The Wonder Years Season 4 Episode 12 Denial
- TVG
- January 30, 1991
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8.8 (341)
Kevin Arnold and his family are back for season 4 of The Wonder Years. In this particular episode, titled "Denial," Kevin and his best friend Paul Pfeiffer find themselves at odds when it comes to the new girl at school, Sherry. While Kevin thinks Sherry is nothing special, Paul is smitten and can't stop talking about her.
The episode opens with Kevin and Paul discussing the new girl in class. As they walk to lunch, Paul can't help but gush over Sherry's beauty and personality. Kevin, on the other hand, doesn't see what all the fuss is about. This leads to a minor disagreement between the two friends, but they quickly move on.
Later that day, at home, Kevin's mom asks him to take his younger sister Karen to the mall. While there, they run into Sherry, who is shopping with her mom. Karen is instantly enamored with Sherry, which only adds to Kevin's annoyance with her. He tries to avoid Sherry, but she keeps popping up wherever he goes in the mall.
Back at school, Paul invites Sherry to join their table at lunch, much to Kevin's dismay. Kevin finds himself eating alone and feeling left out. He confronts Paul about it, but Paul doesn't seem to understand where Kevin is coming from.
As the weeks go on, Sherry becomes more and more integrated into their group of friends. Kevin still doesn't see what the big deal is, but he starts to feel jealous of all the attention she's getting from everyone else. He starts to act out, making snide comments about her and refusing to talk to her.
Eventually, Kevin starts to realize that his feelings for Sherry may not be entirely negative. He finds himself thinking about her more often and feeling a little jealous when she talks to other guys. This realization is difficult for Kevin, who has always prided himself on being level-headed and practical.
Meanwhile, Paul is struggling with his own feelings for Sherry. He's never had a girlfriend before, and he's not sure how to approach her. He confides in Kevin, who tells him to just be himself and let things happen naturally.
Despite his advice to Paul, Kevin is still struggling with his own emotions. He can't decide if he likes Sherry or if he's just annoyed with her. He tries to avoid her, but she keeps showing up everywhere he goes.
One night, Kevin and Paul are at Sherry's house for a study session. While they're there, Sherry reveals that she's moving away at the end of the school year. This news affects everyone differently. Kevin is relieved that he won't have to deal with his confusing feelings for Sherry anymore, while Paul is heartbroken that he won't have a chance to date her.
The episode ends with Kevin and Paul sitting outside Sherry's house, watching her say goodbye to her other friends. They both look sad and contemplative, unsure of what the future holds.
"Denial" is a poignant episode that explores the complicated emotions of adolescence. Kevin and Paul's friendship is put to the test as they navigate their feelings for the same girl. The episode never feels overly dramatic or contrived, but instead captures the subtleties of teenage angst. The Wonder Years remains a true classic of '90s television.