the church where she not-so-subtly throws her family under the bus is comedic gold. 

BILL: How’s the government have enough money to send a bunch of white guys to the moon but can’t fix that stoplight on 4th and Kent? 

Performance-wise, Elisha Williams returns to this sophomore season as a strong anchor for this cast. He bursts at the seams with charm. It’s hard not to find him utterly endearing. He’s the beating heart of The Wonder Years. Once again, his performance gels well with Don Cheadle’s consistently solid narration. They’re a tight-knit unit. 

Saycon Sengbloh is such an understated performer, especially comedically. Her natural onscreen presence and easygoing chemistry with Dulé Hill make for some delightful scenes. She embodies that maternal aura necessary for Lillian. Sengbloh’s steady, guiding hand keeps the acting ship afloat. 

Is there anyone as smoother or cooler than Dulé Hill? (The answer is a resounding “no.”) Hill’s performance as Bill is leagues away from Gus, proving how versatile a performer he is. His comedic chops are on full display in these two episodes. 

LILLIAN: Bill, there’s only room for one of us to be upset, and it’s the person whose ponytail she cut off in the fourth grade. 

Overall, “One Small Step” and “Forbidden Fruit” is like a warm hug after an unimaginably long, stressful day. They’re akin to a steaming plate of comfort food. While The Wonder Years always contains vital lessons to be learned, first and foremost, it’s a delightful comedy brimming with lovable characters that make us feel all fuzzy inside. It’s sweetness personified without moving into saccharine territory. 

Stray Observations: 

• Having Tituss Burgess play a performer and not allowing us to hear him sing is damn near criminal. He’s got one of the best voices out there. 
• I love the moment when Bill interrupts Dean watching the moon landing (which happened on July 20, 1969) to ask for songwriting help. While the pair eventually watch said moon landing, the initial dismissal of an incredible historical milestone as it’s happening is hilarious. 
• We need at least an episode of Dean exploring New York City alone. Think Baby’s Day Out but without the kidnappers or the Chicago setting. 
• Adult Dean’s smooth diss at the beginning of “One Small Step” is golden. Not much has changed since 1969. 
• Somebody needs to transform the romance novels in “Forbidden Fruit” into an actual, tangible series. 
• Nobody’s allowed to say “Be cool” except Bill. Nobody. 
• I love Dean’s vision of him and Keisa in an over-the-top romance novel scenario. How will Dean cope in future episodes after getting dumped? Only time will tell. 

What did you think of these episodes of The Wonder Years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Wonder Years airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.

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