The Wonder Years Season 2 Episode 4 Review: Blockbusting

The Wonder Years Season 2 Episode 4, “Blockbusting,” finds Bill and Lillian considering moving into Montgomery’s first integrated neighborhood while Dean develops a crush on Brad’s mom. It’s a solid entry that tackles an important topic with the show’s trademark humor, sensitivity, and heart. 

“Blockbusting” highlights the harsh realities of early integration through the practice of blockbusting: when real estate agents would sell a property for less than its worth out of fear of a marginalized group moving into the neighborhood. Then, said agents would resell the property at a higher price. What’s worse is that Terrence, played by the consistently delightful Donald Faison, brands it to the Williams family as a historic move. 

CLIFF: Terrence, I told you I coach Little League. There’s nothing more American than that. And which his son stinks at. 

LILLIAN: Cliff!

BILL: The boy is not good, Lil. 

He tries to persuade them that they’re making history by moving into Montgomery’s first integrated neighborhood. As the Williams warm to the idea, they genuinely view it as a way of creating positive change and smashing Black stereotypes. Despite this twist, “Blockbusting” doesn’t designate Terrence as an outright villain, and Faison’s performance infuses the character with easy affability and charm. 

Allen Maldonado and Dulé Hill make for hilarious sparring partners as Cliff and Bill compete for the house Terrence is selling. Both actors are up for the challenge. There’s a natural back-and-forth between them that plays well onscreen. 

Lindsay Sloane, who’s no stranger to this universe, is the perfect performer to play Mrs. Hitman. Dean’s crush on her is fun and all too relatable, regardless of when you were young. Elisha Williams proves he’s one to watch as a young actor; his flirting with Sloane’s Mrs. Hitman is hysterical. 

BILL: The raccoons keep the frogs away. 

KIM: We have frogs? 

BILL: Not anymore. 

“Blockbusting” seamlessly connects the A and B plots, marrying Dean’s first sleepover at the Hitmans with the Williams potentially purchasing property in a white neighborhood. As usual, the series handles race and integration issues and the nuances therein gracefully and lightheartedly while respecting the seriousness of said issues. 

The sleepover sequences are chuckle-inducing, especially when the Hitmans overcompensate by vehemently stating they believe in equality. Of course, they declare this when referring to equal food portions during dinner and ensuring everyone gets a say in what activities they do, but the implication is there. Sloane, in particular, delivers this well without going over the top. 

The dialogue is as snappy and clever as ever in “Blockbusting,” with some of the show’s best lines taking center stage. Our performers feel at home this season. It’s especially evident in this episode. Everything flows smoothly, and the jokes land. 

DEAN: Bless Mrs. Hitman’s heart, giving me reparations in the form of unlimited Kool-Aid. 

“Blockbusting” is one of The Wonder Years‘ strongest showings. Every aspect fires on all cylinders, from the tight, impactful writing to the hilarious performances and the profound messages. Few shows capture that unique mix of insightful, wholesome, and powerful while laying on the humor, but this show does all that and more. The messages and themes are as resonant and relevant now as ever. 

Stray Observations: 

• Fun fact: Lindsay Sloane recurred on the original Wonder Years as Alice Pedermeir. It was her first onscreen role. I’d love it if the show brought back some of the actors from that series, like Danica McKellar or Daniel Stern, for guest roles. 
• No matter what decade you’re in, Kool-Aid will always be referred to by color instead of flavor. Like, “I love the taste of blue.” 
• Kim should’ve had the walk-in closet. Only the person with the best taste and wardrobe deserves the space to house it. 
• I’ve had plenty of sleepovers as a kid, and I don’t remember my hosts ever tucking me in. Granted, it was the ’90s, and parents just let you roam free as you pleased then. 
• I’m imagining that Terrence’s last name is “Turk,” and he’s Turk’s relative. Let’s connect the Scrubs and The Wonder Years universes, people! 

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 9/8c on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu.

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