The Wonder Years Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Bill’s New Friend
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, The Wonder Years being covered here wouldn’t exist.
The Wonder Years Season 2 Episode 6, “Bill’s New Friend,” finds Bill making a new friend while Dean tries desperately to see the latest Rated R movie no matter what. Max Searle’s hilarious script explores uncharted narrative territory. At the same time, Ken Whittingham offers sleek direction with interesting staging that doesn’t go over the top to match some of the more “adult” plot points.
Searle delves into key parties without getting too raunchy and maintaining that wholesome, family tone. That’s a tough line to walk, which Searle executes seamlessly with a funny, cheeky script. It also allows our talented performers to shine comedically.
KIM: Maybe he’ll show up right when you’re being stuffed into a locker.
“Bill’s New Friend” orchestrates a delightful West Wing reunion with Bradley Whitford and Dulé Hill. Whitford injects his trademark easygoing humor into the episode with a subtlety that fits the style of the show. While The Wonder Years can be larger-than-life, at its core, it’s a grounded, natural comedy that brims with honesty. Whitford understands this with his depiction of Alan Van Der Kamp.
Saycon Sengbloh is given the opportunity to spread her comedic wings by stepping outside her “voice of reason” role as Lillian. Yes, Lillian’s right about Alan’s shindig being a key party, but her outburst, which is hilarious because she voices the “taboo,” shows her leaping out of her comfort zone. Her modus operandi. Sengbloh knocks this beat out of the park, which is easily a top-10 Lillian moment.
Spence Moore II’s return as Bruce has been long-awaited. Moore II delivered an outstanding performance in Season 1 Episode 19, “Love & War,” which beautifully depicts Bruce’s PTSD from serving in the Vietnam War. “Bill’s New Friend” deftly continues Bruce’s story and the effects of the war on his mental health. Moore II has natural onscreen charisma and a compelling presence. He has such a fun sibling camaraderie with Laura Kariuki and Elisha Williams.
DEAN: Wow, turns out wives were just as good at embarrassing you in front of your friends as moms were.
All of the sibling scenes are so damn relatable. Who hasn’t tried to trick their sibling into doing their chores in exchange for something more enticing? Not to mention, there’s something funny about Dean, who’s viewed as the “nerd” of the family, getting a fuller college experience before Bruce and Kim, who are clearly the “cool” kids. That also feels true to life.
“Bill’s New Friend” is another solid installment in The Wonder Years canon (although this series has never had an under-par showing). Bradley Whitford is a gem of a guest star, and the show would do well to bring him back for another go-round.
All in all, it’s an episode that tackles more mature topics with the series’ signature brand of “comfort food” comedy and warmth. The performers really elevate the material, but that’s to be expected when you have a cast that’s this naturally funny.
Stray Observations:
- I never had the urge to lick a battery as a kid. That split second where Dean tries to lick it before Bill calls for him made me laugh out loud because of how unexpected it is and its placement right at the beginning of the episode. Hats off to Elisha Williams for his knack for comedic timing.
- The idea that Bill wants Dean’s music teacher to give him a lower grade so he’ll work harder is simultaneously hilarious and sad.
- Fun fact (well, for me): Easy Rider premiered in theaters on my grandfather’s 35th birthday (July 14, 1969).
- “Bill’s New Friend” is the Josh Lyman and Charlie Young reunion I didn’t know I needed.
- Something tells me Bill was trying to get a marital win at the end of the episode by not clarifying to Lillian that she was right about the key party.
- We finally got a true Kim/Bruce one-on-one scene. Fingers crossed, we get more of those.
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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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.