The Wonder Years (S05E17): "Hero"

[@83marceloa]

When I was a kid watching the show ( around Kevin's age) , I did not like his dad. Now, over 25 years later, Mr. Arnold is my favourite character.

[@tomsmith2013]

Funny how that happens. :)

[@jaredontv]

that's because you now understand him... the older we get the more we can identify

[@chacotaco3607]

Facts my man..things change when your a dad yourself.

[@sotiristsamandanis6424]

Another great episodefrom one of the best shows ever made. The false idolising of sports people as heroes,and then realising the true heroes are our parents who worked hard to raise us hopefully as decent people

[@williamcloke8612]

It's true kind of reminds me of my dad in ways . My dad was my first hero

[@kifferpete7987]

I purchased the whole set and am now watching it with my 12 year old son. Great show.

[@user-fu1nw7kh2h]

I want to show it to my two sons 10 and 12.

[@ommanipadmehung3014]

Your a cool dad

[@josephbland3904]

Sound’s totally cool… You’ll create some good memories there…

[@deathkampdrone]

Whoa, they released it on physical copy? Last time I looked for it I ran into articles about the show probably never getting released because of trouble with the music copyrights. But now Im uplifted :D

[@joemientus676]

@@deathkampdroneYes, Time Life released the entire series on DVD in the mid-2010s, both as a complete collection and in individual season sets. They did have to replace some songs that they just couldn’t get the rights to but the majority of episodes are unaffected. Unfortunately the Time Life website shut down last year, so Amazon would probably be your best option.

[@nicudetailer4352]

My all time favorite show. As a kid growing up, I resonated with Kevin so much. Now, after becoming a father, I now resonate with Kevin’s dad. It is incredible rewatching it with a different perspective, a dad’s perspective. And it still can bring me to tears.

[@TheHeavensFellen]

and then they went and messed it up, there's no older brother on the new rendition, that's a lot of "buttheads" to miss out on. Today TV sitcoms are such a joke.

[@johntrucano8186]

My all time favorite as well.

[@jaywilliams896]

@@johntrucano8186 one of my all time favorites too; I wish that MeTV was airing this.

[@DrakejGonzalez]

❤

[@musik_non_stop]

guess how much your comment added to this thread. .way to read the room/post .....@@TheHeavensFellen

[@Aaron_Scissorhands]

*I just love how he says **_"I was sure everyone in that arena had heard....and everyone had"_** (referencing his Dad, Jack)* It just subtly tells the audience how much his Dad means to him, above everyone else, hes the only one there that mattered. Amazingly written.

[@karenrich9092]

This episode needs to be shown every Father's Day to remind us who a hero is.

[@TBone2000Man]

Great show miss shows like these Jack was a great father just like my dad

[@musik_non_stop]

seen the whole series probs 20 times or more. I was "Kevin Arnold" growing up, so I completely get this show. Beautiful and honest and genius.

[@JamesSmith-jq6om]

I was kind of a Kevin growing up,with a hard working,often tired and sometimes a mite grumpy but very loving father. Now I feel like I can relate to Jack Arnold a little more now,for reasons that anyone who knew what Jack had to cope with every day can totally understand.

[@janjum6244]

I’ve cried more tears watching this show. It takes me back. I think of my parents, long gone. They worked their knuckles to the bone. I was foolish. Most of us were. I miss and love them. This show shows me how wonderful they really were!!!! Thank you to the creators of this very fine program!!

[@druzo26]

One of the brilliant all time shows ever!! The nostalgia is epic!!

[@swvastories3498]

My dad was my hero as well. He was everything you aspire to be. Kind, hardworking, honest, but did not let people take advantage of him. He provided well for our family and like Kevin's dad, passed away too soon.

[@rslindy23]

Same!

[@NYFan1692]

This episode always stuck with me for 2 reasons. 1. For that quote at 2:39 "I guess magic doesn't last forever no matter how much you wish it would. Destiny can turn on a dime and cut like a knife." 2. For Kevin's Diner chat with his dad and how he remembers it. It was an already emotional scene but then in the finale when you find out his Dad died 2 years later the scene becomes even more real and sad. Savor the moments you have with your loved ones. They're not around forever.

[@mrsheatherteske]

I remember the finale and how they said he died too. That broke my heart.

[@jpturner171]

Well said totally agree

[@83marceloa]

Awesome comment. Thank you.

[@mindeloman]

You really have to love the actor that played Wayne. He played the annoying older brother, perfectly!!!!!

[@rubber-toe8732]

Why cant they still make shows like this today

[@cmd2973]

Unfortunately those days are over. Can’t even find decent actors these days especially for comedies.

[@renatoruiz8534]

Because it has too many traditional values and a woman who is a homemaker. Pretty sure they'd say there's some toxic masculinity in the show as well.

[@j420wong]

there actually is an amazing show, called the goldbergs, very much like the wonder years.

[@aguasanta]

Because father figures doesn't support their narrative

[@thetruth3316]

Not possible without including snapchat Instagram Facebook etc nowadays. What I love most about those years in wonder years is how everyone lived their real lives 24/7. No Instagram no snapchat. Its just real every moment of it.

[@ojc147]

These scenes with Kevin and his Dad are amazing.

[@MrTrincent]

Jim Caviezel was on the Wonder Years - Woe!

[@MissLalove123]

I used to watch this show growing up. Kevins dad always reminded me of my dad in a way.

[@Greencloud8]

My dad too I realized this just yesterday

[@reneaguilar3471]

Mr Arnold is good model for all good old fashioned fathers

[@solegonz762]

I loved the dad's character. Loved his lil chuckle. Loved his sternness & softness. Loved that scene of getting a late night cup of coffee one on one time with his pops. I treasure my memories of late night coffee & pancakes one on one with my pops at the local diner too.

[@markmiller3210]

This series is definitely in my Top 3 All-time. Dam the writers are good. I find my youth portrayed in a significant number of episodes. Bravo Wonder years.

[@johnnavarro1871]

True hero ... cliché, yet true: When I first watched this chapter all those years ago, I didnt think of my dad as a hero. Now that I am a father myself; I just hope I can be half a hero to my son as my old man was to me.

[@Voltron483]

I agree .i feel the same way as you

[@JR-zv6qm]

John - You said it so much better than I could have. As a boy growing up in Brooklyn, my "heroes" were Tom Seaver & Joe Namath. It wasn't until I had my own children that I realized that my dad (who had passed already) was the real hero in my life. Like Kevin said, the real heroes are in it for the long haul. I wish I could thank my father for everything. Thanks John.

[@DDaSilva1980]

@@Voltron483 My dad's in hospital at the moment and in a pretty bad way. He had quite a few qualities that Jack had and could also be a bit hard and unsympathetic but he always meant well.

[@jessi3434]

Deke DaSilva update? :(

[@floydantonio5787]

Mr.Arnold was definitely a bread winner for his family and showed us tough work

[@AMindInOverdrive]

I really liked this episode. Jack is so gracious with Kevin's anger - he shows a lot of insight by saying very little. 6:51 he just laughs and says "You're a hard man to please, you know that" - I think he sees a lot of himself in Kevin

[@eddeesalce]

best show on TV ever..still incomparable.

[@1mespud]

This has nothing to do with being a veteran or war hero. Jack Arnold is referring to being the kind of hero you always take for granted. The "invisible" kind. In this case, the "only" breadwinner of the family. Like a lot of Americans of and at this present time, they use up most of their lives slaving on a thankless, stressful, average pay job with little time in between, with no or little recognition. Kevin didn't as of yet realize the shelter, food, clothing, allowances and privileges his loving father gives him in order to stay afloat..

[@jeffreypham5687]

A lot of valuable hard working americans make this country continue to function, but get glossed over.

[@EBthere]

@1mespud You're exactly right.

[@nxstng7325]

A toast to all the unsung hero fathers, grandfathers and uncles out there! I miss mine.

[@SavetheAnimals-tm9fd]

I need to re-watch this. Been a long time. The last time I had seen it I probably was 12yrs old.

[@michaelvaldez5095]

In retrospect Jack Arnold was a good father

[@poet279]

In retrospect? He was always a good father.

[@TheSands83]

@@poet279 u view things differently watching it as a kid but I always thought he was.., I was scared to death to ask my dad for lunch money😂

[@laminage]

Yes. This was a guy who went through The Depression, was a Veteran Of The Korean War, and although he was tightfiested at times, it couldn't have been easy being the only breadwinner at that time. I sometimes wonder if he bought his issues with his Father albert to the table.

[@nathanp.5563]

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years- Mark Twain

[@holdencawffle626]

What?

[@RapFanatic4ever]

Kevin and his dad reminds me of the relationship I got with my foster father . I been super close with that man since I was a kid. Taught me the value of hard work

[@1Trenttube]

It happens a lot, where many people think that they know other people, only to find out that they don't know the other people who really are.

[@zacchaeuswilson6116]

Dan Lauria is an UNDERRATED actor. Him playing Vince Lombardi.....they need to do MOVIE with him playing that role.

[@colwilliamnoydb4134]

We all have made up hero's that are really not. I watched this as a grown up but was drawn to it because the character and I were close to the same age. My father was a very stern, sometimes a hole Army Officer. When I got older I began to understand the things he thought me and the reason for them. He lost his first born during Vietnam, and it crushed him. But he never let those emotions out. Even though my mother was a Psychiatrist. I served my 20 in the Marines and quickly learned why he did the things he did. He passed 3 years ago, and I hold every moment we had together as something special.

[@kubrickenigma7977]

Well put, sir. Thank you for doing the heavy lifting, and thanks to your Dad for teaching you how bare under a load. It paid off, for both of you. Semper Fi, Marine.

[@Crackling-Comet]

“Destiny can turn on a dime, and cut like a knife” - great line - always remembered it and this episode all these years

[@billthomas9122]

Now that I lost my father, mother and only brother, I wish I knew how much I love them while they were still alive.

[@accordsportlockdown1050]

Jack Arnold, uncle phil , carl Winslow, Danny tanner , pops from Wayans Brothers. We all grew up watching these TV dads to give us a life lesson through our TV sets. Back then TV shows had value and morals. Not like today.

[@Mark-xl1ze]

James Evans, Sr. is another.

[@CoreyT127]

Well said.

[@MPDLR]

Now, if a responsible Father was in a family - the show would get boycotted by advertisers.

[@MrApriliaRider]

Was an adult when this show aired in my country. Now I am almost 60 and cannot watch this without tears in my eyes. Had the same struggles, was no popular guy, no attention from girls back then and had no friends. My father also was a man of few words. What he said made sense, some very down to earth things but man so important. Now I have everything I want, a job that takes me around the world, a nice family, good friends and a mancave full motorbikes. But still I never forget growing up and the fight to become here. Now people around me and youth heroes start leaving us. Before you know your time has come. Life passes you like a bullet train, please enjoy it to the deepest, it's over before you know.

[@thomaswatkins3686]

This is one of those ones that I watched when it first aired that I never forgot. It was such a classic humble and humiliating moment for Kevin and yet, somehow, Jack never rubs it in. He just shows he understood Bobby, while great at something a lot of kids excel at, was like many local sports stars who probably just fade away after high school. I always loved jacks gravity. I remember the scene where Wart comes home and strips to his underwear and sits alone on the playground. For years, I remembered it as Jack-a veteran himself-being the one who consoled him. But later saw it was Wayne. I still feel it would have shown such a connection between vets. However, I also see it shows the kind of unseen humanity Jack showed the boys in the right moments in the series. Such a terrific series. Writing was always elite. One of the best in history.

[@aronkelley8634]

Moments with my dad I miss those days 💙

[@jamesdrynan]

While watching this clip, I recognized Jim Caviezel as Bobby. I was a fan of " Person of Interest " and seeing him playing a young boy was startling. Many future stars were featured in this series. Although it is specific to the sixties, the entire run is relevant to the here and now in its lessons of life. A testament to the writers and actors throughout its five years. A nostalgic and brilliant show.

[@davidjones7745]

And NO laugh tract !

[@benjaminrodriguez7356]

I think that's Eric Roberts.

[@chirostandard1111]

Slater was a background character in one of the episodes

[@markmiller3210]

@@benjaminrodriguez7356 It's definitely Jim Caviezel.

[@despertarfinaldelostiempos548]

I was surprised to find Jim Caviezel, in my favorite show today. So just have started reading comments to figure out if someone else recognized him. Praise the LORD JESUS YESHUA SHALOM

[@Duke_Bootee24]

Anyone here in 2024? This show was a classic that for some reason lol. Jim caviezel!!

[@IdealX-fr4eg]

I didn't understand this when I was a kid but now at 46 with a home, wife, two kids and one with special needs I understand fully. Great show and they unfortunately don't make them like this anymore.

[@alexkennedy1820]

Sad. When you are winning, you are everyone's friend and everyone wants to be around you. When you are not the winner, it seems no one cares. They still deserve applause.

[@rapbattlefan2008]

But Bobby Riddle turned out to be a jerk.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Jack Arnold, James Evans, Philip Banks, Carl Winslow, Alan Matthews, Mike Heck, Dan Conner, Al Bundy and Andy Taylor: The greatest dads in television history!

[@JR-zv6qm]

I like the fact that you included Al Bundy. Sure he was funny as hell & almost like a cartoon character. But look deeper & you'll see a family man that goes to a mind numbing job to put food on the table & always goes home to his family.

[@WWAHP]

And Cliff Huxtable

[@williammmmmmmmm]

Don't forget Danny Tanner and Tim the tool man Taylor

[@rapbattlefan2008]

Don’t forget George Cooper Sr.!

[@andreakohuch9118]

John Walton

[@joshmccollen700]

Some great wisdom I once heard was to never try to meet your heroes or idols. Whether the athlete or musician or political leader...they'll always let you down by failing to live up to your expectations. Your idols are mortal and flawed just like you. And this clip was right that the best heroes are always closest to you.

[@JoeKlunder1]

Jim Cavizel does a great job acting as a self-absorbed character. A guy who is superficial in the victory, but not good in defeat.

[@MambaAllDay]

it's pretty clear you never played competitive sports, instead, you have have sat on the sidelines your entire life.

[@JoeKlunder1]

@@MambaAllDay What are you talking about? I played ten years of baseball (on championship and runner up teams), as well as football, wrestling, and top ten college crew teams. I know competition; I also know sportsmanship. Perhaps I can gently say to check how much of a good judge of a person you are. Your skills need improvement. :)

[@MambaAllDay]

@@JoeKlunder1 yeah and Bigfoot exists because KZbin says so

[@MambaAllDay]

@Falhawk73 thanks!

[@thekidfromiowa]

Little did we know he'd *potray Jesus a decade later.

[@victoranthony9037]

I'm 38 now and like most guys my age I grew up watching this show. We came of age as we watched Kevin Arnold come of age. That last scene reminds me of my dad. I cry every time I watch it.

[@robertstoddard3626]

One of the best shows in the 80$

[@ans1830]

I love my father more now. Didn't appreciate him when he was alive. Now I miss him.

[@roccosteo8328]

My favorite show ever

[@ebeyslough]

This show was quintessential American. Simply magical.

[@willrogan955]

Unfortunately , there isn't a 'love' option for the thumbs up. Two great actors baring gold within the soul. Well done Dan and Fred. Nicely done

[@Game-ib3ql]

Missing my dad after hes passed.

[@Betelgeuse1991]

Condolences. I’m sorry for your loss.

[@sotiristsamandanis6424]

Me too my mum and dad....and everyone's mum and dad...great episode from a great series ,watching every episode again on dvd👍

[@rogeriodinato9757]

Everybody in Brazil loves the Wonder Years! 🇧🇷

[@jeremiahsams2848]

Why do you think that?

[@DeanUSAMale]

Jim Caviezel plays "Bobby Riddle the Basketball Star"... he was about 23 years old playing a High School senior.. and Caviezel was actually a good ball player in High School and Junior College, with aspirations to go pro until he injured a foot in his Junior year.

[@ernstvanstangl1048]

Great actor!

[@kemolowlow]

....Get off my back kid Kevin: Get off your cross!

[@theliaison4526]

Ha! I see what you did there.

[@JFK-ir7yz]

BEST. SHOW. EVER.

[@sunniglover1464]

As tough as Jack was, there were many times Kevin hurt him. As a little girl with a dad that was tough, I didn’t think much of it. Now, that I remember how much I actually held my dad’s heart in my hand, I get choked up seeing Kevin be hateful to his dad and he is so patient.

[@fergaoneill5323]

Good old days I loved watching it

[@ChrisR]

Some of the finest television ever filmed is in this series right here.

[@Rio-fo9kp]

This show causes me nostalgia like I want to cry but at the same time happy remembering my child hood back home sunny days like I miss them and there is even a feeling and smell from back in my childhood when I watch this show I love Fred savage

[@42andscrazymoss55]

Me to now being a father I can feel things now that the role has switch for me being a kid now being a father now.wow how the time fly’s be having these moments watching this show with my dad are priceless❤️💯

[@JohnSmith-mv6bw]

Jim Caviezel. Excellent actor. Surprised to see him in this series.

[@kgreene104]

Very early in his career.

[@debbiecurtis4021]

He was a real basketball champion

[@lindseysummers5351]

When I was a senior in high school, Dad took a job out of state and, once again, was a Weekend Dad. We'd done this before when he was in the Navy, but it had been awhile and we weren't used to it anymore. That left Mom, my little sister, and me. My older sister (#2 in line), who was serving on the West Coast in the Air Force, was giving birth to her first child, and Mom had to be there for it. Not wanting to leave my little sister (#4 in line) with me for various reasons, Mom flew her to spend the time with our oldest sister (#1 in line), so I had the house to myself for two weeks. Dad came home that first weekend and helped me fix the dryer. After that, the church Youth Group planned an outing to watch a game by our local minor league hockey team. Dad sat with me in the stands and made all the goofy barking sounds, and rolled his eyes at me and my girlfriends as we danced the YMCA. We headed home, but he made an unscheduled detour!! He took us a few exits down the interstate to stop for desert at the Shoney's in town. We hung out late, and I chowed down on strawberry creme pie and a milkshake. I don't remember who won that game 25 years later, but I remember us just hanging out together. Just like Jack and Kevin. THAT is what made that night memorable for me. I can only hope he got as much out of the night as I did...

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

Thanks for sharing that beautiful story. I'm sure your dad treasured that night as much as you do.

[@witness_barry909]

“There goes my hero Watch him as he goes There goes my hero He's ordinary” - Dave Grohl 1997

[@MsSalem-qm1lp]

Watching this on the night tome line up as a kid. Kids today will never understand good tv

[@Aaron_Scissorhands]

*_I guess magic doesn't last forever...no matter how much you wish it would. Destiny can turn on a dime...and cut like a knife_* 😢 🥹 *_Ouch!!_*

[@OGWonkavisionHD]

Kevin was really ready to gobble Bobby in the locker room…

[@chiefpontiac1800]

I absolutely love this show.

[@usmcvelis99]

Jack Arnold reminds me of my dad. Dad was a marine and his physique and the way he gets on Wayne and Kevin reminds me of how he use to get on me and my brother.

[@mendythompson3175]

I lived for this show ❤️🔥🙏

[@silkyjohnson2831]

Damn what a powerful scene at the end!

[@bepin6184]

So many memories watching thi show as a kid! Makes me wanna go back and watch it all again. good old 90s, they seem so far away

[@JR-zv6qm]

"My dad, Jack Arnold, number 1".

[@dawnborte6125]

This is such a awesome show.my husband and I watched every episode.

[@ginabizzarosghosts7831]

I loved this show.

[@kgreene104]

This one omits the scene the first half of the game when his dad points out the weak spots of the team to Kevin. I think he says that they're relying too much on Bobby and all the other team has to do is start double teaming him. Sure enough that's what happens in the second half which led to Kevin's resentment of his dad for being right.

[@johnconnor210]

Passion of the Christ Jim Cavizel

[@ConstantChinner]

And Infidel!

[@edineimunizmendes856]

Yes, Jim caviezel

[@jaxxmariecambridge5212]

He is SO good looking! I was very confused during The Passion Of The Christ lol

[@clarissegomez9275]

Thank you for answering my question lol

[@SN2903]

Bobby "Riddle" a clue to who the real hero is. Constant back and forth between Bobby and his dad doing those reports is great. Brilliant writing.

[@ytyt3922]

I was never all that popular in highschool but man I would never compromise my dignity to pathetically suck up to a popular guy, not even as a dumb teenager

[@brfts2001]

Just my 2 cents, but I think it was more common then suck up and compromise without the scrutiny of internet and social media to get in the way of one's reputation like it is now. It was different then.

[@despertarfinaldelostiempos548]

Jim Caviezel, the actor of the Passion of CRISTO, and sounds of freedom. In my favorite tv program ever. This episode show up today always remembering my Dad.

[@dink_diggler]

I'm 44 and watched thus all the time, I always found that Era was so odd, like everything was so simple.

[@WWAHP]

I blame the coach, he know one man can't do it alone, he should have change the team's game plan after the half. If the father saw what was the other team was going to do, the coach should have seen it too.

[@etude79]

I remember this episode, a very young Jim Caviezel as Bobby Riddle.

[@bobloblaw2958]

Brother could we use tv like this today.

[@SamuelNYC]

Tell me about it :(

[@SEALCOATINGISLIFE]

“I always heard coffee went well with crow”

[@shapelessX]

My dad was like this with me and I'll never forget him

[@GoodxJ]

Kevin's dad is like the blue collar 1960's Tony Soprano!

[@francisalbert1799]

Friggin Wayne lol “Thanks, Dad!”

[@55tmilam]

One of the best shows ever!

[@Dragonfly6160]

I remember this episode. Hero turns out to be a jerk- so true to life.

[@danpatrickth2759]

Agreed

[@JSC178]

BEST... SHOW... EVER

[@nathanperry8552]

Mrs. Arnold is every man's dream.

[@davidbreen311]

I love this show especially when Jack and Kevin would go at it.

[@Kookaburra4509]

Wish they would play these reruns.

[@jeffreyadams207]

Agree, need to see them again

[@kamamar3906]

Hulu

[@bi7630]

Shows used to be so different. Teach kids valuable life lessons. Not anymore tho

[@HueyRocks23]

6:50 - Jack Arnold was a Marine who served in the Korean War. Yet he chuckles at his son, venting. Not because he thinks it's silly, but that he was raising a good man who was leaning toward stubbornness and needed some direction.

[@BudsCartoon]

Best sitcom drama ever? I watched this when I was a year or so younger than Kevin was when it was originally on, now I'm sure I see it from an entirety new perspective.

[@bubblezovlove7213]

i still cry at the title music :(

[@watchingyourvideo8029]

It hurts my soul

[@daveda3233]

Best serial ever

[@schawnettarobinson8584]

Childhood memories

[@laminage]

I have a feeling that Bobby was depending on The Game to get a College Scholarship. Since he didn't play up to par, I'm sure he didn't get that many Calls.

[@eriktaylor1225]

I actually agree with Bobby here. I can’t stand fans who say “we” won or “we’re” gonna win….when they’re not the ones up at 4am grinding it out, having to follow a strict diet regimen, drill over and over, and then take the field in front of tons of people in hopes they don’t get humiliated in defeat then have to listen to all the shit talkers who’ve never lifted a finger.