The Wonder Years

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The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years logo.svg
Genre <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Created by <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Starring <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Narrated by Daniel Stern
Theme music composer Lennon–McCartney
Opening theme "With a Little Help from My Friends" by Joe Cocker
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 6
No. of episodes 115 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Producer(s) <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
  • Ken Topolsky
  • Michael Dinner
  • Bruce J. Nachbar
  • David Chambers
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time 22–24 minutes
Production company(s) <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Distributor <templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"/>
Release
Original network ABC
Audio format Stereo
Original release January 31, 1988 (1988-01-31) –
May 12, 1993 (1993-05-12)
External links
[{{#property:P856}} Website]

The Wonder Years is an American coming-of-age, comedy-drama television series created by Neal Marlens and Carol Black.[1] It ran on ABC from March 15, 1988, until May 12, 1993. The pilot aired on January 31, 1988, following ABC's coverage of Super Bowl XXII.[2][3][4] The series stars Fred Savage as Kevin Arnold, a teenager growing up in a suburban middle-class family in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It co-stars Dan Lauria as his father Jack, Alley Mills as his mother Norma, Jason Hervey as his brother Wayne, Olivia d'Abo as his sister Karen, Josh Saviano as his best friend Paul Pfeiffer, and Danica McKellar as his girlfriend Winnie Cooper. It takes place from 1968 to 1973, and is narrated by Daniel Stern as an adult version of Kevin.

The show earned a spot in the Nielsen Top 30 during its first four seasons.[5] TV Guide named it one of the 20 best shows of the 1980s.[5] After six episodes, The Wonder Years won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1988.[5] In addition, at age 13, Fred Savage became the youngest actor ever nominated as Outstanding Lead Actor for a Comedy Series. The show was also awarded a Peabody Award in 1989 for "pushing the boundaries of the sitcom format and using new modes of storytelling".[6] In total, the series won 22 awards and was nominated for 54 more.[7] In 1997, "My Father's Office" was ranked number 29 on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time,[8] and in the 2009 revised list, the pilot episode was ranked number 43.[9] In 2016, Rolling Stone ranked The Wonder Years number 63 on its list of 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.[10] In 2017, James Charisma of Paste ranked the show's opening sequence number 14 on a list of the 75 Best TV Title Sequences of All Time.[11] As of recent years, many critics and fans consider The Wonder Years to be a classic[12] with tremendous impact on the industry over the years, inspiring many other shows and how they are structured.[13]

Plot

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. The series depicts the social and family life of a boy in a stereotypical American suburban middle-class family from 1968 to 1973, covering the ages of 12 through 17. Where the Arnold family lives is never specified other than being a suburb, but some episodes have license plates showing California and New York. Each year in the series takes place exactly 20 years before airing (1988 to 1993).

The show's plot centers on Kevin Arnold, son of Jack and Norma Arnold. Kevin's father holds a management job at NORCOM, a defense contractor, while his mother is a housewife. Kevin also has an older brother, Wayne, and an older sister, Karen. Two of Kevin's friends and neighbors are prominently featured throughout the series: his best friend, Paul Pfeiffer, and his crush-turned-girlfriend Gwendolyn "Winnie" Cooper. Storylines are told through Kevin's reflections as an adult in his mid-30s, voiced by Daniel Stern.

In the pilot episode, Winnie's older brother Brian, whom Kevin admires, is killed in action in Vietnam in 1968. Kevin meets Winnie in a nearby wooded area called Harpers Woods, and they share a kiss. This unsaid relationship between Winnie and Kevin remains dormant for a long while, with Winnie starting to date a popular eighth-grader named Kirk McCray and Kevin briefly going steady with Becky Slater. After Kevin breaks up with Becky due to his feelings for Winnie, Becky becomes a recurring nuisance for Kevin. Winnie eventually dumps Kirk, as well, and Kevin and Winnie share a second kiss at the start of the 1969 summer vacation. Around Valentine's Day 1970, Winnie temporarily dates Paul, who has broken up with his girlfriend Carla. Winnie and Kevin start dating each other soon after.

Just before the summer break, Winnie and her family move to a house four miles away. Although Winnie attends a new school, Lincoln Junior High, she and Kevin decide to remain together and maintain a successful long-distance relationship. A beautiful new student named Madeline Adams joins Kevin's school and quickly catches Kevin's eye, but it is Winnie who breaks up with Kevin after meeting Roger, a jock at her new school. Neither relationship lasts long, but Winnie and Kevin don't reunite until she is injured in a car crash. After graduating from junior high, Kevin and Winnie both go to McKinley High and Paul attends a prep school. Paul would later transfer to McKinley High and join Kevin and Winnie.

Earlier seasons of the show tended to focus on plots involving events within the Arnold household and Kevin's academic struggles, whereas later seasons focused much more on plots involving dating and Kevin's friends.

Kevin has several brief flings during the summer of 1971 and the 1971–1972 academic year. After Kevin's grandfather gets his driver's license revoked, he sells his car to Kevin for a dollar. Paul transfers to McKinley High after his first semester at preparatory school when his father runs into financial troubles. Wayne decides to join the army as a result of his inability to do well in school. This gets turned around when Wayne is not able to pass his physical. Winnie and Kevin are reunited when they go on a double date to a school dance, and find themselves more attracted to each other than their respective partners. In late 1972, Kevin's older brother Wayne starts working at NORCOM, and dates his co-worker Bonnie, a divorcée with a son, but the relationship does not last. Kevin's father quits NORCOM, and buys a furniture-manufacturing business.

Final episode and epilogue

In the series finale, Winnie decides to take a job for the summer of 1973 as a lifeguard at a resort. Kevin, meanwhile, is at his job at his father's furniture factory and calls Winnie, who is distant and seems to be enjoying her time away from Kevin. Eventually, Kevin and his father fight and Kevin announces that he is leaving, reasoning that he needs to "find himself". Kevin drives to the resort where Winnie is working, hopeful that she can secure him a job and they can spend the rest of the summer together.[14][15]

Kevin eventually secures a job at the resort and plays a round of poker with the house band. He wins big and goes out to search for Winnie to tell her of his good fortune. To his surprise, he sees Winnie engaged in a passionate kiss with another lifeguard.

The next day, Kevin confronts her and they fight. Kevin then plays another round of poker, losing his car in a bet. Desperate, Kevin confronts Winnie and her new boyfriend at the restaurant and ends up punching him in the face. Kevin then leaves the resort on foot.

On a desolate stretch of highway, Kevin decides to begin hitchhiking. He finally gets picked up by an elderly couple and much to his surprise finds Winnie in the backseat. Winnie was fired over the fight Kevin instigated at the resort. Kevin and Winnie begin to argue and the elderly couple lose patience and kick them out of the car. A rainstorm begins and Kevin and Winnie search for shelter. They find a barn and discuss how much things are changing and the future. They make up and kiss passionately. (It is heavily implied that they lose their virginity to each other.)

The narrator's monologue states: <templatestyles src="Template:Blockquote/styles.css" />

Once upon a time, there was a girl I knew who lived across the street. Brown hair. Brown eyes. When she smiled, I smiled. When she cried, I cried. Every single thing that ever happened to me that mattered, in some way, had to do with her. That day, Winnie and I promised each other that, no matter what, we would always be together. It was a promise full of passion, truth, and wisdom. It was the kind of promise that can only come from the hearts of the very young.

They soon find their way back to their hometown and arrive hand-in-hand to a Fourth of July parade. During this parade, the adult Kevin (Daniel Stern) describes the fate of the show's main characters. Kevin makes up with his father, graduates from high school in 1974, and leaves for college, later becoming a writer. Paul studies law at Harvard. Karen, Kevin's sister, gives birth to a son in September 1973. Kevin's mother becomes a businesswoman and corporate board chairwoman. Kevin's father dies in 1975 and Wayne takes over his father's furniture business. Winnie studies art history in Paris while Kevin stays in the United States. Winnie and Kevin end up writing to each other once a week for the next eight years. When Winnie returns to the United States in 1982, Kevin meets her at the airport, with his wife and eight-month-old son.

The final sounds, voice-over narration, and dialogue of the episode and series is that of Kevin as an adult, with children heard in the background:

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Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, the next day you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a place, a town, a house like a lot of houses. A yard like a lot of other yards. On a street like a lot of other streets. And the thing is, after all these years, I still look back ... with wonder.

A little boy (Stern's real life son, Henry) can be heard asking "Hey, Dad, want to play catch?" during a break in the final narration. Kevin responds, "I'll be right there."

In 2011, the finale was ranked number 11 on the TV Guide Network special, TV's Most Unforgettable Finales.[16]

Episodes

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The following is an episode list for the ABC comedy-drama series The Wonder Years. The series premiered on January 31, 1988 and ran for a total of 115 episodes spanning 6 seasons ending on May 12, 1993.

Originally, none of the seasons were available on DVD as official season box sets due to the cost of securing the music rights.[17] (See The Wonder Years article for more detailed information.) Time Life released the complete series on DVD Friday October 10th 2014.[18]

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired
1 6 1988
2 17 1988–1989
3 23 1989–1990
4 23 1990–1991
5 24 1991–1992
6 22 1992–1993

Season 1 (1988)

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Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
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1 1 "Pilot" Steve Miner Neal Marlens and Carol Black January 31, 1988 (1988-01-31) B88003

Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) and his friends Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) are introduced during the summer of 1968 as they are about to enter the newly renamed Robert F. Kennedy Junior High School. The first day for Kevin was tough. At least one teacher remarked about what a problem Kevin's older brother Wayne (Jason Hervey) had been, and assumed the same of Kevin. Later at lunch, after being teased by Wayne and his friends over his anticipated relationship with Winnie, Kevin attempted to leave the cafeteria with an apple in front of principal Diperna (leaving the cafeteria with food was prohibited). As Diperna confronted him; Kevin, already angry from Wayne's teasing over Winnie, hurled the apple back into the cafeteria. Kevin's parents were called in for Diperna's disciplinary session with Kevin; and just as Kevin was about to be punished when he and his parents returned home, horrible news is received--Winnie's brother Brian had been killed in action in the Vietnam War. Part one of two.

Guest-starring: Bentley Mitchum as Winnie's older brother Brian Cooper, who scolds Wayne for bullying Kevin; Raye Birk in his first appearance as principal Mr. Diperna.
2 2 "Swingers" Neal Marlens and Carol Black Carol Black and Neal Marlens March 22, 1988 (1988-03-22) B88101

Picking up where the pilot left off, Brian Cooper's funeral is being held; and even at Brian's funeral, all Kevin can think of is Winnie. Meanwhile at school, in the boys' physical education class, Coach Cutlip (Robert Picardo) begins the much-anticipated sex education; but after becoming quickly bored, Kevin and Paul want to learn about sex beyond the classroom. So at Wayne's suggestion, Kevin and Paul go to the local bookstore to purchase a copy of Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid to Ask). But out of fear of embarrassment because of an attractive store clerk, Kevin and Paul decide to shoplift the book, but luckily don't get caught. Later, when Kevin's mother Norma (Alley Mills) walks in on the boys squabbling with Wayne over the book, she scolds Kevin for supposedly snooping into her dresser drawers (indicating that she has a copy of the book as well). Part two of two.

Guest-starring: Robert Picardo in his first appearance as Kevin's physical education teacher Coach Cutlip.

Recurring guest: Bentley Mitchum in his final appearance as Brian Cooper's ghost in Kevin's imagination, giving Kevin friendly advice on being involved with Winnie.

Inaccuracy note: This episode is set in 1968, but the book Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex was not published and released until 1969.
3 3 "My Father's Office" Jeffrey Brown Carol Black and Neal Marlens March 29, 1988 (1988-03-29) B88102

After Kevin asks him about what he does at work, his father Jack Arnold (Dan Lauria) brings Kevin to work with him at NORCOM (Jack's employer); and Kevin learns more about his dad by spending a day at his office. After witnessing severe disciplinary action from Jack's boss over the incompetence of Jack's subordinates, Kevin realizes why his dad returns home from work in a nasty mood most of the time.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.

Note: In 1997 TV Guide ranked this episode number 29 on its "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time" list.[19]
4 4 "Angel" Art Wolff Carol Black and Neal Marlens April 5, 1988 (1988-04-05) B88103

Kevin's older sister Karen (Olivia d'Abo) is now a hippie who doesn't communicate with her parents anymore. The tension is worsened when she brings home her new boyfriend Louis (John Corbett), also a hippie who angers Jack with his anti-war sentiments. Kevin also takes an immediate dislike to Louis; and in the end, Kevin's inclinations about Louis turn out to be true, as it is revealed that Louis had been cheating on Karen, leaving her in tears.

Guest-starring: John Corbett as Karen's boyfriend Louis; Wendel Meldrum in her first appearance as Kevin's English teacher Miss White (although uncredited).
5 5 "The Phone Call" Jeffrey Brown A. Scott Frank April 12, 1988 (1988-04-12) B88104

Kevin is smitten with cute classmate Lisa Berlini (Kathy Wagner), and decides that he will call her later that night. Meanwhile, Paul tries to find out if Lisa likes Kevin by consulting the junior high grapevine. After a day of cowering (he fakes an illness to cut school), and watching coverage on TV of the Apollo 8 astronaunts and their bravery during their mission in space; Kevin attempts to call Lisa again, but decides to put it off until after dinner. At dinner, to help give himself additional courage, Kevin asks Norma about the time Jack first called her. Later, after Jack scolds Wayne for teasing Kevin about calling Lisa, Kevin finally works up the courage to call Lisa and break the ice. Lisa answers and she and Kevin have a friendly chat as the episode fades out. In a subplot, the Arnolds gather around the TV to watch the Apollo 8 transmit live pictures of the Earth from the moon.

Guest-starring: Kathy Wagner as Lisa Berlini.
6 6 "Dance with Me" Arlene Sanford David M. Stern April 19, 1988 (1988-04-19) B88105

Kevin, by way of in-class note-passing, asks Lisa Berlini to the Fall Dance and she accepts; but soon after, when Brad Gaines asks her, she decides to go with him instead of Kevin. When Kevin confronts her about this, a guilt-stricken Lisa (after struggling to find the right words to say) explains to Kevin that she just wants to be friends. Meanwhile, while having lunch with Winnie and Paul; Kevin, still dejected from Lisa's rejection, feels himself falling back in love with Winnie (after he listens to Winnie read off the week's lunch menu in a romantic-sounding near-whisper) and asks her to the dance, but she already has a date for the dance with new boyfriend Kirk McCray (Michael Landes). In retaliation, Kevin tries to make Winnie jealous at the dance by dancing with another girl; but he fails, as Winnie doesn't seem fazed by it. Winnie does, however, finally feel sorry for Kevin and she ends up dancing with him after all.

Guest-starring: Michael Landes in his first appearance as Winnie's new boyfriend Kirk McCray; Krista Murphy in her first appearance as Paul's new girlfriend Carla Healey; Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Brad Gaines.

Recurring guest: Kathy Wagner in her final appearance as Lisa Berlini. She would only be referenced to in Episode 44, "Cocoa and Sympathy" ("The Lisa Berlini Poll").

Side note: The role of Brad Gaines was played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who would soon become Bayside's mischievous, scheming ladies' man Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell.

Season 2 (1988–1989)

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No. in
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Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
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7 1 "The Heart of Darkness" Steve Miner Carol Black and Neal Marlens November 30, 1988 (1988-11-30) B88501

Kevin had been having recurring nightmares about finding himself in a cave and ending up in front of his class dressed in some ridiculous way. Meanwhile, he attempts to act cool since Winnie is now involved with Kirk and hanging out with all the cool kids. Kevin and Paul go camping with Gary (Breckin Meyer), where they drink beer and smoke cigarettes. When Gary invites Kevin and Paul to explore a "cave" (which is actually a long huge storm drain), Kevin must confront his fears of the cave. In the end, Paul and Kevin end the outing and go back to Kevin's house. The next day they see Winnie and they have a few laughs together.

Guest-starring: Breckin Meyer as Gary.

Recurring guest: Michael Landes as Kirk McCray.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
8 2 "Our Miss White" Peter Baldwin Michael J. Weithorn December 7, 1988 (1988-12-07) B88502

Kevin develops a student-teacher crush on his nice English teacher, Miss White (Wendel Meldrum), who persuades Kevin to play the lead role of Robert Kennedy in a school play she wrote.

Recurring guest: Wendel Meldrum as Miss White.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
9 3 "Christmas" Steve Miner Bob Brush December 14, 1988 (1988-12-14) B88503

Kevin and Wayne try to talk their father into buying a color television for Christmas; but it's not easy, as the TV costs $470.00 (adjusted for inflation, that's about $3,100.00 today). Meanwhile, Kevin tries to find a present for Winnie after he unexpectedly receives one from her. After debating on which perfume to buy her, Kevin settles for a small water globe containing a miniature figure skater. But when Kevin takes it over to Winnie, he is surprised to find that Winnie is not there to receive the present (turns out that the Coopers unexpectedly left town for Christmas because they could not bear spending their first Christmas home without Brian). Kevin leaves the present with their housesitter and then joins his family for a night of caroling--although they get rained on by an out-of-season thunderstorm. By the episode's end, it is revealed that Jack did buy the color TV--two years later.

Inaccuracy note: Although the boys try to get Jack to buy the family's (supposedly) first color television, the family had been seen watching color TV in previous episodes--which were obviously set at times prior to this episode.
10 4 "Steady as She Goes" Steve Miner David M. Stern January 11, 1989 (1989-01-11) B88504

Rumors spread that Winnie and Kirk are about to break up. When Kevin finds out, he sees the situation as an opportunity that he and Winnie can perhaps get back together. Later, during choir practice, Kevin notices Winnie smiling in his direction while singing; but is disappointed when he turns around to see Kirk holding up a sign saying "I'm sorry, Winnie" through the classroom door. Kevin then gets frustrated with being alone, and asks Becky Slater (Danica McKellar's real-life sister Crystal) to go steady, primarily to try to make Winnie jealous. Meanwhile, Paul and Carla begin to have a serious relationship. Part one of two.

Guest-starring: Crystal McKellar in her first appearance as Becky Slater.

Recurring guests: Michael Landes as Kirk McCray; Krista Murphy as Carla Healey.
11 5 "Just Between Me and You and Kirk and Paul and Carla and Becky" Peter Baldwin Matthew Carlson January 18, 1989 (1989-01-18) B88505

Kirk asks Kevin to find out whether or not Winnie still likes him. While speaking to her, Winnie tells Kevin that she will break up with Kirk soon. However, Kevin sees Kirk and Winnie kissing in the hall. Meanwhile, Becky Slater becomes furious and punches Kevin when he tells her that he just wants to be friends instead of going steady. Kevin still wants to find out if Winnie likes him, but she is confused and not sure. Part two of two.

Recurring guests: Crystal McKellar as Becky Slater; Michael Landes as Kirk McCray; Krista Murphy as Carla Healey.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
12 6 "Pottery Will Get You Nowhere" Daniel Stern Matthew Carlson February 1, 1989 (1989-02-01) B88506

When Norma decides to take a pottery class, Jack is less than happy for his wife, which deeply disappoints her. Her disappointment, along with Jack's built-up anger, leads to the couple's first big fight in front of the kids.

Guest-starring: Ben Stein in his first appearance as Kevin's science teacher Mr. Cantwell.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.

Note: This episode marks the debut of Ben Stein's recurring role as Mr. Cantwell, Kevin's mono-toned science teacher, who is teaching about natural disasters which worries Kevin and Paul.
13 7 "Coda" Beth Hillshafer Todd W. Langen February 8, 1989 (1989-02-08) B88507

Kevin dislikes his piano lessons, until his chain-smoking instructor Mrs. Carples (Maxine Stuart) tells Norma that Kevin has talent. He continues taking lessons, and improves his playing. That is, until Ronald Hirschmuller (Joseph Dammann) decides to play the same piece as him for the recital. After he messes up at the rehearsal, Kevin decides to quit and not go to the recital, a decision he seems to regret later in life.

Guest-starring: Maxine Stuart as Kevin's piano instructor Mrs. Carples; Joseph Dammann as Ronald Hirschmuller.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
14 8 "Hiroshima, Mon Frere" Steve Miner Matthew Carlson February 15, 1989 (1989-02-15) B88508

Wayne's bullying goes too far when he tortures and inadvertently kills Kevin and Paul's hamster test subject of an experiment for their science class. The incident led to an outburst from Kevin which, although it did emotionally hurt Wayne, it finally led to a change in Wayne's attitude towards bullying Kevin--or did it?

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
15 9 "Loosiers" Steve Miner David M. Stern February 28, 1989 (1989-02-28) B88509

Paul likes to play basketball, but unfortunately he's not very good at it; therefore, during team-organizing, Paul is always picked last, which bothers Kevin. So Kevin complains to Coach Cutlip (Robert Picardo) about the unfairness of team-organizing; but to no avail, as Cutlip informs Kevin that "life is not fair." However, Cutlip picks Kevin as a captain; and in fairness Kevin attempts to pick his team members so that Paul and the other bad players are not always picked last, thereby ending up with all the bad players for his team as a result.

Recurring guest: Robert Picardo as Coach Cutlip.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.

Side note: The role of Joey Harris was played by a pre-Saved by the Bell Dustin Diamond.

Side note: Unlike his Wonder Years character, Josh Saviano is very athletic in real life.[citation needed]
16 10 "Walkout" Steve Miner Matthew Carlson March 7, 1989 (1989-03-07) B88510

Kevin and other students on the student council try to organize a peace walkout to protest America's involvement in the Vietnam War with the "blessing" of the "coolest" teacher in the school. However, Mr. Diperna threatens to suspend students if they take part in it and "mark it down on their permanent records."

Recurring guest: Raye Birk as Mr. Diperna.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
17 11 "Nemesis" Daniel Stern Matthew Carlson March 14, 1989 (1989-03-14) B88511

Kevin learns a lesson about talking behind someone's back and making jokes about his friends. He realizes that "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" when Becky Slater--obviously in retaliation for Kevin breaking up with her, which she still holds a grudge on Kevin for--tells everyone what Kevin said about them. Worried that Becky also told Winnie what Kevin said about her as well, Kevin hurries to Winnie's on the way home from school to try to straighten it all out. Upon learning that Winnie became ill with a stomach virus, Kevin visits her every afternoon until she gets better. However, Kevin also becomes stricken with the virus, obviously as a result. Winnie returns the favor and visits Kevin at his house, but when Norma leaves them alone in Kevin's room, Winnie furiously turns to Kevin and scolds him severely for making jokes about her, indicating that Becky did indeed tell Winnie what Kevin said about her. Part one of two (sort of).

Recurring guests: Crystal McKellar as Becky Slater; Michael Landes as Kirk McCray; Krista Murphy as Carla Healey; Wendel Meldrum as Miss White.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold: Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
18 12 "Fate" Steve Miner Bob Brush March 28, 1989 (1989-03-28) B88512

Winnie is still angry with Kevin for talking about her behind her back; but even so, Kevin defends her honor against school bully Eddie Pinetti (Bobby Jacoby). Kevin is then shocked to find out that Winnie and Eddie are dating; but in the end, Kevin's loyalty wins back Winnie's friendship when he stands up to Eddie and fights him for teasing Winnie--even though Kevin loses the fight itself. Part two of two (sort of).

Guest-starring: Bobby Jacoby as school bully Eddie Pinetti.

Recurring guest: Raye Birk as Mr. Diperna.
19 13 "Birthday Boy" Steve Miner David M. Stern April 11, 1989 (1989-04-11) B88513

When Kevin's thirteenth birthday falls on the same day as Paul's Bar Mitzvah; he feels left out, especially since his family isn't really planning anything. But Kevin also becomes interested in family traditions and questions where his ancestors came from. Kevin at first rejected the invitation to the Bar Mitzvah; but he showed up at the last moment, a few minutes into Paul's recitation. Kevin then senses that the event is his own due to his involvement with an important event for Paul.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
20 14 "Brightwing" Daniel Stern Matthew Carlson April 18, 1989 (1989-04-18) B88514

Kevin becomes Karen's confidant and accomplice when he discovers she is skipping school with her friends Julie (Devon Pierce) and Sandy (Kyra Stempel) to spend time at their hippie hangout, known simply as "the hill." Kevin becomes concerned about covering for Karen after repeated encounters in the hallway of Karen's school with George Finch, a slightly long-haired man in trendy clothes who looks young enough to be a student, but who is actually a faculty member and advisor investigating Karen's truancy. Meanwhile, chaos ensues overnight at the Arnolds' when Kevin is awakened by Jack's frantic telephone call attempting to track down Karen, who has run away. Over the course of the telephone conversation, it was discovered that Karen attempted to run away with her friends to San Francisco--but she doesn't get very far, as she returns home later that night, in tears.

Guest-starring: Devon Pierce and Kyra Stempel as Karen's hippie friends Julie and Sandy, respectively.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.

Inaccuracy note: In the scene where Kevin and Paul are in the car with Karen and her friends on the way to Karen's school for Kevin to drop off a note for Karen's hippie friends, in a shot from inside the car it is possible to see in the background the rear of a mid-1980s Pontiac sitting in a neighborhood driveway. Obviously not a period car, since the episode is set in 1969.
21 15 "Square Dance" Tom Moore Todd W. Langen May 2, 1989 (1989-05-02) B88515

When Kevin is partnered for square dancing with nerdy (but friendly) Margaret Farquar (Lindsay Fisher), he tries to avoid her--especially when she tries to become his friend, and also when Kevin's friends--and Wayne--tease him about her. Later, Kevin panics when Margaret unexpectedly shows up at his house, but after a while of visiting, Kevin finds out that Margaret is actually pretty interesting to talk to; however, Kevin's self-consciousness of "the rules of popularity" forbid them to remain friends and Kevin ends up ditching Margaret the next day at school, deeply offending her.

Guest-starring: Lindsay Fisher as Margaret Farquar.

Recurring guest: Robert Picardo as Coach Cutlip.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
22 16 "Whose Woods Are These?" Peter Horton Bob Brush May 9, 1989 (1989-05-09) B88516

Kevin, Winnie, and Paul try to stop the destruction of Harper's Woods, their childhood hangout, which incidentally is on a site that the city is developing for a new shopping center. They don't want it destroyed because it was the place where Winnie and Kevin hold sentimental after sharing their first kiss and also a place they all played together when they were younger. At Karen's suggestion; Kevin, Winnie, and Paul attempted to voice their concerns at a town hall meeting but fell asleep until after the meeting was adjourned. At school the next day, Kevin was caught by Mr. Diperna for not looking where he was going in the halls and was forced to "think about what he had done" in Mr. Diperna's office, where he gets into further trouble for carving his initials on Diperna's desk. After all of this; Kevin, Winnie, and Paul sneak outside to visit Harper's Woods one last time before it's overtaken by construction crews. The final scene in the episode shows the present-day shopping center on the site that had once been Harper's Woods, with the kids' initials carved in a sidewalk, as they had been on a tree in Harper's Woods.

Recurring guest: Raye Birk as Mr. Diperna.

Absent: Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
23 17 "How I'm Spending My Summer Vacation" Michael Dinner Jane Anderson May 16, 1989 (1989-05-16) B88516

It's the end of seventh grade for Kevin and a summer full of changes in his life. Winnie's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper (H. Richard Greene and Lynn Milgrim, respectively), are separating and Kevin's favorite teacher Miss White announces she will be getting married over the summer and her new name will be Mrs. Heimer (spelled a few different ways). Paul and his family leave for an extra long vacation for supposedly the entire summer, and Winnie and her mother will be spending the summer in Maine. So this leaves Kevin sulking about having nothing to do and no one to spend his summer with.

Guest-starring: H. Richard Greene as Mr. Cooper (Winnie's father); Lynn Milgrim as Mrs. Cooper (Winnie's mother).

Recurring guests: Robert Picardo as Coach Cutlip; Wendel Meldrum as Miss White; Ben Stein as Mr. Cantwell.

Note: Paul and his family apparently returned home from their vacation earlier than expected because Paul joins Kevin and his family for their vacation trip to Ocean City for the last week of the summer vacation (see "Summer Song," the first episode in Season 3). These two episodes, due to lack of continuity, tend to conflict with each other.

Season 3 (1989–1990)

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24 1 "Summer Song" Michael Dinner Mark B. Perry October 3, 1989 (1989-10-03) B89501

In the remaining days of summer, the Arnolds decide to take a vacation trip to Ocean City, in part for old times' sake, since it was Jack and Norma's honeymoon destination. Paul comes along, but the vacation turns out to be a disaster, as Paul gets car-sick and throws up a couple of times and later appears to get sunburned but actually develops an allergic reaction to fish he ate, which forces him to stay inside for the remainder of the week-long vacation; add to that Wayne's constant bullying, Karen's belly-aching and complaining, and Jack's constant complaining about the high prices. So Kevin, now feeling more alone than ever, decides to take a stroll along the beach in search of a little solace, where he encounters Teri (Holly Sampson), a beautiful (although older) girl who also seems alone, but more upbeat and optimistic. Kevin and Teri plan a date to the boardwalk arcade the next day. Their date ends with a kiss under a pier, but the moment is ruined when Teri turns down a second date for the next day, because she and her family got called back home to Albuquerque due to her father's job. Teri promised to write to Kevin every so often until they met again; but after only one letter, Kevin never heard from her again.

Guest-starring: Holly Sampson as Teri; Juliette Lewis as Wayne's girlfriend Delores.

Note: There is some conflict between this episode and the preceding episode, "How I Am Spending My Summer Vacation" (the Season 2 finale), due to lack of series continuity. This episode sort of contradicts the story line of the Season 2 finale, in which Paul leaves town with his family immediately after school ends for the summer. In that episode, Kevin learns to his dismay that Paul will not return home until after Labor Day Weekend. Yet, in this episode, Paul is in town and travels with the Arnolds on their summer vacation. It's possible, however, that Paul and his family returned home a couple weeks sooner than expected, thus allowing time for Paul to join the Arnolds for their vacation before school begins, but this was never stated. There is some continuity in connection with the separation of Winnie's parents, as Winnie and her mom go to Maine for the summer, where Winnie writes to Kevin from in this episode. It is also wondered which Ocean City is portrayed in this episode. Possibilities include Ocean City, NJ; Ocean City, MD; and Ocean City, CA; among others. Many believe that Ocean City, MD; which is known as a huge resort city with amusement rides, is actually the destination town portrayed in the episode.
25 2 "Math Class" Andy Tennant Tom Gammill & Max Pross October 10, 1989 (1989-10-10) B89502

As Kevin begins eighth grade, he finds himself struggling in math and quickly has trouble understanding it. But when his very strict math teacher Mr. Collins (Steven Gilborn) offers him a study group after class, Kevin refuses. Kevin then receives bad grades on pop quizzes and fails a test. Eventually, he must tell his dad about the situation and he starts to turn things around.

Guest-starring: Steven Gilborn in his first appearance as Kevin's math teacher Mr. Collins.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
26 3 "Wayne on Wheels" Beth Hillshafer Mark B. Perry October 24, 1989 (1989-10-24) B89504

Wayne gets his driver's license but reluctantly has to chauffeur Kevin and Paul to the mall. While there, Kevin meets his "dream girl" (Jennifer Barron) whom he follows to the movie theater where Romeo and Juliet is playing. When Kevin finally gets his chance to introduce himself and talk to her, Wayne shows up and embarrasses him by driving away every time he reaches for the door handle.

Guest-starring: Jennifer Barron as Kevin's unnamed "dream girl" (his mall crush).

Recurring guest: Juliette Lewis as Delores.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
27 4 "Mom Wars" Daniel Stern Todd W. Langen October 31, 1989 (1989-10-31) B89503

Against his mother's wishes, Kevin decides to play "no-equipment" football in Shepherd's Park with his friends after school. After finding blood on his shirt, Norma (Alley Mills) tries taking Kevin clothes shopping to distract him from playing, but it backfires. Kevin soon realizes that this game is dangerous when he gets hurt while being gang tackled and has to bandage his wounds himself.

Guest-starring: Sean Baca in his first appearance as Craig Hobson; Brandon Crane in his first appearance as Doug Porter; Michael Tricario in his first appearance as Randy Mitchell.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
28 5 "On the Spot"
"Our Town"
Matia Karrell Matthew Carlson November 7, 1989 (1989-11-07) B89505

The new dramatic arts teacher Mr. Weber (Nicholas Hormann) is holding auditions for the school play Our Town and Winnie gets the leading role while Kevin and Paul are in charge of working the spotlight. When Paul's nerves get the best of him, it's up to Kevin to run the spotlight, which he awkwardly does until Winnie's moving performance inspires him and leads her father to move back in with her and her mother.

Guest-starring: Nicholas Hormann as Winnie's dramatic arts teacher Mr. Weber.

Note: This episode is somewhat of a reworking of "Our Miss White" (Episode 8).
29 6 "Odd Man Out" Peter Baldwin David M. Stern November 14, 1989 (1989-11-14) B89506

After a heated argument over their elusive Willie McCovey baseball card trade, Kevin and Paul choose new best friends. They go their separate ways, only to realize, after their new friends ditch them, they missed each other's companionship in the end.

Guest-starring: Marty Belafsky as Brady Ryland.

Recurring guest: Brandon Crane as Doug Porter.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.

Inaccuracy note: In one scene Kevin is seen holding a handful of 1989 Topps baseball cards, even though the episode takes place in 1969, twenty years prior.
30 7 "The Family Car" Michael Dinner Debra Frank & Jack Weinstein November 21, 1989 (1989-11-21) B89507

The Arnolds notice one of their neighbors driving home a new car, while the Arnolds' family station wagon just isn't roadworthy anymore; so in "keeping up with the Joneses," they decide to buy a new car, too (after Norma pressures Jack into doing so). The Arnolds then visit a car dealership and, at the persuading of salesman Marvin Lutz (Patrick Cronin)--and the kids--Jack selects a new cherry-red '69 Ford Mustang convertible and is ready to seal the deal. However, Jack blows up and backs out of the deal when he thinks Lutz didn't offer him a fair trade-in value for their old car. Meanwhile, Jack decides to fix up and wash the station wagon and put it up for sale. But when Jack informs prospective buyers of his price, they walk away laughing, thinking the price is outrageously high--which leads to Karen offending her father by calling him "cheap." However, in the end, the Arnolds do end up buying a new car, but it's not the Mustang. It turns out to be a 1969 Galaxie 500. The station wagon ends up being towed away to the junkyard.

Guest-starring: Patrick Cronin as car salesman Marvin Lutz.

Recurring guest: Sean Baca as Craig Hobson.

Inaccuracy note: In this episode, Jack was portrayed as holding dear sentiments to their old station wagon, which was supposedly in the family for years. However, the Arnolds were shown in Seasons 1 and 2 as owning a 1963 Chevrolet Impala sedan.
31 8 "The Pimple" Matia Karrell David M. Stern & Todd W. Langen November 28, 1989 (1989-11-28) B89509

Kevin gets his first pimple a few days before family friends, the Pruitts and their beautiful daughter Gina (Heather Green), come for a visit. As he desperately tries to get rid of his pimple, Kevin goes as far as paying Wayne for his zit cream to covering it with a band-aid and telling Winnie he got into a fight with school bully Tony Barbella (Tony Nittoli). Unfortunately for Kevin, none of these tactics work, and Kevin must face the music—and the Pruetts—with his pimple, only to discover that coincidentally Gina had developed her first pimple, too.

Guest-starring: Tony Nittoli as school bully Tony Barbella; Heather Green as Gina Pruitt.
32 9 "Math Class Squared" Daniel Stern Matthew Carlson December 12, 1989 (1989-12-12) B89510

Kevin overhears classmate Eddie McCormick (Chris Demetral) having a conversation with two others about cheating in his math class. After being graded on a curve because of the cheaters, Kevin decides he wants in and asks Eddie "How 'bout those Mets," the secret code that he's on board. As a result, his grades rise to near perfect and he is put in the honor math class. After being unable to keep up, Mr. Collins (Steven Gilborn) offers Kevin to revert to his old math class and keep his grades up.

Guest-starring: Chris Demetral as Eddie McCormick.

Recurring guest: Steven Gilborn as Mr. Collins.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
33 10 "Rock 'n' Roll" Michael Dinner Bob Stevens January 2, 1990 (1990-01-02) B89508

After helping the new student from San Francisco, Larry Beaman (Joshua John Miller), get out of trouble with vice-principal Diperna (Raye Birk) when he's not allowed to play his guitar on school property, Larry teaches Kevin how to play guitar. Inspired by The Beatles, they form a rock 'n' roll band called the "Electric Shoes" and land a gig at an 8th-grade birthday party for Amy Ermin (Stefanie Scott), but are forced to stop playing by her father (Ben Slack) and the police because they're too loud.

Guest-starring: Joshua John Miller as lead guitarist Larry Beaman; Casey Ellison as drummer Mark Bernstein; Dana Young as bassist Neal Rhodes; Stefanie Scott as Amy Ermin; Ben Slack as Amy Ermin's father.

Recurring guest: Raye Birk as Mr. Diperna.
34 11 "Don't You Know Anything About Women?" Jeff Brown Tammy Ader January 16, 1990 (1990-01-16) B89511

Both being dateless for the upcoming school dance, Kevin and lab partner Linda Sloan (Maia Brewton) agree to go to the dance "as friends." But soon after, Kevin's latest crush, a girl with a Southern accent named Susan Fisher (Kelly Packard), asks him to save a dance for her. This now puts Kevin in a predicament as he is now torn between Susan and Linda as to whom to spend more time with at the dance. Kevin lets Linda dance with Steve Padway (Andy Howard), a boy who has a crush on Linda, while Kevin dances with Susan; but Kevin unfortunately has nothing to have a conversation with Susan about afterwards and she therefore finds her ex-boyfriend Donald Wallach (Sean Wohland) and they get back together. Noticing the attention Kevin had been giving Susan, Linda becomes offended and leaves Kevin standing alone at the punch bowl. Meanwhile, after a short break-up, Paul and Carla get back together, now making Kevin feel totally left out. Now alone, Kevin searches for another free girl to dance with. Coincidentally, it just so happens that Winnie shows up at the dance, also dateless. But unfortunately, while searching for dance partners, both Kevin and Winnie miss seeing each other and Kevin finally leaves the dance.

Guest-starring: Maia Brewton as Linda Sloan; Kelly Packard as Susan Fisher; Andy Howard as Steve Padway; Sean Wohland as Donald Wallach.

Recurring guests: Krista Murphy as Carla Healey; Ben Stein as Mr. Cantwell.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
35 12 "The Powers That Be" Daniel Stern David M. Stern January 23, 1990 (1990-01-23) B89512

Grandpa Arnold (David Huddleston) visits the Arnolds, bearing gifts. One is a surprise for Kevin—a puppy; but Jack forbids it, thinking that Kevin can't handle the responsibility of taking care of a pet. But after a heated argument between Jack and Grandpa, Jack decides that a dog is exactly what the family needs and asks Kevin to keep him.

Guest-starring: David Huddleston in his first appearance as Grandpa Arnold; Gary Grossman as Kevin's biology teacher Mr. Corey.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
36 13 "She, My Friend and I" Peter Baldwin Kerry Ehrin February 6, 1990 (1990-02-06) B89513

When Paul gets dumped by Carla, Kevin wants to help his brokenhearted friend get his self-confidence back. While he helps Paul think of other available girls to date, Kevin is stunned to discover that Paul is interested in dating Winnie, but Paul is shy about asking her out because he feels awkward about dating his best friend's ex. So to ease the pressure for Paul, Kevin coaxes Winnie into asking Paul out on a date; but after going out three times, things take an unexpected turn when Paul actually starts falling for Winnie, making Kevin jealous. Winnie doesn't feel the same way about Paul and tells him she still likes Kevin, but wants to keep it a secret. However, Kevin finds out and goes to Winnie's to tell her that "he knows she's crazy about him," only to get the door slammed in his face. Part one of two.

Recurring guests: Krista Murphy as Carla Healey; Robert Picardo as Coach Cutlip.

Absent: Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.

Note: While this episode was not necessarily the first two-part episode, it was the first one to show the caption, "To be continued..." at the end of the first part.
37 14 "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" Matia Karrell Mark B. Perry February 13, 1990 (1990-02-13) B89514

Things get complicated for Kevin when his please-forgive-me valentine meant for Winnie ends up by mistake in the locker of Becky Slater who, because of it, wants to rekindle their short-lived romance. But Kevin informs Becky that the valentine was not meant for her, making her mad at Kevin once again. Therefore, Becky seeks revenge by trying to run Kevin off the sidewalk with her bike; but Curtis Hartsell (Fred Savage's younger brother Ben, playing the role of Cupid) winds up in Becky's path, causing her to crash into Craig Hobson, making a love connection. Kevin seeks advice on love from Mrs. Heimer (the former Miss White) and she tells him to speak from the heart which he does to Winnie, finally confessing that he likes her. Part two of two.

Guest-starring: Ben Savage as Curtis Hartsell; Elyse Eberstein as Winnie's friend Melissa Bemil; Jean Palmerton as Kevin's art teacher Mr. Dougherty.

Recurring guests: Crystal McKellar as Becky Slater; Wendel Meldrum as Mrs. Heimer (nee White); Sean Baca as Craig Hobson.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
38 15 "The Tree House" Michael Dinner Teleplay by: Matthew Carlson
Story by: David M. Stern
February 20, 1990 (1990-02-20) B89515

After seeing a shocked look on his friend Doug Porter's face after he receives "the talk" from his father, Kevin wonders when his time will come. Meanwhile, Jack has a week off from work, and he has nothing to do around the house but repairs, which upsets the balance of Norma's household. So Norma suggests that he and Kevin build a tree house together. Jack lets Kevin help by allowing him to use his power tools and things run smoothly until they go up on the platform to look at the view of the neighborhood. The elevated platform also allows them to catch a glimpse of their voluptuous neighbor Donna (Janet Wood) singing while working her tomato garden. This causes Jack and Kevin to share an awkward moment, especially when Norma invites Donna over for a visit. Norma eventually decides to check on their progress and sees the same view of her neighbor, which makes Norma a little uncomfortable. Channeling Norma's response, Jack then has a different talk with Kevin and admits that he's too old for a tree house after all, which stops the construction altogether. In the final scene of the episode, the platform of the incomplete tree house starts to collapse.

Guest-starring: Janet Wood as the Arnolds' neighbor Donna.

Recurring guest: Brandon Crane as Doug Porter.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
39 16 "Glee Club" Jim McBride Teleplay by: Todd W. Langen
Story by: Bob Brush & Todd W. Langen
February 27, 1990 (1990-02-27) B89516

When Kevin's music teacher Mr. Frace (William Lanteau) turns his class over to perky and optimistic student teacher Miss Haycock (Andrea Walters); the untalented, terrible-voiced eighth grade glee club rehearses "Stout-hearted Men" for the Spring Sing concert. But after Kevin and the rest of the class tells Miss Haycock they don't want to sing in the concert, she breaks down in tears; but classmate Warren Butcher (Jeffrey Baum), who up until that point never even talked, begins holding a note in perfect pitch, and sings with perfect vibrato when they rehearse the song again. Now the glee club has a secret weapon for the concert--until the night of the concert when Warren's 13-year-old voice starts to change shortly after the beginning of the song, causing a disaster. The glee club then limps through the rest of the song; and when the song is over, a dejected Miss Haycock wanders offstage, never to be heard from again.

Guest-starring: William Lanteau as Kevin's original music teacher Mr. Frace; Andrea Walters as student music teacher Miss Haycock; Dustin Diamond as Joey Lapman; Troy Slaten as Eric; Jeffrey Baum as Warren Butcher.

Recurring guests: Brandon Crane as Doug Porter; Michael Tricario as Randy Mitchell.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
40 17 "Night Out" Dan Lauria Teleplay by: Todd W. Langen & Mark B. Perry
Story by: Tammy Ader
March 13, 1990 (1990-03-13) B89517

Since Kevin and Winnie are a couple once again, they get invited to a make-out party hosted by infamous ninth grader Robbie Hudson (Greg Davis). When they get chosen to go into the make-out room, things get awkward for the young couple, especially when Winnie doesn't want to kiss Kevin, leaving him confused. Later that night, Winnie comes to Kevin's bedroom window while he's sleeping and asks him to go for a walk so she can explain herself. But Kevin thinks Winnie wants to be just friends again--until she calls him her boyfriend and kisses him on a bridge. Turns out that Winnie was only waiting for the perfect moment!

Guest-starring: Greg Davis as Robbie Hudson.

Recurring guests: Crystal McKellar as Becky Slater; Krista Murphy as Carla Healey; Sean Baca as Craig Hobson; H. Richard Greene as Mr. Cooper; Ben Stein as Mr. Cantwell.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
41 18 "Faith"
"Death & Taxes"
Michael Dinner Teleplay by: Matthew Carlson
Story by: Bob Brush & Matthew Carlson
March 27, 1990 (1990-03-27) B89518

It's tax time, but Norma loses the tax receipts needed for filing, and the family awaits their impending doom when Jack finds out. But they learn that there are more tragic things happening in the world. The news broadcasts of the failed Apollo XIII space mission has everyone on edge, so Norma goes to a church to pray for the missing astronauts. In a subplot, Mrs. Stebbins (Salmone Jens), Kevin's English teacher, gives his class an assignment to write an obituary of their lives for creative writing, but Kevin can't decide how his life will turn out in the future in order to write an acceptable obituary.

Guest-starring: Emily Schulman as Susan Kelly; Josh Berman as Harold; Billie Joe Wright as Larry; Michael Bower as Joe; Salmone Jens as Kevin's English teacher Mrs. Stebbins.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
42 19 "The Unnatural" Nick Marck Ian Gurvitz April 17, 1990 (1990-04-17) B89519

When Paul tries out for the Kennedy junior high Wildcats baseball team, Kevin gets the coach's attention when he instructs him at bat. Coach Ted Baker (Harrison Page) asks Kevin to come up to bat and he smashes a line drive to right field, impressing him so much he asks him to try out for the team. But Kevin wonders why he keeps making the cut even though his performance is bad and wants to know why. He finds out that Coach Baker is his father's old Marine Corps buddy in the Korean War. Jack starts going to Kevin's tryouts and talks with the coach, but when Kevin sees his name crossed off the cut list, he's relieved that he wasn't receiving favoritism after all. He hits one out of the park, pretending like he's Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants baseball team in the National League pennant game of 1951.

Guest-starring: Harrison Page as Coach Ted Baker.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
43 20 "Good-bye" Michael Dinner Bob Brush April 24, 1990 (1990-04-24) B89520

When Kevin asks his beloved algebra teacher Mr. Collins how he is doing overall in math, he doesn't get the response he needed to hear back. Instead, Mr. Collins gives Kevin private tutoring to raise his grades of C's on quizzes into A's on tests. Mr. Collins then suddenly canceled a scheduled session several days before the mid-term exam. He also took the next few days off but would be back to give the exam or leave it at the end of the week, leaving Kevin to fend for himself. Kevin thought Mr. Collins was helping him because he believed in him and was his friend, but he stated he was simply his teacher. On the day of the exam, Collins does show up with the exam that Friday, so Kevin decides to get a "respectable F" and botch the answers on purpose. The following Monday, Mr. Diperna (Raye Birk) informed Kevin and the class that Mr. Collins died from heart failure. It seemed the teacher knew his end was very near (he likely knew this for some time) and at home that weekend he "misplaced" his test before passing away. It seems that Arthur Collins believed in Kevin Arnold after all.

Recurring guests: Raye Birk as Mr. Diperna; Steven Gilborn in his final appearance as Mr. Collins.

Absent: Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
44 21 "Cocoa and Sympathy" Peter Baldwin Winnie Holzman May 1, 1990 (1990-05-01) B89521

Lisa Berlini has made up a list of categories she thinks is the definitive rating of eighth grade boys--called the "Lisa Berlini Poll." Kevin is chosen for "best eyes," while Paul's self-esteem falls when he is named the "brainiest." The boys then decide to retaliate by making their own poll about the eighth grade girls; but when Paul makes the unlikely choice of Kevin's mom for "best smile," Kevin is embarrassed, especially when his friends all agree. Paul then develops a crush on Norma when she says he looks "manly" with glasses, but she handles it well. Paul and Norma then go to a chamber music concert together and when he gives her a rose, she lets him down easy with compliments of finding other girls his age.

Recurring guest: Sean Baca as Craig Hobson.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.

Note: Lisa Berlini (played by Kathy Wagner in Season 1) was only referred to in this episode but was never seen.
45 22 "Daddy's Little Girl" Jim McBride Todd W. Langen & Mark B. Perry May 8, 1990 (1990-05-08) B89522

In another "Jack vs. Karen" episode, Karen's eighteenth birthday is approaching, and tension arises with Jack when she tells him that she wants to enroll in a liberal college. When he declines her decision about her future, she suggests taking a year off to go backpacking in Europe. In the end, Jack realizes that his little girl isn't so little anymore. Karen's leaving and won't be back next year, but Jack sends her off with one last gift--his military "kit bag" from the Marines, so she can use it for college or if she goes some place. Karen then blows out her birthday cake candles, makes a wish, and goes out for the night, with her father leaving the porch light on when she returns.

Absent: Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.

Inaccuracy note: In the scene where Jack and the boys are shopping in a department store for Karen's birthday presents, in one of the shots it is possible to see what appears to be a computer monitor on one of the store's display shelves in the background. Of course, this episode was set in 1970--about a decade before PCs evolved and were made available to the public.
46 23 "Moving" Michael Dinner Jill Gordon & Bob Brush May 16, 1990 (1990-05-16) B89523
When Jack finds dry rot in the basement, he considers selling the house, sending Kevin in a panic. He tells Winnie and Paul that he's moving, but is surprised they take it well and are ready to have a long distance relationship. In the end, Jack realizes that he'll just settle for getting the basement fixed, but accidentally slips and tells Kevin that the Coopers are moving four miles across town. Kevin is now in shock and despair over this and confronts Winnie as to why she didn't tell him, especially that she's going to a different school next year. Thinking she'll stay if he buys Winnie a ring, Kevin gives it to her but she can't accept it and breaks up with him instead, making Kevin throw it in the trash. On moving day, Kevin decides to say goodbye to Winnie and finds her alone in the moving van with his ring in her hand and they have a long hug. Kevin then joins the family for Karen's high school graduation and the family celebrates at a local restaurant where Wayne is working as a waiter. Now Kevin has to travel far beyond his front door and out of his neighborhood to see Winnie; as the present-day Kevin says in voice-over, his world just got a little bigger.

Season 4 (1990–1991)

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47 1 "Growing Up" Michael Dinner Bob Brush September 19, 1990 (1990-09-19) B90501

Kevin and his friends are now venturing into adolescence, as they find themselves lusting after Marsha Millany in a bikini at the town pool. Kevin and Winnie survive a summer of "cross-town romance," Wayne now owns a car that backfires, and no one likes Wayne's new girlfriend Angela (Meredith Scott Lynn). To bring the family closer, Norma suggests that the family attend Jack's company picnic on Labor Day, but the outing isn't as fun as they remember. Kevin finds out that "office clown" Harry "Dead Wood" Detweiler (Rick Hurst) beat his father out of a promotion and is now NORCOM Vice-President while boating with his daughter Mimi (Soleil Moon Frye). In the company softball game, Jack gets knocked out when Kevin accidentally hits a ball at him, but he is the one apologizing for not telling his son about the promotion. Wayne then quickly gets dumped by Angela and wonders why. However, the family comes together in the end when they see Karen off to college.

Guest-starring: Soleil Moon Frye as Mimi; Meredith Scott Lynn as Wayne's new girlfriend Angela; Rick Hurst as Harry "Dead Wood" Detweiler.

Side note: Dukes of Hazzard fans may recognize Rick Hurst, who played Harry Detweiler in the episode. He was Boss Hogg's cousin Deputy Cletus Hogg in Dukes.
48 2 "Ninth Grade Man" Daniel Stern Jill Gordon September 26, 1990 (1990-09-26) B90502

As Kevin enters ninth grade, he has to make adjustments throughout his first day. He has to deal with Winnie not being there anymore, his terrible class schedule, the return of school bully Tony Barbella, who seizes his locker; a beautiful new girl named Madeline Adams (Julie Condra), who's quite the temptress when she kisses him; and worst of all, Becky Slater's continued wrath (Becky is now blaming Kevin for Craig Hobson breaking up with her before he went to military school). Kevin tries to obtain help from the school guidance counselor, but she's not there and Coach Cutlip is her replacement. His solution? Run laps!

Guest-starring: Julie Condra in her first appearance as Kevin's sultry classmate Madeline Adams; Charles Tyner as Kevin's unnamed elderly industrial arts teacher; Blake Soper as an unnamed shop student; Julie Payne as Kevin's French teacher Mrs. Falcinella; Josh Berman as Harold.

Recurring guests: Crystal McKellar as Becky Slater; Robert Picardo as Coach Cutlip; Tony Nitolli as Tony Barbella.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
49 3 "The Journey" Peter Werner Jeffrey Stepakoff October 3, 1990 (1990-10-03) B90503

Walter McCafferty (aka, "Mr. Hormones") claims he is unofficially invited to Donna Pescarelli's (Sarah Lundy) slumber party of tenth grade girls if they can bring beer. Kevin and his friends decide to make the journey across town to crash the party, but their battle to get there turns into a war. Paul becomes allergic to being in a different part of town; and Doug gets injured, forcing Randy to carry him the rest of the way. Then the mission is all but over when Walter gets caught taking beer by his mother and is grounded for the rest of the night, but Paul insists they must continue on without him.

Recurring guests: Brandon Crane as Doug Porter; Michael Tricario as Randy Mitchell.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
50 4 "The Cost of Living" Nick Marck Mark Levin October 10, 1990 (1990-10-10) B90504

After Paul complains about his five-dollar allowance; Kevin asks for a raise in his, but Jack says he has to earn the value of a dollar by doing chores around the house, earning only fifty cents more. Mark Kovinski (Justin Whalin), the "Howard Hughes" of RFK, tells Kevin that he has two choices: be like his dad or be his own man by caddying at the Whispering Green golf course. Kevin then signs up for a golf caddy job in hopes of earning a twenty-dollar tip. But there are a couple problems: the tip was earned by carrying a big bag that belongs to Jack's boss Ken Stein (Alan Fudge), and Jack is playing with him. Ken is winning, all the while taunting Jack for having cheap and old golf clubs, which only makes Jack play better. Jack almost wins the game, but he deliberately misses an easy putt because he didn't like the way his boss made Kevin fetch his club after throwing it in the lake. Kevin is thankful and treats Jack to lunch, realizing it is not so bad ending up like his father after all.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
51 5 "It's a Mad, Mad, Madeline World" Rob Thompson Eric Gilliland & Jeffrey Stepakoff October 24, 1990 (1990-10-24) B90506

Winnie gives Kevin an ID bracelet for their one-year anniversary of their would-be date, which Kevin failed to ask her out on. Meanwhile, Kevin gets partnered with Madeline for a French cuisine cooking project in French class and has to spend an evening with her alone in her house making chocolate mousse instead of going out with Winnie. While at Madeline's, Kevin accidentally leaves his bracelet—and gets flustered when Madeline says it wasn't a coincidence that she picked him and tries to tempt him into tasting the mousse off her finger. While Kevin is at the movies with Winnie, Madeline sits behind them, but returns the bracelet by pretending that she found it on the floor.

Recurring guest: Julie Condra as Madeline Adams.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
52 6 "Little Debbie" Michael Dinner Mark B. Perry November 7, 1990 (1990-11-07) B90505

Now in seventh grade, Paul's little sister Debbie (Torrey Anne Cook), who has a crush on Kevin, asks him to a cotillion dance when Paul weasels out of escorting her. Paul has "school spirit" on his mind by watching busty cheerleader Dina Delgado (Stefanie Scott) with Randy and Doug at the Friday night football game. At the dance, Kevin feels out of place when he and Debbie are chosen to lead in the "Sweetheart Waltz." But when Debbie wants souvenir pictures of their night, he ditches her for some fresh air. While outside, the guys break the bad news: something slipped from Dina's uniform, revealing that she stuffs her bra. Heartbroken over Kevin's absence, Debbie finds him but her grandmother's pearl earring accidentally falls in the pool. Playing hero; Kevin dives in to retrieve it, asks her to dance, and gets their picture taken together.

Guest-starring: Torrey Anne Cook in her first appearance as Paul's younger sister Debbie Pfeiffer.

Recurring guests: Brandon Crane as Doug Porter; Michael Tricario as Randy Mitchell.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
53 7 "The Ties that Bind" Peter Baldwin Mark B. Perry November 14, 1990 (1990-11-14) B90509

In the Arnold household, money is tight and things get worse when the kitchen stove malfunctions. At work, Jack asks for a raise so he can buy Norma a new stove. To his surprise, he receives not only a raise, but a promotion as well--but there's a catch: Jack's boss is forcing him to travel during Thanksgiving, which leaves Norma in charge of preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Can Jack make it home in time to carve the turkey, or will he have to break a family tradition?

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
54 8 "The Sixth Man" Nick Marck David Chambers November 28, 1990 (1990-11-28) B90507

It's tryouts time for the school basketball team; and to Kevin's surprise, Paul is among the ones chosen. However, Kevin tries to prove to Paul that he's not good enough to try out for the basketball team. But after 790 consecutive losses of backyard basketball, Paul finally shows Kevin that things change when he wins one game. Paul makes the team after all and a very impressed Kevin becomes his biggest supporter, cheering his buddy on.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
55 9 "A Very Cutlip Christmas" Michael Dinner Mark Levin
Suggested by Material by: Gene Wolande
December 12, 1990 (1990-12-12) B90509

While Christmas shopping with his mother, Kevin sees Coach Cutlip (Robert Picardo) moonlighting at the Brightlin Mall as Santa Claus. At school, Kevin is treated like royalty from the much kinder gift-giving "Ed" Cutlip so he wouldn't give up his secret to the rest of the class, much to the annoyance of his friends. But Kevin accidentally discloses to Doug Porter that he saw Cutlip working at the mall. Doug then tells Randy Mitchell, who in turn tells Tommy Kisling (Jay Lambert). So the boys gather a crowd to try to find Cutlip there.

Recurring guests: Robert Picardo as Coach Cutlip; Brandon Crane as Doug Porter; Michael Tricario as Randy Mitchell.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
56 10 "The Candidate" Neal Israel Teleplay by: Eric Gilliland
Story by: David Chambers & Eric Gilliland
January 9, 1991 (1991-01-09) B90510

Paul nominates Kevin to run for 1970 RFK Junior High Student Council President against his long-time nemesis Becky Slater. Paul then recruits Doug, Randy, and Tommy for Kevin's campaign team; but after three weeks of battling Becky at school with pranks, they're no match for Becky and her highly-organized campaign team. Tommy then tempts Kevin with a copy of Becky's election speech; but after Paul introduces him as an honest and true every-man, Kevin's conscience gets the best of him and he concedes from the race, thereby losing the election.

Recurring guests: Crystal McKellar as Becky Slater; Brandon Crane as Doug Porter; Michael Tricario as Randy Mitchell; Jay Lambert as Tommy Kisling.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
57 11 "Heartbreak" Andy Tennant David Chambers January 23, 1991 (1991-01-23) B90511

When Kevin's school holds a joint field trip to the Natural History Museum with Lincoln Junior High, Kevin wonders why Winnie isn't as excited as he is about spending the day together. While at the museum, tensions rise when all Winnie seems to want to do is associate with her Lincoln friends. Meanwhile; Paul, Randy, and Doug try to find the museum's fourth floor where gangster John Dillinger's remains are supposedly kept in a jar of formaldehyde. When Kevin gets lost, Madeline tries to seduce him; but Winnie returns, creating an awkward moment. Kevin tries to explain that nothing happened, but Winnie confesses to Kevin that she met someone else and leaves. Kevin boards his bus and finds the ring he gave her there, and he begins to contemplate life without his "girl next door." Part one of two.

Recurring guests: Julie Condra as Madeline Adams; Brandon Crane as Doug Porter; Michael Tricario as Randy Mitchell.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
58 12 "Denial" Richard Masur Teleplay by: Mark Levin
Story by: Mark Levin & David Chambers
January 30, 1991 (1991-01-30) B90513

Days after the breakup, Kevin is still in denial over Winnie and cannot accept the fact she is with someone else, even when he is introduced to her new boyfriend Roger. Kevin then plans to throw a party in hopes of reuniting with Winnie and asks Paul to have the party at his house. However, Paul invites both Winnie and Roger. When Madeline discusses the party with Kevin, he asks her to be his date. At the party, Kevin uses Madeline to try to make Winnie jealous, and he ends up hurting Winnie more when he tells Winnie that their relationship didn't mean that much to him. But he also tells Madeline to get lost as well. With his heart broken, Kevin visits Winnie to apologize and to continue their friendship. Part two of two.

Recurring guest: Julie Condra as Madeline Adams.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
59 13 "Who's Aunt Rose?" Rob Thompson Teleplay by: Mark B. Perry
Story by: Jill Gordon
February 6, 1991 (1991-02-06) B90512

Grandpa Arnold suddenly arrives to attend the funeral of his cousin, Aunt Rose, a relative the Arnolds hardly knew. At the wake, Kevin and Wayne meet their extended family; and are glad when they see Jack's wealthy cousin Lloyd, who gives Kevin and Wayne twenty dollars to split. After they argue over holding the money, they accidentally drop it into Aunt Rose's open casket. By the time they think of a plan to get it back, it's too late and the casket is sealed shut and taken away for the funeral. On the way to the graveside service, Kevin and Wayne bicker over the money and a furious Grandpa stops the car and kicks them out, forcing them to walk the last two miles to the cemetery. When they finally get there, they realize why it was important to be respectful because even though they didn't know their aunt, she still represented a part of the Arnold family heritage.

Recurring guest: David Huddleston as Grandpa Arnold.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
60 14 "Courage" Daniel Stern Mark B. Perry February 13, 1991 (1991-02-13) B90515

After a routine cleaning and checkup at the dentist, Kevin gets his first cavity and needs a filling; but feels embarrassed that he'll wimp out in the presence of beautiful denial hygienist Miss Hasenfuss (Whitney Kershaw), and asks Dr. Tucker to make arrangements for Miss Hasenfuss not to be there for the filling. Miss Hasenfuss is then replaced by the much older, crabby, and hoarse-voiced Mrs. Craw, making Kevin feel even more uncomfortable. But after he finds out that Miss Hasenfuss is taking his advice on going back to school to become a dentist herself, Kevin has the courage to ask her to assist Dr. Tucker one last time before she leaves.

Guest-starring: Whitney Kershaw as Miss Hasenfuss; Mary Gillis as Mrs. Craw; Gerrit Graham as Dr. Tucker.

Recurring guests: Brandon Crane as Doug Porter; Jay Lambert as Tommy Kisling.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
61 15 "Buster" Nick Marck Teleplay by: Jill Gordon & Mark B. Perry
Story by: Jeffrey Stepakoff
February 27, 1991 (1991-02-27) B90514

Kevin's dog Buster is restless and will not stop barking, annoying the whole family; so Jack leaves it up to Kevin to take Buster to the vet. But veterinarian Dr. Ferleger's suggestion of neutering chills the Arnolds to the bone and no one can decide whether or not to move forward with the procedure. Meanwhile, Buster's misbehavior continues when he chews up Jack's shoes and important reports. Kevin then takes Buster to the park, where Buster finds a female dog and runs away with her, leaving the family to search for him later that night. They soon realize that Buster is a part of the Arnold clan, too—their faithful "silent partner."

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
62 16 "Road Trip" Ken Topolsky David Chambers March 6, 1991 (1991-03-06) B90516

After Norma notices a clothing sale advertisement in the paper; she urges Jack to take Kevin to the store where the sale is being held--which is a one-hour drive away--to buy him a new suit. However, due to Jack's stubbornness to get driving directions, Kevin is unable to connect with his father and they miss the turnoff and get lost in the countryside. Jack and Kevin then stop at a diner, where a cute waitress works, but Jack embarrasses Kevin in front of her. They finally make it to the store, but it's now late and the store is closing. In the parking lot, Jack's car gets a flat tire, leaving Jack and Kevin at odds with each other once again. However, Kevin manages to get the jammed lug nut free and changes the tire by himself, impressing his father and restoring their ability to communicate.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
63 17 "When Worlds Collide" Lyndall Hobbs Eric Gilliland March 20, 1991 (1991-03-20) B90517

Norma takes a job as a temporary secretary in the front office at Kevin's school, making Kevin nervous about his school image and reputation. On her first day, during a fire drill, Norma also embarrasses Kevin by waving and shouting hello at him from across the schoolyard. As a result, Kevin asks Norma not to speak to him while at school, which she reluctantly agrees to. The next day, school bully Tony Barbella pressures Kevin to steal a green late pass, but Norma catches Kevin in the act and he leaves it behind. As a result, Norma is unable to perform her duties suitably and is fired. Later that night, however, Kevin notices Norma typing an application for admission to Rider Community College.

Recurring guest: Tony Nitolli as Tony Barbella.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
64 18 "Separate Rooms" Michael Dinner Teleplay by: Bob Brush
Story by: Jill Gordon & Bob Brush
April 3, 1991 (1991-04-03) B90518

Karen returns home from college for a mid-semester break and informs the family that she won't be back for summer because she has gotten a job on campus. Kevin and Wayne each want to have their own room and begin to squabble over who gets Karen's room. The situation slowly becomes more heated, ending with Wayne preferring to sleep in his car rather than spend one more night in the same room with Kevin. Kevin, shocked by his brother's comments, gets even when he kicks the bumper off Wayne's car, accidentally causing it to roll down the street and crash into a hydrant. After the incident, they each admit wanting the room; but in the end, Jack flips a coin and Wayne wins the toss--and Karen's room.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
65 19 "The Yearbook" Neal Israel David Chambers April 10, 1991 (1991-04-10) B90519

After Kevin wittingly covers for them after getting caught passing a note; Brad Patterson (Chad Allen) and Marci Doran, the "most popular" couple in school, recruits Kevin to help with writing quotes for the yearbook. That night they ask Kevin to provide a "funny" quote about unpopular overweight classmate Peter Armbruster (Michael Ray Bower), known as "Pig." In gym class; Kevin gets partnered with Peter for exercise drills, which gives Kevin an opportunity to get to know Peter, which makes Kevin start to feel guilty about the quote he submitted to Brad and Marci about Peter. Kevin then asks them to change his quotes; but it's too late, as they have already submitted the quotes to the yearbook staff. Kevin subsequently gets called in to Mr. Diperna's office and finds he has to take the blame for the quote. Keven later confronts Brad and Marci for selling him out, but realizes that they are "untouchable" but there's more to life than being popular.

Guest-starring: Chad Allen as Brad Patterson; Michael Ray Bower as Peter "Pig" Armbruster.

Recurring guest: Raye Birk as Mr. Diperna.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
66 20 "The Accident" Richard Masur Teleplay by: Jill Gordon
Story by: Jill Gordon & Bob Brush
April 24, 1991 (1991-04-24) B90520

When Winnie shows up at Kevin's house to "talk," he tries to chat but she is evasive. Kevin learns that Winnie broke up with Roger, and Paul thinks that she may want to get back together with Kevin. Later, Kevin meets Winnie as she is looking at her old house, but she isn't interested in doing anything with Kevin. Later, at a skating rink, Winnie's "distress" cannot be seen in front of her new friends—a couple of eleventh grade guys. Realizing Winnie's instability, Kevin tries to talk with her but she again becomes evasive, wanting to forget the last three years. Later, Kevin learns that Winnie had been involved in a car accident. Kevin leaves school and waits until dark for Winnie, but her parents tell him that she doesn't want to see him right now. Kevin then sneaks back to see her later that night, and they mouth "I love you" to each other through her bedroom window.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
67 21 "The House that Jack Built" Ken Topolsky Mark B. Perry & Mark Levin May 1, 1991 (1991-05-01) B90521

The "clash of the generations" between Jack and Karen resurfaces when Karen informs the family that she intends to move into an old house that needs fixing up, and Norma and Jack want to check it out. But they are surprised when they meet Karen's new roommate--her new live-in boyfriend Michael (David Schwimmer). Jack becomes irritated and questions his daughter's values and the way she was raised. Meanwhile, Kevin goes for a motorcycle ride with Michael, and notices his love for his sister. After taking a walk, Jack says he can't tolerate this kind of relationship and demands Karen to return to the dorms. However, Karen defies her father and tells him that times have changed, even if he cannot.

Guest-starring: David Schwimmer in his first appearance as Karen's new live-in boyfriend Michael.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
68 22 "Graduation" Michael Dinner Bob Brush May 8, 1991 (1991-05-08) B90522

As his junior high graduation approaches, Kevin learns from Winnie that Paul will be attending a prep school in the fall. Disappointed, Kevin confronts Paul, making fun of him in the process; then later punches him in science class, causing an explosion. Later, a pregnant Mrs. Heimer sees that Kevin is troubled and offers him a ride home, but their conversation is interrupted when Mrs. Heimer goes into labor, leaving an unlicensed Kevin to drive her to the hospital. Kevin, however, makes it back in time for his graduation, and is moved by Paul's speech about remembering their time as RFK Junior High's class of 1971, and never forgetting the friends that were made there. That summer; Kevin patches things up with Paul, Winnie's car accident injury heals and she has her cast removed, and the three look forward to the future.

Recurring guest: Wendel Meldrum in her final appearance as Mrs. Heimer.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
69 23 "The Wonder Years: Looking Back..." Nick Marck Mark B. Perry & Mark Levin May 15, 1991 (1991-05-15) B90523
Kevin recalls significant people, places, and events in his life (through clips from past episodes). The majority of his memories center around his family, his three years at RFK Junior High, his best friend Paul, and his first love Winnie.

Season 5 (1991–1992)

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70 1 "The Lake" Michael Dinner Mark Levin October 2, 1991 (1991-10-02) 02S0059101

The Arnolds spend their summer vacation at Lake Wenatchee with the Pfeiffers, with both fathers trying their hand at fishing. Kevin and Paul quickly become bored, so they walk around the small town when Kevin spots a beautiful young girl. That night they pay Wayne and his new buddy Dave "Wart" Wirtschafter (Scott Menville) for a night at the drive-in to see Planet of the Apes. The beautiful girl Kevin saw earlier, now introduced as Cara (Lisa Gerber), also shows up at the drive-in; and Kevin decides to go and talk to her. For the rest of his one-week vacation, Kevin spends all his evenings with Cara, leaving his family and "Mr. Hormones" Paul (with his 25-cent condom in tow) behind, and romance develops between the two. But with the vacation coming to an end, Kevin and Cara realize that their summer romance must end as quickly as it began.

Guest-starring: Scott Menville in his first appearance as Wayne's new friend Dave "Wart" Wirtschafter; Lisa Gerber in her first appearance as Cara.

Recurring guest: Torrey Ann Cook as Debbie Pfeiffer.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
71 2 "Day One" Daniel Stern Denise Moss & Sy Dukane October 9, 1991 (1991-10-09) 02S0059102

It's Kevin's first day of tenth grade at McKinley High School. Feeling alone without his best friend Paul, the day goes from bad to worse. First, Kevin meets an old bothersome fourth grade classmate, Stuart Cartesian, whose not-so-decent reminicing turns off a potential pretty girlfriend for Kevin. Later at lunch, Kevin finds Winnie alone, but before Kevin can make his way to the table to join her, she is surrounded by the football team. Soon after, Wayne and Wart give Kevin a "royal flush" because he accidentally stepped on the sacred school seal. Finally, Kevin's U.S. Government teacher Mr. (Arlo) Bottner (Scott Jaeck) begins a vendetta against him when he disobeys "Bottner's Rules" in class. Kevin rips out a page from his spiral notebook--a sound Bottner despises; and to his surprise, his classmates do the same. Kevin realizes maybe he's not so alone after all.

Guest-starring: Scott Jaeck as Kevin's government teacher Mr. Bottner.

Recurring guest: Scott Menville as Wart.

Absent: Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
72 3 "The Hardware Store" Ken Topolsky Craig Hoffman October 16, 1991 (1991-10-16) 02S0059103

After Jack gets him a summer job at Harris & Sons Hardware in town, Kevin dislikes the way his boss, Mr. Harris, orders him around. Meanwhile; Kevin, Paul, and their new friend Lewis begin hanging out at Hillcrest Mall and they see a classmate, Robby Cashion, surrounded by girls while working at the Burger Cage, which of course inspires Kevin to want to work there, too. Kevin tries to quit his job at the hardware store several times, but Mr. Harris offers to pay Kevin more than what the Burger Cage would offer him, making him feel obligated to stay. Later, when Kevin sees that his father would rather go to the mall because it's more convenient, he realizes that the world is passing his slow-paced employer by. So Kevin briefly takes the job at Burger Cage, but in later life he remembers the old-fashioned service ethic that Mr. Harris represented.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
73 4 "Frank and Denise" David Greenwalt David Greenwalt October 23, 1991 (1991-10-23) 02S0059104

Kevin meets Frank Stanavukovic and Denise Lavel, better known as Frank "The Stank" and Denise "The Grease," a couple whose love soared above all others at his high school. However, their long-time romance is on the rocks, and Kevin finds himself in the middle, especially after he helps Denise understand the Jonathan Swift poem "Cadenus and Vanessa" in poetry class. Frank becomes agitated by it, but soon finds out it's not Kevin's fault; it's his own, and he starts to open up to Denise. At the drive-thru where Denise works, Kevin has Frank recite poetry, but when that doesn't work he instead sings a verse from his favorite song "If I Were A Carpenter," which gets their relationship back on track.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
74 5 "Full Moon Rising" Ken Topolsky Mark B. Perry October 30, 1991 (1991-10-30) 02S0059105

When Kevin has a date with classmate Cindy (Heather McComb), his friends Randy and Purdle make fun of him for having his mom drive Kevin and his dates everywhere. Kevin and his friends then approach Ricky Halsenbach, the first kid in their class to turn sixteen and get his driver's license, to chauffeur them around. Kevin then breaks his date with Cindy, making up a lie that his grandmother is ill to go cruising with his friends on a Friday night; but their glorious night fades when they encounter a group of guys in a Mustang, who go around mooning people. Then to top it all off, Kevin runs into Cindy at Zesty's Drive-in, who catches Kevin in a lie and becomes devastated. Later, Ricky is challenged by the guys in the Mustang to a drag race, but dutifully stops at a four-way stop sign. Purdle then moons Kevin's parents at a traffic light, causing Kevin to flip out in extreme anger and embarrassment. As the boys decide to go home, the car runs out of gas, leaving them to push the car home; but in the end, the guys realize their night out was an adventure and agree to do it again next Friday.

Guest-starring: Heather McComb as Cindy.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
75 6 "Triangle" Daniel Stern Sy Rosen November 6, 1991 (1991-11-06) 02S0059106

Kevin creates a dilemma with Wayne and his new girlfriend, Sandy (Carla Gugino), after Sandy falls for Kevin while watching an episode of Sonny and Cher on TV, thereby beginning a secret relationship between them. Kevin feels Wayne is not the right guy for Sandy, thinking she's too smart and beautiful for him. But when Kevin notices Sandy making Wayne a better person, he backs off. Later, Kevin asks a schoolmate, Alice Pedermeir (Lindsay Sloane), to the school dance, but she already has a date. Meanwhile, Sandy prefers to be with the younger, more sensitive brother; so she breaks up with Wayne in the parking lot at the dance. Now Kevin is faced with an ultimatum--ditch his brother to be with his ex-girlfriend or comfort his big brother when he needs it the most. Kevin realizes that blood is thicker than water, putting family first, and leaves Sandy to dance with another guy.

Guest-starring: Lindsay Sloane in her first appearance as Alice Pedermeir; Carla Gugino as Wayne's new girlfriend Sandy.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.

Inaccuracy note: In the scene where the family was discussing the school dance at the dinner table, Norma mentions that she met Jack at their school dance. However, in "The Phone Call" from Season 1, Norma stated that she met Jack when she was working at a clothing store and Jack was there as a customer buying a new tie and Norma was the one who sold him the tie.
76 7 "Soccer" Thomas Schlamme Mark Levin November 20, 1991 (1991-11-20) 02S0059107

When Kevin tries out for the football team and gets cut because of his size, he discovers the new sport of soccer, where the school's misfit team welcome him. After meeting disgruntled coach Pops "The Bear" McIntyre (Paul Dooley), who is best known for his championship football days, Kevin joins the team. The players train as best they can, but Kevin soon becomes frustrated with the team's lackluster coach and their team's lack of focus. On game day, their high hopes are dashed when faced with a superior opponent. But Pops takes interest again after hearing Kevin's inspirational speech, and even though they lose 19-0, the team chemistry is what's important.

Guest-starring: Brice Beckham as Nick Bott; Paul Dooley as Pops "The Bear" McIntyre.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
77 8 "Dinner Out" Bryan Gordon Gina Goldman December 4, 1991 (1991-12-04) 02S0059108

Sixth months after Jack and Karen's fallout (from "The House That Jack Built" in Season 4), Norma decides to try to reconcile their relationship. To celebrate Jack's 43rd birthday, the family decides to go out to dinner at Briarcliff Lodge, a restaurant of Jack's choosing, and Kevin decides to secretly surprise the family by picking up the tab with his summer job savings. However, dinner doesn't go as planned: For starters, Karen arrives separately with live-in boyfriend Michael--on his souped-up motorcycle, much to Jack's chagrin. Then the Maitre D' seats the Arnolds--and Michael--at a small table that's too cramped up for them, and Jack continues to spar with Karen over Michael. The high point of the night is when Norma presents Jack with a photo album gift, but things go downhill from there. Afterwards, however, stubborn Jack and headstrong Karen feel badly about the farce and reconcile in the end. This makes Kevin realize that what his father really needed for his birthday was his daughter's goodwill more so than gifts.

Recurring guest: David Schwimmer as Michael.

Absent: Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
78 9 "Christmas Party" Jim McBride Sy Dukane & Denise Moss December 11, 1991 (1991-12-11) 02S0059110

The Arnolds host their annual Christmas party, but they notice that things just aren't as fun as they used to be. Jack's old golf buddy Lou arrives with his wife, Jeanne (Carol Mansell), but he has now stopped drinking. Al Wannamaker has a coughing attack after Kevin's impromptu Jimmy Cagney imitation. Jack's old war buddy Bill Foster arrives with his new young girlfriend Carol (Kimberley Kates) instead of Marsha, his now ex-wife. To top it all off, Ed Ermin, the "King of Lawns," is caught smoking marijuana in the basement. Meanwhile, Kevin and Wayne are sent to the supermarket; and when they return they find their parents alone and curled up by the fire; they realize, also, that the old days are gone, and the present-day Kevin narrates that this party was the last such party his parents had.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
79 10 "Pfeiffer's Choice" Ken Topolsky Mark B. Perry December 18, 1991 (1991-12-18) 02S0059109

Tension arises between the Arnolds and the Pfeiffers after Alvin (Paul's father) makes a windfall gain by investing in beach front property; and a jealous Jack is irked by Alvin's spending spree: a color TV with remote, a riding mower, a swimming pool, and a country club membership. This situation also puts Kevin and Paul's friendship to the test as well, heightened when Kevin learns that Jack also could have joined the investment deal. At the country club, the "cold war" continues while Kevin and Paul are playing tennis. Kevin envisions in his mind a butler giving a stylishly-dressed Paul a tennis ball on a silver platter. Kevin then inadvertently hits Paul in the head by slamming a ball into him. Back at poolside, Paul is nursing his head as Norma graciously proposes a goodwill toast celebrating the Pfeiffers' success. However, Alvin begins sobbing and tells everyone that he has actually lost everything. Back home, Kevin decides to meet Paul, apologizes about the stray tennis ball that hit Paul, and they patch things up. Paul then drops out of prep school and joins Kevin at McKinley High.

Recurring guest: Torrey Anne Cook as Debbie Pfeiffer.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.

Side note: As per producer and episode writer Mark B. Perry in the DVD extras, this episode was erroneously titled "Pfeiffer's Choice" in many online episode guides.
80 11 "Road Test" Thomas Schlamme Craig Hoffman January 8, 1992 (1992-01-08) 02S0059111

Kevin seems to be a natural at driving, except for one problem--his inability to parallel park. This troubles him in driver's education class, especially when other student drivers--under the watchful eye of Coach Meecham (Michael Gregory)--have no problem with it. Then one day Jack has Kevin drive him downtown to run an errand so that he can stay in practice for his upcoming road test, but Kevin freezes up in fear when Jack has him parallel park in front of the store. Kevin's tension continues to build until he lies to his parents about getting his driver's license, even though they celebrate by giving him a cake and a set of spare keys to the car. Determined to secretly practice, Kevin sneaks out of bed in the middle of the night to try to use the car to parallel park; but only ends up running over the lawn mower, damaging it in the process. Jack comes out to see what's happened, and Kevin finally confesses all. In the end, Kevin gets his license with his father's help, but is subsequently grounded for a month for damaging the mower.

Guest-starring: Michael Gregory as Coach Meecham.

Recurring guest: Lindsay Sloane as Alice Pedermier.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
81 12 "Grandpa's Car" Michael Dinner Mark Levin January 15, 1992 (1992-01-15) 02S0059112

After having several recent auto accidents that led to a license suspension, Grandpa Arnold (David Huddleston) refuses to listen to his family's concerns and refrain from driving while suspended. Frustrated, Grandpa finally asks Kevin to drive him back home, but resumes driving the car a short time later anyway. Their road trip takes many unexpected turns as Grandpa wishes to relive his cruising days, traveling to his favorite diners and roadside attractions. For the first time, Kevin notices Grandpa's old age catching up with him; and while reminiscing about the old days and not paying attention to the road, he nearly crashes the car. Grandpa finally accepts the fact that he's getting too old to drive and sells Kevin his 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass--for one dollar. Now Kevin will always remember his first car because it was his grandfather's last.

Recurring guest: David Huddleston in his final appearance as Grandpa Arnold.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
82 13 "Kodachrome" David Greenwalt Gina Goldman January 29, 1992 (1992-01-29) 02S0059113

Kevin's new English teacher Miss Shaw (Lanei Chapman) is a young, active teacher fresh out of grad school. In her idealism, she decides not to adhere to regular teaching practice--a move that makes her well-respected among most of her students, including Kevin. While the class enjoys her unorthodox curriculum and grading system ("P" for pass, "NP" for no pass), it doesn't sit well with parents and school principal Dr. Valenti (Richard Fancy). Dr. Valenti informs Miss Shaw that she must conform to departmental guidelines. Thinking the young activist in Miss Shaw will fight the system, Kevin is surprised when she tells him that "It's just not worth it" and resigns, leaving Kevin unsure of what to make of the situation.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
83 14 "Private Butthead" Nick Marck Sy Rosen February 5, 1992 (1992-02-05) 02S0059114

While cramming again for his SATs, Wayne begins to give up on the prospect of going to college. Meanwhile, Kevin thinks of his own future when his guidance counselor, Mrs. Ruebner (Pat Crawford Brown), also urges him to start planning for college. Finally, rather than taking the tests again; Wayne, along with his buddy Wart, decides to join the Army instead. With the Vietnam War still raging in 1972, the family is afraid that Wayne could be shipped off in combat. Although Jack objects to his son's decision; Wayne--since he is now 18 years old--is allowed to go and take the physical. However, Wayne is rejected due to psoriasis while Wart is accepted, then sent to basic at Fort Polk in Louisiana, and two months later shipped off to Vietnam.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper; Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer.
84 15 "Of Mastodons and Men" Thomas Schlamme Mark Levin February 12, 1992 (1992-02-12) 02S0059116

Kevin is caught between spending time with Julie Aidem, a girl he's been dating, and hanging out with the guys. Although Kevin admires Julie's cool dad Ben (Lyman Ward), he notices that her mother June (Sandy Faison) has him on a short leash, and he soon realizes Julie is doing the same with Kevin. Suddenly Kevin feels trapped, and he ditches Julie to play football with the guys, but she shows up at his house, then wants them to go steady. But Kevin can't bring himself to announce it in front of her family, especially after Ben tells him about his old black lab Duke that ran away the day he proposed to June. Kevin then breaks it off in front of her family, devastating Julie in the process, and returns to doing what most 16-year-old boys like to do: hanging out with the guys.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
85 16 "Double Double Date" Peter Baldwin Sy Rosen & Mark B. Perry February 26, 1992 (1992-02-26) 02S0059115

Kevin becomes smitten with new Swedish exchange student Inga Finnstrom (Shevonne Durkin), and asks Winnie to introduce her; and in return, Winnie asks Kevin to fix her up with Matt Stevens. Things seem to go well initially, but become awkward when Matt suggests they double date for the spring formal. On the way to the dance, tensions rise between Kevin and Winnie, until Matt asks Inga for a dance leaving Kevin and Winnie alone on the dance floor. While slow dancing, something strange happens between Kevin and Winnie and they are soon brought close together once again. They then ditch their dim-witted dates and go to a secluded parking spot outside of town, but both find it hard to make a move and wind up kissing each other--on the eye. Both understand that they need more time, particularly since there is still much they have yet to learn about themselves.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.

Inaccuracy note: In the scene where Kevin, Winnie, and their dates discuss their favorite music on the way to the dance, Inga mentions that she loves American music--especially the Beatles. The Beatles, of course, are British--not American.
86 17 "Hero" Stephen Cragg David Greenwalt March 11, 1992 (1992-03-11) 02S0059117

McKinley High's basketball team is having a great season thanks to their star player, Bobby Riddle (James Caviezel) and make it all the way to the state championship of 1972. Kevin and his school are caught up in the euphoria. Jack, however, is more practical, telling Kevin he needs to focus on his studies instead. On the night of the playoffs, Jack decides to accompany Kevin to the game. He enjoys the first half, but Kevin is annoyed when the team loses and is embarrassed when Bobby tells him to leave him alone. On the way home, at a diner, Jack teaches Kevin a valuable lesson he never forgets, when he says "It's not easy being a hero."--his father wasn't talking about Bobby, he was talking about himself.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold
87 18 "Lunch Stories" Ken Topolsky Sy Dukane & Denise Moss March 18, 1992 (1992-03-18) 02S0059118

The present-day Kevin recalls a typical lunch period at McKinley High through a montage of events--academic crises, romances, and problem-solving. For example, Kevin is asked by Winnie to donate blood, while Ricky has to complete a thousand word paper on the A Day in the Life of a Citizen in Ancient Rome. Paul gets sloppy Joe sauce on his white pants right before a big debate, and Chuck wants to ask Shelia McCaffry out on a date, but when he finally does, his constant twitching turns her off. Wayne tries to win a $20 bet by finding the name of a kid known only as "Maniac" -- he succeeds but "Florence" threatens to kill him if he tells. Kevin is also pressured into ditching school to see The Devil in Miss Jones with three troublemakers, Jimmy Donnelly (Seth Green), Joey Spinoza, and Neal Pemish, but they are caught by Dr. Valenti and blame Kevin -- only for Winnie to save the day when she mentions donating blood.

Absent Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold, Alley Mills as Norma Arnold and Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold
88 19 "Carnal Knowledge" Nancy Cooperstein David Greenwalt March 25, 1992 (1992-03-25) 02S0059119

Kevin and his friends plan to sneak in to see the R-rated movie Carnal Knowledge with Ann-Margret, their first film with erotic scenes. Paul reveals that he will be having dinner with his mother's old college roommate and her college-age daughter Beth (Kawena Charlot) that night and can't make it. After Kevin, Ricky, and Chuck sneak in then get kicked out of the theater, Paul tells Kevin that he had his first sexual encounter with Beth, leaving him confused at exactly what happened. At first Kevin is upset when Paul doesn't disclose any details, then he inadvertently reveals Paul's secret to his friends. However, when Paul confesses he can't cope with a casual relationship, Kevin helps and takes him to the airport to say goodbye to Beth. Even though Paul doesn't meet her, he still appreciates Kevin, his long-time best friend, who'll do anything for him.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold, Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold and Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper
89 20 "The Lost Weekend" Arthur Albert Teleplay by: Sivert Glarum & Stephen Jenkins
Story by: Rob Cohen
April 8, 1992 (1992-04-08) 02S0059120

When Kevin's parents go away for the weekend, and Wayne leaves the house too, the guys convince Kevin to let them come over. When their poker game becomes boring, Chuck decides to invite a girl he likes, and Ricky also steps up and invites Alice. Unfortunately for Kevin, they also bring or invite their own siblings or friends, soon turning the Arnolds' house into a crowded wild party. As supplies run low, Kevin and Chuck make a food and drink run to a liquor store, but the clerk (Michael G. Hagerty) doesn't fall for Chuck's fake ID. When they get back, the party's totally out-of-control and the house is trashed. Kevin futilely spends 3 hours cleaning up afterwards, but his parents come home early and bust him. Seeing the mess, they automatically blame Wayne. He surprises Kevin by taking the heat for the mess, and Kevin then washes and waxes his car in return.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold and Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper
90 21 "Stormy Weather" Ken Topolsky Denise Moss & Sy Dukane April 22, 1992 (1992-04-22) 02S0059121

When Karen comes back home in the middle of the night, the Arnold family soon learn she and Michael had a fight, and of her plan to move back home. She asks Jack to collect her things from the house and Kevin and Wayne are soon roped in too. After collecting her things, Jack tells Michael he didn't want to see them living like this, but Michael divulges the reason for the fight--he had asked Karen to marry him. He then follows them home to see Karen, but she again rebuffs his overtures since she doesn't believe in the "antiquated, male-centered institution" of marriage. She asks him to leave. However, when Michael comes back with his tent and pitches it on the front lawn, he stands in the dark in the pouring rain waiting for Karen to come out. Eventually, Karen realizes how much Michael loves her and goes outside to make up--and ten days later, she asks Michael to marry her.

Absent Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
91 22 "The Wedding" Peter Baldwin Mark B. Perry April 29, 1992 (1992-04-29) 02S0059122

With their wedding day approaching, Karen and Michael, despite Norma's enthusiasm, decide against a traditional ceremony. Instead they plan a hippie wedding with an Indian Maharishi and all their friends in the backyard. However, Kevin, becomes restless when Michael confides in him he got a job in Alaska and they are planning to move there right after the ceremony. But Karen has yet to find a good moment to tell her parents, and when Jack makes a touching speech, her friend Earth Mother delivers a cake that says "Alaska or Bust" on it. In the confusion and tension, Karen then tells her parents she and Michael have their own life, and they have to let them go and live it. They agree, particularly when Jack recalls that he took his own bride far from her family. Jack and Norma then allow their first-born daughter out into the world, reminding her that irrespective of where she is, they will never let her go.

Note: This episode marks the departure of Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold, who would be written out of the series as having moved with her husband Michael to Alaska. D'Abo would return one last time in her role of a pregnant Karen in the series finale "Independence Day."

Absent Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer

Guest starring Jon Frear as Brett, Frank Lloyd as Rainbow, Karen Massey as Wind, and Gerry Bednob as Maharishi.
92 23 "Back to the Lake" Michael Dinner Mark Levin May 6, 1992 (1992-05-06) 02S0059123

As summer begins, Wayne gets a job at Jack's company NORCOM, working on the loading dock. Kevin is frustrated with missing out on a leisurely summer since his parents are pressuring him get a summer job, also. With Winnie working at a diner and Paul working as an assistant manager at a Chinese restaurant; Kevin finally takes a remedial position at the Chinese restaurant as well. One day, while cleaning his room, Kevin finds a card from Cara, his summer fling from last year; and on the way to work with Paul the next day, Kevin spontaneously decides to go back to the lake with hopes of reuniting with Cara. But Cara isn't thrilled to see Kevin and wonders why he came, since he never replied to her Christmas card. Cara then leaves, and the next day (the boys having spent the night in the car) tells Kevin that she now has a boyfriend. Kevin then wonders why he ever tried to get back together with Cara in the first place, when he still has Winnie.

Recurring guest: Lisa Gerber in her final appearance as Cara.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.
93 24 "Broken Hearts and Burgers" Ken Topolsky Craig Hoffman May 13, 1992 (1992-05-13) 02S0059124

When Winnie thinks Kevin is flirting with a waitress (Sarah Dammann) at Fatso's drive-in, she gives him an icy reception and leaves him to sit with her friends for the rest of the night. Even though Kevin explains that it was just a misunderstanding, he remembers back to a lot of ups and downs he had with Winnie and with the girls he knew in his past. Although his friends and Wayne try to help him out, it's no use, and he has to patch things up with Winnie himself. By the end of the evening, Kevin speaks from his heart by telling Winnie that she's the only girl he ever cares and thinks about. But Winnie's heard enough and takes Kevin into her arms with a passionate kiss--all she wanted to hear was some honesty.

Absent Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold, Alley Mills as Norma Arnold and Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold.

Season 6 (1992–1993)

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Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
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94 1 "Homecoming" Michael Dinner Bob Brush September 23, 1992 (1992-09-23) 02S0059202

Kevin, is now in the eleventh grade, alongside Winnie his girlfriend, and Paul the class president. Bored, he is becoming a wise guy in class like his new friend, Jeff Billings. After the school's rival steals his school's knight mascot, Kevin tries to make a name for himself when he steals then frees their owl mascot. Kevin is also now the delivery guy at Mr. Chong's, and has to advertise the business on his car, making Winnie embarrassed to ride with him. Wayne now works in the mailroom at NORCOM, and lives in the family's basement. Meanwhile, Wayne's old buddy, David "Wart" Wirtshafter, returns home from a tour in Vietnam a changed man. But he doesn't feel welcome at the big game when an anonymous shout of "murderer" is directed towards him. They later find Wart sitting alone with his clothes on the ground in a neat pile. He says nothing seems to fit any more, but he wasn't talking about the size of his clothes, so Wayne offers the shirt off his own back.

Guest Starring: Giovanni Ribisi as Jeff, and Don Perry as Mr. Deeks, Kevin's history teacher.
95 2 "Fishing" Greg Beeman Phil Doran September 30, 1992 (1992-09-30) 02S0059203

Kevin and Wayne are taken by Jack to Berlinger Falls, a secluded fishing hole for their final tri-annual weekend fishing trip and some male bonding. However, the woman at the bait shop tells them they closed the road there, and Jack's once beloved secret spot is now isolated and overgrown. Kevin is annoyed that Jack and Wayne still treat him like a child, joking at his expense and rebuffing his attempts at having a beer. Irked, Kevin tells his father that his lifelong dream of building a retirement cabin in the area is never going to happen. Things go from bad to worse when Wayne and Kevin start fighting, causing the old tent to go up in flames. But by the next morning they figure out why they came here in the first place: to say goodbye to a time and place full of shared memories.

Absent: Alley Mills as Norma Arnold, Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
96 3 "Scenes from a Wedding" Michael Dinner Teleplay by: Jon Harmon Feldman
Story by: Michael Curtis & Gregory S. Malins
October 7, 1992 (1992-10-07) 02S0059204

When Candy Jensen, the daughter of Jack's boss Arthur, is getting married, the whole family gets invited. At the reception, Wayne tries to talk with Candy, but since they dated, she acts like she doesn't know him. Jack is frustrated with Arthur, who has been flirting with Norma the whole night. Kevin tries to impress a girl he just met, Linda, when he says he can get champagne, and she tells him to meet her at the gazebo. In the end, he is stood up by Linda and gets drunk on the bubbly. Jack has finally had enough of Arthur's overtures, and tells his boss to get his arm off his wife or he'll break it off, finally getting to dance with Norma. After the groom's final speech Wayne tells Kevin that even though the groom had "waited" until he got married, the bride certainly didn't.

Absent: Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer

Guest Starring: Tom Wood as Peter Rotelli, the groom; Aimee Graham as Candy Jensen, the bride; Paul Gleason as Arthur Jensen; and Sara Melson as Linda Carr.
97 4 "Sex and Economics" Ken Topolsky Teleplay by: Jon Harmon Feldman
Story by: John Bunzel
October 14, 1992 (1992-10-14) 02S0059201

Despite having an after school job, Kevin's financial problems are taking a toll on his life. When his young and beautiful history teacher, Miss Farmer (Rebecca Staab) posts an ad on the school bulletin for a painting job, he quickly accepts. Thinking it's going to be easy, she informs him that she will pay him $500, but he needs to paint the whole exterior of the house. Kevin realizes he has to find a crew to help him tackle this time consuming job, so he desperately recruits Jimmy Donnelly, Joey Spinoza, and Eddie Horvath (Jeremy Davies). Between their pay and the cost of paint and supplies, Kevin's cash soon disappears. He is further frustrated when the prepaid hired help suddenly quit, leaving him to finish the job alone and at a loss. He then learns that Miss Farmer sold the house to Mr. Kaplan (Jack McGee) another person she manipulated, and Kevin learns his lesson, namely of being taken advantage of by a pretty lady.

Absent: Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer

Guest Starring: William Bronder as Mr. Glidden (paint store clerk), and Michael Weiner as Dominick.
98 5 "Politics as Usual" Bryan Gordon Craig Hoffman October 21, 1992 (1992-10-21) 02S0059205

When Kevin's high school holds a debate for the McGovern/Nixon presidential race, the students don't seem to be interested until Mike Detweiller (Lance Guest), a charismatic speaker heading Senator George McGovern's local campaign, gets everyone's attention with his anti-establishment view. Winnie enthusiastically joins the McGovern campaign committee, but Kevin is unconvinced, believing that Mike has a romantic interest in her. Suspicious, he breaks in to campaign headquarters late at night to catch them together, but it turns out to be a meeting with McGovern himself. The next day, seeing the early promising returns, Kevin goes to celebrate with the team, but it was premature as Nixon soon wins convincingly. He arrives to find Winnie upset and Mike leaving with his assistant Peggy. It seems he wasn't interested in Winnie after all, just wanting to harness her enthusiasm to encourage young people to become more politically motivated. Kevin states from that point on, Winnie would remain a liberal.

Guest Starring: Renee Faia as Peggy Kimball
99 6 "White Lies" Peter Baldwin Jon Harmon Feldman & Robin Riordan October 28, 1992 (1992-10-28) 02S0059206

Kevin is feeling pressure from the guys in the locker room to reveal intimate details of him and Winnie, since they have been going out for 6 years. Kevin plans to be alone with Winnie when his parents take a trip out of town for one night, so he asks her over to study for the SATs. Surprisingly, she agrees, and even though Kevin creates a darkened romantic atmosphere, Winnie still wants to study, but finally figures out Kevin's intent. Despite his attempts at intimacy, they end up doing what they always do--reminiscing about their past. They end up falling asleep together on the couch and Kevin panics the next morning. After Winnie tells her parents where she was all night, and how much they trust him, Kevin feels frustrated. The guys catch wind of his mood and Kevin tells them to "use their imagination". By lunch time, the cafeteria is ablaze with gossip, publicly shaming Winnie. Later, Kevin goes to Winnie's house to apologize, but Winnie cannot see how to fix the unfixable. Kevin is left alone to ponder how readily he hurt the person most important to him in trying to impress those that weren't.

Absent: Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer

Guest Starring: Chance Quinn as Kenny Steuben and Jason Horst as Jay.
100 7 "Wayne and Bonnie" Greg Beeman Sy Rosen November 11, 1992 (1992-11-11) 02S0059207

Wayne begins dating Bonnie Douglas (Paula Marshall), an older woman he met at work. Over dinner, the family finds out she is 23, divorced, and has a 6 month old son named David. Norma invites them to the NORCOM family picnic and learns that Wayne is serious about their relationship, so much so, he decides to move in with Bonnie and help her take care of David. Meanwhile, still upset over Winnie not being in his life for the past few weeks, Kevin tries to get her back by buying a gift. But when he goes to her house with a huge teddy bear, Winnie has a study date with a classmate. Later, seeing them at the diner together, Kevin feels lonely and meets a new girl named Cindy, who just moved into town. He invites her to the picnic only to find out her immature behavior is due to the fact she's only in the 7th grade and winds up giving her the big bear in his trunk. With all this stuff happening to his family, Kevin needs someone to talk to, so he turns to Winnie, who in return now seems willing to give him another chance.

Absent: Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer

Guest Starring: Bret Anthony as Phil; Heather Allen as Cindy Fleming
101 8 "Kevin Delivers" Arthur Albert Frank Renzulli November 25, 1992 (1992-11-25) 02S0059208

With his two-nights a week Chinese food delivery job at Chong's Restaurant, Kevin has difficulty making time to meet with Winnie, particularly as his high-strung boss, Mr. Chong (Michael Paul Chan), is always on his back. Every night had its pitfalls and perils, from scary houses and scary customers and yapping dogs, to practical jokes with Fioni's Pizza deliveryman (delivering to a dead person at a funeral home), and having his car impounded. He also has regular customers, especially Mrs. Tambora, a lonely old lady who always wants Kevin to stay and chat. But it's not all bad, particularly when a hippie stoner gives him a $20 tip, or when Kevin decides to re-prank the pizza guy into delivering to Mrs. Tambora. Throughout the night he often contacts Winnie by phone, but one night she breaks their date. Then his boss informs him of one last delivery to 216 Maple, which ends up being a local park, but to his surprise it was ordered by Winnie, who shows up for a late dinner date in the park.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold, Alley Mills as Norma Arnold, Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer

Guest Starring: Ellen Albertini Dow as Fanny Tambora; Adam Stradlin as the Pizza guy; Zachary Mott as the hippie
102 9 "The Test" Ken Topolsky Robin Riordan December 9, 1992 (1992-12-09) 02S0059209

Kevin and his friends deal with the stress of preparing for the SATs, and contemplating their futures. Unfortunately Paul is not helpful, particularly when he starts to panic and begins to focus on how the test will predetermine the rest of his life, and Kevin's procrastination while watching Let's Make a Deal does not help either. Meanwhile, after Jack gets a "competent" annual review at NORCOM, saying he's ok at performing his job, he decides after 20 years, he's had enough and seeks to leave the company. Jack talks about how an ex-NORCOM co-worker of his, Charlie, is looking to buy a furniture company, but fails to tell Norma that he wants to join the venture too. After bumping into Charlie at an ice-creamery, the truth comes out and Jack then meets with the owners of the factory and finally, with Norma's support, seals the deal. Empowered by Jack's example of taking a risk, Kevin takes his SATs, knowing that he won't let his life be dictated only by the results.

Absent Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold

Guest Starring: Monty Hall as Mr. Glavin, Kevin's English comprehension teacher; John Pleshette as Charlie Barrett
103 10 "Let Nothing You Dismay" Ken Topolsky Craig Hoffman December 16, 1992 (1992-12-16) 02S0059210
December 1972 marks a time of transitions for the Arnolds. Norma graduates from Fremont Community College and Kevin has his own problems trying to get a raise from his boss, Mr. Chong so he can buy Winnie a $100 cashmere sweater. Meanwhile, the newly unemployed Jack focuses on a new future when he and his ex-Norcom friend, Charlie try to secure a bank loan to finance their own furniture factory business. However, despite it being the holiday season, Charlie gets cold feet and backs out at the last minute, deciding to return to the safety of a NORCOM salary. Jack starts to give up on his dream, but with Norma's help, they manage to get the loan and enjoy the festive season after all. In the end, Kevin buys Winnie her sweater, but all he receives in return is the new Bread album, Baby I'm-a Want You.
104 11 "New Years" Tom Moore Jon Harmon Feldman January 6, 1993 (1993-01-06) 02S0059211

Kevin's sees Wayne evolving from the simple self-centered older brother he grew up with into a diligent and focussed family man. Wayne and his single-mother divorced girlfriend Bonnie are getting serious about their relationship, and Jack and Norma slowly warm to the idea. Wayne plans a family get together at a supper club on New Year's Eve and he wants everyone to be there at his expense. This is much to Kevin's dislike since he had an idea to go to a New Year's party at a ski condo in the mountains. On the big night, the Arnolds and Winnie are there, but Wayne never shows up. Kevin learns from Bonnie that they broke up since she still has feelings for her ex-husband James, the father of her son, David. Kevin and Winnie go out searching for Wayne and eventually find him drinking beers at the laundromat. But at midnight, they watch the ball drop on TV in Times Square, marking a new beginning for them all.

Guest Starring: Lou Cutell as the comic and Richard Diamond as the Zanic the Magnificent (magician).
105 12 "Alice in Autoland" Arthur Albert Robin Riordan January 13, 1993 (1993-01-13) 02S0059212

When Kevin starts having car trouble, he learns that Chuck's on-again-off-again girlfriend Alice is the daughter of "Pistol Pete" Pedermier, a used car salesman known as the "Used Car Cowboy," and she asks her dad to try to give Kevin a good deal on a trade. However, when Alice dumps Chuck (for the 29th time), Kevin has second thoughts about accepting her offer. Kevin then goes with Alice to Pedermier's Autoland to test drive a flashy red 1960 Austin Healey Sprite. While on the test drive, Alice reveals to Kevin that she has had a crush on him since they first met and hugs him at a traffic light just as Chuck pulls up and notices them. Kevin shouts out to Chuck that Alice doesn't mean anything to him, but Chuck drives off. The next day at school, Kevin tries to explain what really happened, but Alice feeds Chuck a reversed story. The school's worst couple is back together again, but not until Chuck punches Kevin in the face. And to make matters worse, Kevin never did get that convertible.

Guest-starring: Victor Raider-Wexler as "Pistol" Pete Pedermier, Alice's father.

Recurring guest: Lindsay Sloane as Alice Pedermier.

Absent: Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold; Alley Mills as Norma Arnold; Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
106 13 "Ladies and Gentlemen...The Rolling Stones" Peter Baldwin Kim Friese January 20, 1993 (1993-01-20) 02S0059213

In the winter of 1973, a rumor spreads through McKinley High that The Rolling Stones will be appearing at Joe's Place, a dive bar about an hour away out on Highway 9. Even though Kevin doesn't believe the rumor; Winnie, Paul, Jeff, and Chuck talk him into venturing out there to see for themselves. After getting a speeding ticket on Vine Street, Kevin tried to conceal it from his parents, but Norma finds the ticket in his laundry. Since Jack and Norma made plans to go square dancing with their friends on the same night; Jack forbids Kevin to go, gesturing to him not move his car one inch off its oil spot. So Kevin, using impeccable teenage logic, takes Jack's car instead, with the intention of "buying some milk." When they finally get to Joe's, the parking lot is empty. After being pulled over by police again, Winnie saves the day by making up an excuse, and they follow the trail to Wally's Inn, where they find a large crowd gathered outside; but are shooed away by Wally the owner. Then in frustration, Kevin inadvertently backs into a parked car, and the night ends in despair. He makes it back home before his parents arrive, and is saved again when Zeke accidentally hits the car. Kevin is relieved and surprised when Norma confesses she dented it too. It turns out to be a great evening, despite the fact that the Stones did appear at Joe's after all.

Guest Starring: O'Neal Compton as Zeke; Tom McCleister as Wally.
107 14 "Unpacking" Greg Beeman Sy Rosen & Bob Brush February 3, 1993 (1993-02-03) 02S0059214

After chemistry class, Kevin and Winnie meet in the cafeteria and knowing Jeff is lonely, they try to set him up on a date with Ann Sheer, the new girl in school. But Jeff, whose parents have just divorced, is unable to commit be too friendly with Ann because of his attachment to Julie, the long-time girlfriend he left behind. During a friendly evening after playing miniature golf, the four go out, but Jeff leaves early when Winnie suggests they all go to the The Point. Kevin, attempting to talk about the matter, is initially annoyed by Jeff's sarcasm and joking, but soon learns the truth, and that Saturday he asks Kevin for a ride back to his old hometown 110 miles away. Driving around his old hometown, Kevin discovers his friend didn't want to go back home, but was frustrated about having to leave his life behind. While there, Jeff meets Julie at the diner and says goodbye to her one last time. Kevin, returning 6 hours late, still didn't get those gutter brackets for his father, but more importantly than that, Jeff decides to unpack his room, spend time with Ann, and restart his life.

Guest Starring: Alisa Scheindlin as Ann, Bruce Ed Morrow as the chemistry teacher, Marine Andrews as Jeff's mother.
108 15 "Hulk Arnold" Ken Topolsky Kim Friese February 10, 1993 (1993-02-10) 02S0059215

After pinning all his classmates in gym class, Kevin is invited to try out for the wrestling team by Mr. Silva, its tough no nonsense coach. Even though Wayne and Jack think he's not committed enough to be on the team, Kevin persists when Chuck, Jeff, and Winnie push him into competing. At his first practice, the coach tests him out against the smallest and lightest team-mate, Spider, and Kevin soon realizes his gym class performance is relatively weak here. After complaining, whining, and looking for excuses, the coach himself challenges Kevin, but when he doesn't surrender easily, he actually makes the team. Thinking he's just going to sit on the bench, Silva makes a change, and Kevin is matched in the 140 pound weight class against the Spartans team's Doug Gurney, whose wrestling prowess is well known. During the match, Kevin surprisingly scores two points, and when Doug whispers in his ear "give up, and make it easy on yourself", he doesn't and his shoulder never touches the mat once, getting by on his natural ability from gym class. Even though he loses 15-2 in front of his friends and father, Kevin tells the coach "Told you I was good!", earning his respect.

Guest Starring: James Tolkan as Coach Silva; Matt Blansett as Doug Gurney

Absent Alley Mills as Norma Arnold and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
109 16 "Nose" David Greenwalt Sy Rosen February 24, 1993 (1993-02-24) 02S0059216

After Ricky asks the guys what's wrong with him and why can't he get a date, he finally finds a love interest with the new girl, Hayley Green and asks her to the spring dance. However, her nose is big and Kevin, Jeff, and Chuck can't help but make fun of it. In English class, their teacher Mr. Arkinson asks Hayley to read her paper on something that really bothers her about herself. Thinking to face her problem head on, she jokes how her weakness is shopping because no matter how hard she tries, nothing really matches her nose but she's accepted it because that's who she is. Her plan backfires and the class laughs at her instead, leaving Ricky embarrassed. So he backs out by lying about having to take his cousin to the hospital for an operation on her webbed feet. At the dance, Hayley still shows up, and Kevin encourages Ricky to tell her the truth. He asks her to dance, but she came with a date, class president and captain of the football team, Brett Davis, who was moved by her speech in class. Apparently, Hayley simply knew herself and accepted who she was, unlike everyone else in school.

Guest Starring: Renee Humphrey as Hayley; David Brisbin as Mr. Arkinson; Eric Dane as Brett

Absent Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold, Alley Mills as Norma Arnold, Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
110 17 "Eclipse" Stephen Cragg Craig Hoffman March 17, 1993 (1993-03-17) 02S0059217

Kevin and his classmates take a field trip to the Nierman Planetarium to witness the total solar eclipse of March 21, 1973. On the way there, Kevin and Winnie have a fight during a Truth or Dare game when he calls her "too perfect". Chuck's results aren't so great with Alice either and during a pit stop, he accidentally gets locked in a rest area bathroom, and gets left behind by the bus. Winnie is so upset at being the nice girl, she throws a spitball at Mr. Plenitzer, the science teacher, who doesn't believe it was her, so she resorts to taking a hat from the gift shop. To get even, Kevin agrees to help Louis Lanahan flush a cherry bomb down the toilet during the viewing. Meanwhile, the class bad girl, Mary Jo Genaro makes a $25 bet with her friends, Sheila and Cindy to give Harlan Abramson a hickey. On the way back, Winnie confesses she actually paid for the souvenir--she's still Kevin's perfect girl after all.

Guest Starring: A. J. Langer as Mary Jo; Devon Odessa as Sheila; Timothy Stack as the teacher.

Absent Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold, Alley Mills as Norma Arnold, Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
111 18 "Poker" David Greenwalt Teleplay by: Jon Harmon Feldman
Story by: Max Mutchnick & David Kohan
March 24, 1993 (1993-03-24) 02S0059218

When Kevin and the guys get together for a Friday night of poker, each of them explains their own problems: Chuck is worried that Alice may be pregnant; Randy is concerned that he won't be able to graduate year 11; and Jeff is accused of cheating at cards and annoys Paul with his cigar smoke. However, the real problem is Paul's straight-laced behavior, and the guys claim they have no room for Paul in the car or cabin for their spring break ski trip. While out on a food run, they get into a fight and Paul actually says what Kevin wanted to say, that he's "changed". But just when tensions reach a peak, their problems vanish when Randy, always the loser, finally wins a hand. Then Alice calls to tell Chuck she's not pregnant, and Kevin and Paul understand, after 17 years of friendship, that they're growing apart. While cleaning up, Kevin discovers Jeff's winning streak was still intact after all--though he questions why his friend had five kings.

Guest starring: Barney Martin as Old Kevin, Billy Beck as Old Paul, Walt Beaver as Old Jeff, Bob Larkin as Old Chuck, and Burt Saunders as Old Randy.

Absent Dan Lauria as Jack Arnold, Alley Mills as Norma Arnold, Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold and Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper
112 19 "The Little Women" Ken Topolsky David M. Wolf March 31, 1993 (1993-03-31) 02S0059219

As the Women's Liberation Movement gets stronger across the country in the spring of 1973, Norma doesn't want her college degree to go to waste. She takes a full-time job as a comptroller at Micro Electronics, a start-up computer company, earning $225 per week, much to the surprise of the Arnold men. Meanwhile, Kevin is proud of his SAT's, scoring a 1240 (650 verbal and 590 math). However, he becomes increasingly insecure when he learns that Winnie scored a 1482 (725 verbal and 757 math). She can now consider going to any of the top Ivy League universities while Kevin's friends have to settle for Ed's Junior College. With their fragile male egos beaten, Jack and Kevin both decide to take their women out to King Pin Lanes. Even though the men win, Norma and Winnie are good sports about it, helping Kevin realize that a more liberated world may not be so bad after all.

Absent Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
113 20 "Reunion" Arthur Albert Teleplay by: Robin Riordan
Story by: Mark B. Perry
April 28, 1993 (1993-04-28) 02S0059220

The Arnold clan flies to Norma's hometown for her 25th high school reunion. Norma's parents, Karl and Jane Gustavson (making their first and only appearance in the series) express their continued disapproval of Jack. They attempt to set Norma up with her old high school sweetheart, Roger, a medical doctor she almost ended up with. While staying at the Gustavsons', Norma is wooed by Roger; Jack is hurt in the sack race at the reunion picnic; Kevin is menaced by their Rottweiler; and Wayne takes inventory of the house. Kevin wonders why his father doesn't seem to mind that Norma puts up with her parents' meddling. Jack tells him his mother wanted more out of life than this small town had to offer, so she quickly left everyone behind. This makes Kevin finally understand his mother's desire to break old routines.

Guest starring: Edward Edwards as Dr. Roger Baldwin, Macon McCalman as Karl Gustavson, Jean Speegle Howard as Jane Gustavson

Absent Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
114 21 "Summer" Michael Dinner Sy Rosen May 12, 1993 (1993-05-12) 02S0059221
Winnie takes a summer job as a lifeguard at a hotel resort, while Kevin considers a cross-country trip with his friends, an idea that Jack soon quashes. Frustrated, Kevin then quits his job at Jack's factory and drives to the resort to see Winnie. Kevin then takes a job as a waiter to be near Winnie, but is then disappointed when he and Winnie are so busy they have no time for each other. Kevin gambles his gas money playing poker with the resort's house band and manages to win big; but later, when he finds Winnie to tell her of his good fortune, he becomes shocked to see Winnie kissing a co-worker. Part one of the two-part series finale.
115 22 "Independence Day" Michael Dinner Bob Brush May 12, 1993 (1993-05-12) 02S0059222
Kevin, furious with Winnie over her infidelity, plays another poker game, this time losing all his money and his car. He then punches the guy Winnie kissed, quits his job and hitchhikes home because he is now without a car. Winnie is fired from her job because of Kevin's tirade; and she, too, hitches a ride back home, and Kevin happens to be picked up by the same couple. Winnie tells Kevin her side of what happened; but their argument becomes so heated that they are both dropped off at the side of the road. Soon after a thunderstorm occurs and they find refuge in an old barn where they decide they don't want to lose their childhood relationship. The next day they make it back home just in time for the Independence Day parade, and the present-day adult Kevin reveals the fates of himself, his family, and his friends from that day onward. Part two (conclusion) of the two-part series finale.

References

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  6. Peabody Award Winners Archive Archived April 15, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
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  18. The Wonder Years: the complete series (twshowondvd.com)
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External links

Cast

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File:WonderYears.jpg
Paul, Kevin and Winnie
  • Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage): Character born March 18, 1956, Kevin grew up in the turbulent late 1960s and early 1970s.[1] The voice of Kevin as an adult (and the show's narrator) is supplied by Daniel Stern (Arye Gross in the original broadcast of the pilot).
  • John "Jack" Arnold (Dan Lauria): Character born on November 6, 1927, died in 1975. Kevin's father was a gruff, laconic man and a Korean War veteran; he grew up during the Great Depression, served in the US Marine Corps, and is seen in photographs wearing the uniform of a First Lieutenant. He works at NORCOM, a large military defense corporation, in a middle management position he loathes. Later, he starts his own business, building and selling handcrafted furniture. The series's last episode reveals that he dies in 1975 near the end of Kevin's freshman year of college – that is, two years after the time of the show's finale – although in a previous episode, an adult Kevin says his father would later be the grandfather of Kevin's sons. Jack represents the viewpoint of the "Silent Generation" that grew up during the Depression and came of age during the Second World War; it was confused and angered by the rapid changes taking place in the 1960s. He is described as a Republican who voted for Richard Nixon twice in the presidential elections of 1968 and 1972.
  • Norma Arnold (née Gustavson) (Alley Mills): Character born March 22nd, 1928, Kevin's housewife mother. Unlike her husband, Norma is friendly and upbeat. She met Jack as a college freshman. When he graduated, she moved across the country with him and did not finish college. She eventually gets her degree late in the series and begins work at a software startup called Micro Electronics. Although she came of age at the same time as her husband, she is less conservative than her husband and increasingly yearns to break out of her homemaker role, reflecting the rise of feminism in the 1960s.
  • Karen Arnold (Olivia d'Abo): Character born circa 1952, Kevin's hippie, but mature older sister. Her free-spirited ways clash with her overbearing father's conservatism, and she depends upon her mother as a mediator. When Karen moves in with her boyfriend Michael (David Schwimmer) during her freshman year of college, she has a falling out with her father. The pair marry one year later and move to Alaska, where Michael has secured a good job. Karen ultimately accepts some of her parents' viewpoints and has a baby, while her husband learns to support his wife and child.
  • Wayne Arnold (Jason Hervey): Character born April 6th, 1954, Kevin's annoying older brother. Wayne enjoys physically tormenting Kevin and Paul, calling Kevin "butthead" or "scrote". He ultimately takes over the family furniture business, after his father passes away. (Wayne attempted to follow in Jack's footsteps by joining the military, but psoriasis kept him out.) Wayne is usually portrayed as a loser in romantic relationships. For a time, he dated a girl named Dolores, but that was more casual than serious. In later seasons, Wayne matures. In the final season, he begins a serious relationship with a divorcée named Bonnie, but is left heartbroken when she reconciles with her husband.
  • Paul Joshua Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano): Character born March 14, 1956, Paul is Kevin's long time best friend, a bright and excellent student, and an allergy sufferer. He is also Jewish and in one episode celebrates his Bar Mitzvah. Although Kevin and Paul are best friends in the series's early seasons, their relationship becomes somewhat strained later. Kevin begins to spend more time with Chuck and Jeff, causing tension with Paul. Paul also attends a private prep school for one season, leaving Kevin alone to start public high school. In another episode, Kevin tattles on Paul after the latter loses his virginity. In the final episode, it is revealed that Paul eventually attends Harvard and becomes a lawyer (in real life, Saviano quit acting, went to Yale, and became a lawyer).
  • Gwendolyn "Winnie" Cooper (Danica McKellar): Winnie is Kevin's main love interest and neighbor. Her older brother's death in the Vietnam War plays a big part in the pilot. In another episode, Winnie's parents separate in grief over the death of their son. In the epilogue of the final episode, Winnie travels overseas to study art history in Paris. Kevin and Winnie write to each other every week for eight years until she returns; in the concluding moments of the finale, Kevin says that when Winnie returned to the States, Kevin met her accompanied by his wife and first child, despite the hope among Wonder Years fans that Kevin and Winnie would themselves marry. "Like I said," says Kevin at the end, "things never turn out exactly the way you plan them." As suggested in an episode entitled "The Accident" and in the finale episode of the series, every important event in Kevin's life has somehow involved Winnie.

Production

Conception

The series was conceived by writers Neal Marlens and Carol Black. They set out to create a family show that would appeal to the baby-boomer generation by setting the series in the late '60s, a time of radical change in America's history. They also wanted the series to tie this setting in to the life of a normal boy growing up during the period. After writing the script for the pilot episode, Marlens and Black began pitching the series to television networks. None of them were interested, except for ABC, with whom Marlens and Black reached an agreement.[2]

Marlens had originally wanted the setting to be Huntington, Long Island, where he grew up. Elements were also taken from Black's childhood from the White Oak section of Silver Spring, Maryland.[3] ABC, however, insisted that the location remain nonspecific (the colloquial "Anytown, USA").[4][5][6][7]

Writing

When they started writing the series, Marlens and Black took a script for a future film with which they had been toying, which featured an off-screen narrator. Black explained, "We liked the concept that you could play with what people think and what they're saying, or how they would like to see themselves as opposed to how the audience is seeing them."[8] They based the show, in part, on their own childhood growing up in the suburbs. Black recalled that "we naturally [took] elements of our experience and [threw] them into the pot. The basic setup, the neighborhood, the era – that's the time and place where we grew up."[8] The show's title was a satirical nod to a famous 1970s Wonder Bread ad campaign promoting the highly processed white bread as perfect for "The Wonder Years," ages 1 through 12. [9]

Casting

Fred Savage at the Governor's Ball held immediately after the 1990 Emmy Awards 9/16/90 - Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can
Fred Savage in 1990

The search for the main lead of the show did not take long. Marlens and Black went to five casting directors and interviewed them for recommendations. All five of them recommended Fred Savage, who at the time was famous for his roles as the grandson in The Princess Bride and as Charlie/Marshall in Vice Versa. Marlens and Black, having never heard of Savage, decided to see the rough cut of Vice Versa. Said Marlens, "[We saw] a marvelous actor with a natural quality – which essentially means he has no quality at all except being a kid. It sounds funny, but it's a rare thing to find in a child actor." Marlens and Black took this approach when casting the other kids for the show, looking for natural ability rather than professionalism. According to Marlens, they saw 300 to 400 kids before narrowing it down to 70, "My wife and I made the final choice ... each of whom had to be approved by the network."[10]

For the choice of Savage's character's main love interest, the choice came down to actress Danica McKellar and her sister, Crystal McKellar. With just days to go before shooting, the producers eventually selected Danica to play Winnie Cooper. However, Mary Buck, the head of casting, noted, "it was practically a tossup". Crystal McKellar was liked so much by the producers that they eventually created the character of Becky Slater so that they could have her on the show.[11] Danica later reflected on the experience, "I auditioned, like everyone else. They had read lots of girls but hadn't found their 'Winnie' yet, and I was thrilled to be chosen."[12]

Filming

At the end of the first season, Marlens and Black departed from the show. Although they never gave a reason for their sudden departure, it may have been due to Black's pregnancy. She hinted at it in an interview in April 1988, saying "We have secret plans to leave Los Angeles before our kids reach the age of cognizance."[8] One challenge for the cast and crew was filming around a child actor, meaning that the show had to obey child labor laws. Savage at the time explained, "You have to get at least three hours of school in every day. So whenever I'm on a break, I go to school. It's really intense because I have to get a lot done in short periods. And it's hard because if they need you back on the set, they pull you away every 20 minutes. If you're writing an essay and suddenly get inspired, you've got to stop and go back to work."[13] Many exterior shots were filmed in Burbank, California.[14]

Title sequence

Three different versions of the opening were made, each set to the Joe Cocker rendition of "With a Little Help from My Friends".

First version (pilot)

This first version of the opening was very basic: Nothing but a black screen was shown, after the title logo, with each cast member's name appearing in the center one by one. Much like the Arye Gross narration, this version of the opening was only used once when the pilot first aired after Super Bowl XXII.

Second version (seasons one through five)

This opening consists of home-movie footage from the pilot, after the title logo is shown, ending with the "Created by" credit. In season five, more footage is added to show how much the cast has aged.

Third version (season six)

The opening was overhauled completely in this version. It consisted of stock footage and images of various moments throughout 1960s and early 1970s culture (i.e. John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Bed-in, the Kent State shootings, the Moon Landing, and an antiwar protest), and was set to a new edit of Cocker's rendition of the song (starting with the chorus, versus the opening of the song, as was the case in seasons one through five). The final image in this version is of Kevin, Paul, Winnie, and presumably some of their classmates in a group photograph edited to look like it belonged in the time period.

Music

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The official soundtrack released in 1988 by Atlantic/WEA contains a total of 13 tracks, featuring Joe Cocker's cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends", which is the show's theme song.[15]

After the series' original run was over, Laserlight Digital released a five-disc compilation box set under the title Music from 'The Wonder Years in 1994. This same company later released the first two DVDs for the series, The Best of The Wonder Years and The Christmas Wonder Years. The disc included 40 oldies favorites and five original songs (each is repeated twice in the set) written exclusively for the series by W. G. Snuffy Walden.

In 2014, Time Life released a new soundtrack for the show that accompanies deluxe versions of its complete series DVD set. The CD is not available for purchase separately from the DVD box set, however.

DVD music replacements

The Time Life DVD releases feature around 96% of the original music soundtrack, including Joe Cocker's cover of "With a Little Help From My Friends" at the opening. Fourteen songs were replaced, in most instances featuring generic studio replacement music in place of the original song, while on a few occasions, the original soundtrack song was replaced with another version of the same song. None of the necessary music replacements resulted in footage from the episodes being removed.

  • In the episode "The Phone Call", the "Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet" was replaced with a song called "Star Crossed Lovers", which has been used in many other TV shows and movies, including The Brady Bunch.
  • In "Dance With Me", Joe Cocker's cover of "The Letter" was replaced with the original version by The Box Tops, while the Herman's Hermits version of "There's a Kind of Hush" was replaced with a rerecording by the Craggy Blue Project.
  • The episode "Heart of Darkness" had two replacements: "Riders on the Storm" by The Doors was replaced with "Children of the Night", while Richie Havens' cover of The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" was replaced by "Train to Nowhere".
  • In the episode "Whose Woods Are These?", the Blood, Sweat & Tears recording entitled "Variations on a Theme" by Erik Satie (1st and 2nd Movements, adapted from Satie's "Three Gymnopédies") was replaced with "Le Suenne Fite".
  • The episode "How I Am Spending My Summer Vacation" replaced the Doors' "Light My Fire" with "Love's on Fire", while the episode "Summer Song" replaced Blood, Sweat and Tears' "Spinning Wheel" with a rerecording by former BS&T frontman David Clayton Thomas.
  • In "Family Car", The Stills-Young Band's "Long May You Run" was replaced with "Keep Your Motor Running".
  • In "Wayne on Wheels", "Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet" was again replaced by "Star Crossed Lovers".
  • In the episode "The Treehouse", Doris Day's "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" was replaced with "Call the Whole Thing Off".
  • In the episode "Little Debbie", "Tammy" by Liberace was replaced with a song called "Sammy".
  • "Clip Show" contains the scene from "Heart of Darkness" in which "Here Comes the Sun" is replaced with "Train to Nowhere".
  • The episode "Kevin Delivers" dropped Blood, Sweat and Tears' "You've Made Me So Very Happy" with a re-recording by David Clayton Thomas.
  • In the episode "Alice in Autoland", Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" was replaced with a re-recording by him.
  • In the final episode "Independence Day", the Ennio Morricone song "Brothers" from the 1986 motion picture The Mission, which was played over the pivotal barn scene featuring Kevin and Winnie's last kiss, was replaced with the generic tune "Pastorale" (for this instance alone, the same replacement was used in the 1998 The Best of The Wonder Years DVD release).

Also, not a music change per se, but the Daniel Stern redub of the pilot is used, with the standard opening sequence.

Other than the above music changes, all other music is intact.

The UK DVD release from Fabulous Films was intended to have no replaced music, but reviews on online retailers and fan websites show that this is not the case.[16]

Cancellation

The Wonder Years wrapped its sixth and final season in May 1993. Its cancellation was partially blamed on conflict between producers and executives at ABC. As Kevin matured, the producers wanted the storylines to mature, as well. The executives at ABC, though, felt uncomfortable with more explicit content given the time slot, saying, "We felt it was inappropriate to present Kevin's awakening because of the setting in the 1960s, the gentle tone of the series, and most importantly, the 8 pm time period." Bob Brush noted, "When Kevin became 16 and 17, there were really things he needed to get to that we couldn't do at 8 pm, especially with the kind of venerable cachet that the show had obtained with its audience. We would get notes from the network saying, "You could do this on any show besides The Wonder Years." Other reasons for the show's cancellation were escalating costs and declining ratings. The cast's salary increases, coupled with location shooting (which was due to the producers wanting to reflect Kevin obtaining his driver's license), led to Brush claiming that they were spending $1.2 million an episode. The final episode aired on May 12, 1993. Bob Brush noted that the finale was not what he would have wanted it to be, but because the cast and crew were unsure at the time of filming if the sixth season would be the last, he was forced to have the ending be open-ended, until the recording of Daniel Stern's narration.[17] Fans were somewhat disappointed with the ending, in particular the revelation that Kevin and Winnie do not end up as a couple. Brush acknowledged this disappointment, saying, "Some viewers [were] surprised that nothing works out the way your fondest wish would be," and explained, "The message I wanted in there is that that's part of the beauty of life. It's fine to say, 'I'd like everything to be just the way it was when I was 15 and I was happy,' but it seemed more nurturing to me to say that we leave these things behind and we go on to forge new lives for ourselves."[18]

Lawsuit

As the show was in the process of wrapping its final season, a costume designer on the show named Monique Long filed a sexual harassment charge against stars Fred Savage and Jason Hervey.[19] The suit brought forward unwanted publicity to the show. In the end, the case was settled out of court, with Savage stating that he was "completely exonerated", adding that it was a "terrible experience".[20]

In January 2018, Alley Mills said that a "completely ridiculous" sexual harassment lawsuit against Savage and Hervey was a significant factor in the show's cancellation.[21][22]

Release

Syndication and streaming

Reruns of the show aired in syndication between September 1992 and September 1997. Nick at Nite then reran the show from October 13, 1997, to January 21, 2001.[23] It also reran on The New TNN (January 22, 2001, to September 28, 2001), ABC Family (November 12, 2001, to October 2, 2004), Ion Television (April 2, 2007, to October 4, 2007), and The Hub (October 11, 2010, to August 31, 2012). The complete series is currently available on streaming service, Hulu.

In Canada, the show aired on CTS Ontario from September 2010 until September 2, 2011. In Australia, the show aired on Network Ten between 1989 and 1995, then from March 31, 2012 on ABC1. In the Philippines, the show aired on GMA Network.

In Spain, the series initially aired Mondays 9:30 pm on TVE2 (now La2) as part of the Monday-night comedy block, which also featured Murphy Brown. The series was later promoted to main channel TVE1, where it aired Fridays 9:00 pm. Years later, in the late '90s, commercial station Antena 3TV recovered the series and aired it first in its 2:00 pm comedy hour, later relocating it to a 5:30 pm slot as part of the youth macroshow La Merienda.[citation needed]

Home media

Initially, the first four episodes were released on two VHS cassettes by Anchor Bay in 1997, with most of the music intact (a select few songs, however, were re-recordings).[24] In the coming years, fees for licensing music prevented further episodes from being released on VHS. The two volumes that were released on VHS were later released on DVD in 2000. Four episodes of the series were also included in two official "best-of" DVD sets (The Best of The Wonder Years and The Christmas Wonder Years), without much of the original music.[25][26]

For many years, full seasons of The Wonder Years remained unreleased on DVD due to music licensing issues.[27] Because of this issue, The Wonder Years routinely appeared on the list of TV shows in high demand for a DVD release.[25][28][29]

In a blog update on the Netflix website on March 30, 2011,[30] and a press release issued the next day,[31] Netflix stated that they would be adding The Wonder Years to their instant streaming service. The other three 20th Century Fox series noted as part of the deal were added to the Watch Instantly service by April 2, 2011[32][33][34] while The Wonder Years remained unavailable. On October 1, 2011,[35] 114 full-length episodes of the series were added to Netflix. The clip show from the end of Season 4, which was released on DVD, was not included.[36]

On September 26, 2011, Amazon Prime's streaming video service announced it would be adding The Wonder Years, describing the series as "available on digital video for the first time",[37] although Netflix added the series ahead of Amazon's release. All 115 episodes (including the clip show) became available to Prime members starting October 6, 2011.[38]

On both digital streaming services, portions of the soundtrack have been replaced. The show's opening theme has been replaced on Netflix[39] and Amazon with the version of the song that played in the UK and other overseas airings. The majority of the show's soundtrack remains unchanged. Songs such as "Light My Fire" by The Doors and "Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix have been replaced by generic sound-alikes with different lyrics.

On February 11, 2014, StarVista/Time Life announced the upcoming DVD release of the complete series in the second half of the year, noting that it was "painstakingly securing the rights for virtually every song."[40] On June 11, packaging details for complete set were revealed. The packaging consists of a miniature school locker featuring a replica yearbook with signatures from cast members, behind-the-scenes photos, and classic show memorabilia. Also included are two notebooks similar to those carried by the two lead characters, each featuring detailed episode information, production photos, all 115 episodes, and over 15 hours of bonus features on 26 DVDs. Customized Wonder Years magnets are also included. On September 30, 2014, the complete series was released to those who ordered the set through mail order from Time Life/Star Vista. A box set for the first four seasons was also released. October 10, 2014, though, was considered the official release date.[41]

On October 7, 2014, Star Vista released the season-one on DVD in Region 1 for the first time.[42] Season two was released on February 3, 2015. Season three was released on May 26, 2015. Season four was released on January 12, 2016. Season five was released on May 24, 2016. Season six was released on September 27, 2016.

On October 6, 2015, Star Vista released The Wonder Years- The Complete Series: Collectors Box Set and The Wonder Years- The Complete Series DVD collections in a wide general retail release.[43]

On May 9, 2016, Fabulous Films released The Wonder Years - The Deluxe Edition on 26 DVDs in the UK. It was intended to be the first release to contain every episode in its original transmission presentation, although in the end this did not happen.[16] The set includes over 23 hours of bonus material.

DVD Name Ep # Release dates DVD Special Features
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
Season one 6 October 7, 2014[44] N/A June 8, 2016
  • Highlights from The Wonder Years cast reunion, May 28, 2014
  • Featurette: With a Little Help from My Friends: The Early Days of The Wonder Years
  • Interviews with:
    • Creators Neal Marlens and Carol Black
    • Fred Savage
    • Danica McKellar
    • Josh Saviano
Season two 17 February 3, 2015[45] N/A June 8, 2016
  • Interview with Fred Savage (Part 1)
  • Interview with Danica McKellar (Part 1)
  • Highlights from The Wonder Years cast reunion
  • Interview with The Wonder Years creators Neal Marlins and Carol Black
Season three 23 May 26, 2015 N/A June 8, 2016
  • Cast interviews
  • Hall Pass: Roundtable with Danica McKellar, Fred Savage, and Josh Saviano
  • A Family Affair: At Home with the Arnolds
Season four 23 January 12, 2016 N/A June 8, 2016
  • Teachers That [sic] Made a Difference
  • Cast interviews
Season five 24 May 24, 2016 N/A June 8, 2016
  • That's a Wrap!: Mark B. Perry's Farewell Set Tour Season 5
  • Will You Love Me Tomorrow: The Wonder Years Love Stories
  • Cast interviews
Season six 22 September 27, 2016 N/A June 8, 2016
  • One-hour ABC broadcast of the series finale
  • At Last: The Final Episode
  • Interview with Bob Brush, executive producer
  • From the Vault: Alley Mills and Bob Brush Letters
The Complete Series 115 September 30, 2014 N/A April 20, 2016 Two notebooks, each featuring detailed episode information and production photos.

Replica yearbook embellished with signatures from cast members, behind-the-scenes photos, classic show memorabilia, and liner notes penned by Fred Savage, series creators Neal Marlens and Carol Black, and executive producer Bob Brush

A 2014 Los Angeles cast reunion, featuring all key cast together for the first time in 16 years

Extensive individual interviews with all seven key cast members (Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, Olivia d'Abo, and Jason Hervey), as well as with notable actors featured as guest stars or in recurring roles, such as David Schwimmer, Ben Stein, Bob Picardo and Seth Green

In-depth interviews with narrator Daniel Stern, Neal Marlens, Carol Black, Bob Brush, and other production personnel

Ten new featurettes: "With a Little Help From My Friends": The Early Days of The Wonder Years, "The Times They Are A-Changin'": The Era, "My Generation": The Kids Grow Up, "When a Man Loves a Woman": Kevin & Winnie Forever, "Bookends": Kevin & Paul, "A Family Affair": At Home with the Arnolds, "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons": Fan-Favorite Episodes, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow": The Wonder Years Love Stories, "ABC": Teachers That Made a Difference, "Both Sides Now": The Music That Made the Moments.

"That's a Wrap! Mark B. Perry's Farewell Set Tour Season 5" - Writer/Producer Mark B. Perry's home video set tour from the end of his final season on the show, which includes new commentary from him.

"From the Vault: Alley Mills and Bob Brush Letters" - Alley Mills reads her emotional, written conversation with executive producer Bob Brush about the show's finale.

The one-hour finale as it was originally aired on ABC on May 12, 1993, including a deleted scene not included in the half-hour broadcasts of the final two episodes (both the one-hour finale and half-hour versions of the final two episodes will be included in the extras).[46]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Recipient Result
1991 American Cinema Editors' Eddie Award Best Edited Episode from a Television Series Dennis C. Vejar (For episode "Goodbye") Nominated
1993 Best Edited Half Hour Series for Television Dennis C. Vejar (For episode "The Wedding") Nominated
1989 ASCAP Film and Television Music Award Top TV Series Stewart Levin Won
1988 BMI Film & TV Awards BMI TV Music Award W. G. Snuffy Walden, John Lennon and Paul McCartney Won
1989 Won
1990 Won
1988 Casting Society of America's Artios Award Best Casting for TV, Comedy Episodic Mary V. Buck and Susan Edelman Won
1989 Nominated
1990 Meg Liberman and Marc Hirschfeld Nominated
1989 Directors Guild of America Award Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series Steve Miner (For the pilot episode) Won
1991 Peter Baldwin (For episode "The Ties That Bind") Nominated
1989 Golden Globe Award Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy Won
1990 Nominated
Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy Fred Savage Nominated
1991 Nominated
1988 Humanitas Prize 30 Minute Category Carol Black and Neal Marlens (For the pilot episode) Nominated
1989 Matthew Carlson Won
1990 Todd W. Langen Won
David M. Stern (For episode "The Powers That Be") Nominated
1991 Bob Brush Won
Mark B. Perry (For episode "The Ties That Bind") Nominated
1992 Craig Hoffman (For episode "Hardware Store") Nominated
1993 Sy Rosen (For episode "The Nose") Nominated
1990 Peabody Award ABC Television and Black/Marlens Company in association with New World Television Won
1988 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Comedy Series Carol Black, Neal Marlens and Jeffrey Silver Won
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series Carol Black and Neal Marlens (For the pilot episode) Nominated
1989 Outstanding Comedy Series Carol Black, Neal Marlens, Bob Brush, Steve Miner and Jeffrey Silver Nominated
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Fred Savage (For episode "Birthday Boy") Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series Matthew Carlson (For episode "Pottery Will Get You Nowhere") Nominated
Todd W. Langen (For episode "Coda") Nominated
David M. Stern (For episode "Loosiers") Nominated
Michael J. Weithorn (For episode "Our Miss White") Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series Peter Baldwin (For episode "Our Miss White") Won
Michael Dinner (For episode "How I'm Spending My Summer Vacation") Nominated
Steve Miner (For episode "Birthday Boy") Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Robert Picardo (For episode "Loosiers") Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Maxine Stuart (For episode "Coda") Nominated
Outstanding Editing for a Series - Single Camera Production Stuart Bass (For episode "Loosiers") Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design for a Series Scilla Andreen (For episode "Birthday Boy") Nominated
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy Series or a Special Agamemnon Andrianos, David John West, Ray West and John L. Mack (For episode "Birthday Boy") Nominated
1990 Outstanding Comedy Series Bob Brush, Bob Stevens, Jill Gordon, Matthew Carlson, Michael Dinner, Ken Topolsky and Kerry Ehrin Nominated
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Fred Savage (For episode "Goodbye") Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series Bob Brush (For episode "Goodbye") Won
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series Michael Dinner (For episode "Goodbye") Won
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series David Huddleston (For episode "The Powers That Be") Nominated
Outstanding Editing for a Series - Single Camera Production Dennis C. Vejar (For episode "Goodbye") Nominated
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy Series or a Special Agamemnon Andrianos, David John West, Ray West and John L. Mack (For episode "St. Valentine's Day Massacre") Nominated
1991 Outstanding Comedy Series Bob Brush, Jill Gordon, Ken Topolsky, David Chambers and Michael Dinner Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series Peter Baldwin (For episode "The Ties That Bind") Nominated
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy Series or a Special Agamemnon Andrianos, David John West, Nello Torri and John L. Mack (For episode "Little Debbie") Nominated
1992 Agamemnon Andrianos, David John West, Nello Torri and Craig Hunter (For episode "Grandpa's Car") Nominated
1993 Agamemnon Andrianos, David John West, Nello Torri and Craig Hunter (For episodes "Summer" and "Independence Day") Nominated
1988 Television Critics Association Award Program of the Year Nominated
Outstanding Achievement in Comedy Won
1989 Nominated
1990 Nominated
2006 TV Land Award Favorite Series Finale Nominated
2007 Favorite Heard-But-Not-Seen Character Daniel Stern Nominated
2008 Character You'd Pay to Do Your Homework for You Danica McKellar Nominated
1989 Viewers for Quality Television Award Best Quality Comedy Series Nominated
Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series Fred Savage Won
1990 Best Quality Comedy Series Nominated
Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series Fred Savage Won
1991 Best Quality Comedy Series Nominated
Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series Fred Savage Nominated
Best Writing in a Quality Comedy Series Nominated
Best Specialty Player Robert Picardo Nominated
1992 Best Quality Comedy Series Nominated
Best Actor in a Quality Comedy Series Fred Savage Nominated
1989 Writers Guild of America Award Episodic Comedy Carol Black and Neal Marlens (For episode "My Father's Office") Won
Carol Black and Neal Marlens (For the pilot episode) Nominated
1990 Matthew Carlson (For episode "Pottery Will Get You Nowhere") Nominated
Todd W. Langen (For episode "Coda") Won
1991 Bob Brush (For episode "Goodbye") Nominated
David M. Stern (For episode "The Powers That Be") Nominated
Bob Stevens (For episode "Rock 'N' Roll") Nominated
1989 Young Artist Award Best Family Television Series Won
Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Comedy Series Fred Savage Won
Best Young Actor Guest-Starring in a Drama or Comedy Series Robin Thicke Nominated
Best Young Actor in a Featured, Co-Starring, Supporting, Recurring Role in a Comedy, Drama Series, or Special Josh Saviano Nominated
Best Young Actress in a Featured, Co-Starring, Supporting, Recurring Role in a Comedy, Drama Series, or Special Danica McKellar Won
1990 Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Series Fred Savage Nominated
Jason Hervey Nominated
Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series Danica McKellar Nominated
Best Young Actor Guest Starring in a Television Series Robert Jayne Nominated
Joshua John Miller Nominated
1992 Best Young Actress Co-Starring in a Television Series Danica McKellar Nominated
Best Young Actor Guest-Starring or Recurring Role in a TV Series Brandon Crane Won
Best Young Actress Guest-Starring or Recurring Role in a TV Series Crystal McKellar Nominated
Lisa Paige Robinson Nominated
1993 Best Young Actor Co-Starring in a Television Series Josh Saviano Nominated
Best Young Actress Co-Starring in a Television Series Danica McKellar Nominated
Best Young Actor Recurring in a Television Series Giovanni Ribisi Nominated
Best Young Actress Guest-Starring in a Television Series Wendy J. Cooke Nominated

Book

In 1990, the book The Wonder Years - Growing up in the Sixties by Edward Gross was published by Pioneer Books (ISBN 1-55698-258-5). It contains information about the creation and production of the show, interviews with cast and crew, and an extensive episode guide (up to the middle of the 4th season when the book was published). While long out of print and hard to find, the author gave permission to a fan website to publish the book online for free in its entirety.[47]

Reboot

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On July 8, 2020, ABC announced that they were rebooting the series with film director, producer, and screenwriter Lee Daniels, longtime television writer and producer Saladin Patterson, and original series star Fred Savage as executive producers. Savage would also direct the pilot episode, and original series co-creator Neal Marlens will be a consultant on the project. The new series would once again take place in the late 1960s—but this time, it would focus on the life of a black middle-class family living in Montgomery, Alabama.[48] In March 2021, it was announced that Don Cheadle would serve as the series narrator.[49] In May 2021, ABC officially picked up the series.[50] The series premiered on September 22, 2021.[51]

References

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  23. Nick at Nite Log
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  41. The Wonder Years - A Pic of the Collectible Packaging, General Contents for 'The Complete Series' Archived June 14, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
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  45. The Wonder Years: The Complete Second Season (1988). Amazon.com Retrieved February 11, 2012.
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External links


Preceded by
Hard Copy
1987
The Wonder Years
Super Bowl lead-out program
1988
Succeeded by
Brotherhood of the Rose
1989

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