Step into the quintessential summer of 1969, where rotary phones, paisley print, and stickball reign supreme. The Williams family has returned, and on June 14th, ABC’s “The Wonder Years” debuted its highly anticipated second season with a back-to-back doubleheader. Led by a talented cast including Elisha “EJ” Williams, Laura Kariuki, Saycon Sengbloh, and Dulé Hill, this coming-of-age tale follows 12-year-old Dean Williams as he navigates adolescence in Montgomery, Alabama. Narrated by the esteemed Don Cheadle, who lends his voice to the adult Dean, the reboot of this beloved late ’80s/early ’90s sitcom was masterfully crafted by Saladin K. Patterson. Not only does “The Wonder Years” provide a unique perspective on the sociopolitical events and racial tensions of the late ’60s, but it also shines a much-needed spotlight on Black boyhood in a wholly refreshing way. Elisha “EJ” Williams, who portrays Dean Williams, remarked on the transformative nature of the show, saying, “Being in those older clothes, seeing the older cars, and even other things from that time period definitely changes your point of view of life.”
At just 14 years old, Williams, the series’ young lead, shared in an interview that “The Wonder Years” has offered him a fresh perspective. He explained, “The things that we film in the show, I’ve heard about, seen videos of, and even seen other people film about it on television. But now that I’m the one experiencing it firsthand, it definitely has had an effect on me. Being in those older clothes, seeing the older cars, and even other things from that time period definitely changes your point of view of life.”
In the first episode of Season 2, titled “One Small Step,” Dean embarks on a summer adventure in New York City with his father Bill, portrayed by the talented Dulé Hill. Bill, a music professor and funk singer-songwriter, sets out on a mission to write a song for the iconic Marvin Gaye. Throughout the first two episodes of the season, the Williams family is pleasantly surprised by a visit from Lillian’s (Saycon Sengbloh) sister, Aunt Jackie, brilliantly played by Phoebe Robinson.
While working, Bill finds himself earning the nickname “Alabama” from his Yankee colleagues, who take great delight in teasing him for his Southern roots and deem his music as out of touch with the latest dance trends. However, Bill’s spunky wife, Lillian, provides him with much-needed words of encouragement through a heartwarming phone call as she holds down the fort back home.
Lillian receives quite the unexpected surprise when her sister Jackie arrives, bringing her charm and a touch of chaos to the mix. Comedian and star of the hit podcast “Everything’s Trash,” Phoebe Robinson breathes life into the character of Aunt Jackie. Taking a wild joyride to a Tuscaloosa nightclub in her ex-boyfriend’s car, Jackie’s reckless behavior catches up with her just as they’re about to witness a performance. What initially appears to be a series of unfortunate events transcends into an opportunity for vulnerability, strengthening the bond between two generations of Black women.
For Laura Kariuki, who portrays Kim Williams, the depiction of a dark-skinned Black family’s nuanced experiences during this era has been a source of immense joy. She expressed, “Representation is so important, and getting to show little dark-skinned Black kiddos that they can do this too makes me so so happy.”
Kariuki elaborated on the show’s unique perspective, stating, “Being able to showcase the joy, happiness, nostalgia, as opposed to only the sadness, of Black people in America during the ’60s is amazing. It is a different perspective that I don’t think has been displayed enough. We have not shied away from the heartbreak and cruelty that was occurring but also showed the other layers. Representation is so important, and getting to show little dark-skinned Black kiddos that they can do this too makes me so so happy.”
Meanwhile, Dean’s younger sister Kim finds herself navigating the challenges of making new friends and facing a group of city boys who instigate trouble. Locked out of their New York City apartment, Dean finds solace in the kindness of their neighbor, Lonnie Edmonds, played by the talented Tituss Burgess. Lonnie, better known by the stage name “Sybil Disobedience,” is a queer drag performer hailing from Union Springs, Alabama. Initially met with curiosity and hesitation from the Williams men, Lonnie’s presence begins to transform their perspective as they bond over a home-cooked Southern meal.
“The Wonder Years” thoughtfully pays homage to the Black queer community during Pride Month, highlighting the importance of LGBTQIA+ rights, especially in the face of recent challenges.
As Dean navigates the trials and tribulations of preteen life, including secret treehouse romances, viewers witness his growth and the expanding understanding of the world around him. Reflecting on his newfound friendship with Lonnie, Dean’s adult self, played by Don Cheadle, muses, “I’d accomplished my goal of making a friend in New York City but not in the way I’d expected. I taught Lonnie everything I knew about the Apollo missions, and he introduced me to New York things like Broadway shows! Well, off-off-Broadway, mainly. Now, I was grown before I understood why Lonnie had to move all the way to New York before he could finally be himself… but I hope one day Lonnie was able to finally go back to Alabama, boa and all.”
“The Wonder Years” embarks on a heartfelt journey, inviting audiences to witness a young Black boy’s growth and the rich tapestry of his community. Through its touching storytelling and authentic performances, this series breaks new ground in highlighting the multifaceted experiences of Black youth in America’s past.
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