In casting terms too, several big names today had a leg-up thanks to appearances in the show.
That said,The Wonder Yearsdidnt duck the difficult stuff.
Model student Lindsays retreat into nihilism following her grandmothers dying words that theres no afterlife precipitates her teenage rebellion.
AndThe Wonder Yearshad its cynical, comic moments too.
Since when do you wear ties?
answered his clueless dad, ruining that, and countless other would-be special moments.
Homer Simpson eat your heart out.
All this though, is more a kind of sitcom multiple discovery than direct influence.
Kevin Arnold wasnt a wise-cracking punch-line delivering sidekick to the main story, he was the main story.
The Wonder Yearswas built on a combination of fond sentimentality and sharp irony.
Winnie Holzman does this inMy So-Called Life, but a shade lighter.
Were in Angelas shoes, no doubt, but her earnest sincerity raises a fond smile amongst adult viewers.
