The Wonder Years (season 5)

The Wonder Years (season 5)
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 24
Release
Original network ABC
Original release October 2, 1991 (1991-10-02) – May 13, 1992 (1992-05-13)

The fifth season of The Wonder Years aired on ABC from October 2, 1991 to May 13, 1992. In this season many changes were made to the show. For example, Kevin and Paul go to a new school and Kevin gets a deeper voice.

Episodes

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series
No. in
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Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
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701"The Lake"Michael DinnerMark LevinOctober 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 sees 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) 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.

Absent: Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold; Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper.
712"Day One"Daniel SternDenise Moss & Sy DukaneOctober 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 fourth grade classmate, Stuart Cartesian, causing a pretty girl to walk away. At lunch, Kevin finds Winnie alone, but she is soon surrounded by the football team. Then Wayne and Wart give Kevin a "royal flush" because he accidentally stepped on the 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.
723"The Hardware Store"Ken TopolskyCraig HoffmanOctober 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, treats him. 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 him a raise instead, making Kevin feel obligated to stay. Later, when Kevin sees that his father would rather go to the mall because it is easier and faster, he realizes that the world is passing the slow-paced store by. So Kevin briefly takes a 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.
734"Frank and Denise"David GreenwaltDavid GreenwaltOctober 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 longtime 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.
745"Full Moon Rising"Ken TopolskyMark B. PerryOctober 30, 1991 (1991-10-30)02S0059105

When Kevin has a date, his friends Randy and Purdle make fun of him for having his mom drive Kevin and his date 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 to go cruising with his friends on a Friday night, but their glorious night fades when they run into a group of guys in a Mustang, who go around mooning people. Then and to top it all off, Kevin runs into his date at Zesty's Drive-in. Ricky is challenged by 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 embarrassment. As the boys decide to go home, the car runs out of gas; but in the end, the guys realize their night out was an adventure and agree to do it again next Friday.

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

Kevin creates a dilemma with Wayne and his new girlfriend, Sandy (Carla Gugino), after beginning a secret relationship with her while watching an episode of Sonny and Cher on TV. 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. Kevin asks another girl, Alice Pedermeir (Lindsay Sloane) to the school dance, but she's already going with someone else. However, Sandy wants 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 family comes 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.
767"Soccer"Thomas SchlammeMark LevinNovember 20, 1991 (1991-11-20)02S0059107

When Kevin tries out for the football team and gets cut for being too short and small, he discovers the new sport of soccer, where the school's misfit team (guest starring Brice Beckham as Nick Bott) welcome him. After meeting the disgruntled coach, Pops "The Bear" McIntyre (Paul Dooley), best known for his championship football days, Kevin joins the team. The players train as best they can, but he 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.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold, Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
778"Dinner Out"Bryan GordonGina GoldmanDecember 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: First, the Maitre D' seats the Arnolds--with Karen's live-in boyfriend 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. 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.
789"Christmas Party"Jim McBrideSy Dukane & Denise MossDecember 11, 1991 (1991-12-11)02S0059110

The Arnolds' throw 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. 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, "The King of Lawns" Ed Ermin is caught smoking marijuana in the basement. Kevin and Wayne are sent to the supermarket, and on return they find their parents alone and curled up by the fire - they realise too that the old days are gone, and the older Kevin narrates that this was the last such party they held.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
7910"Pfeiffer's Choice"Ken TopolskyMark B. PerryDecember 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 Jack, out of obvious jealousy, 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.
8011"Road Test"Thomas SchlammeCraig HoffmanJanuary 8, 1992 (1992-01-08)02S0059111

Kevin seems to be a natural at driving, however, there's 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. Jack allows him to drive down-town, but he freezes up when told to parallel park in front of the shops. His nerves build until he lies about not getting his driver's license, even though they celebrate by giving him a cake and spare keys to the car. Determined to secretly practice, he tries to use the car that night, but only ends up running over the lawn mower. His father comes out to see what's up, and Kevin finally confesses all. In the end, he gets the license with his father's help, but is grounded for a month afterwards as punishment.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold and Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper
8112"Grandpa's Car"Michael DinnerMark LevinJanuary 15, 1992 (1992-01-15)02S0059112

After getting into several recent accidents leading to a license suspension, Grandpa Albert Arnold refuses to listen to his family's concerns and stop driving while suspended. Frustrated, he 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 travelling to his favorite diners and roadside attractions. For the first time, Kevin notices Grandpa's old age creep up on him, and while reminiscing about the old days and not paying attention to the road, they nearly crash the car. Albert finally accepts he's getting too old to drive and lets Kevin buy his 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass for a dollar. Now, Kevin will always remember his first car because it was his grandfather's last.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold and Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper
8213"Kodachrome"David GreenwaltGina GoldmanJanuary 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, "F" for fail), 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, he 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.
8314"Private Butthead"Nick MarckSy RosenFebruary 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 going on in 1972, the family is afraid that Wayne could be shipped off to fight. Although Jack objects to his son's decision, Wayne (as an 18-year-old) is an adult now, and he allows him 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 and Josh Saviano as Paul Pfeiffer
8415"Of Mastodons and Men"Thomas SchlammeMark LevinFebruary 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 him. 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. He then breaks it off in front of her family, and returns to doing what most 16-year-old boys do - hanging out with the guys.

Absent Olivia d'Abo as Karen Arnold and Danica McKellar as Winnie Cooper
8516"Double Double Date"Peter BaldwinSy Rosen & Mark B. PerryFebruary 26, 1992 (1992-02-26)02S0059115

Kevin has a crush on the new Swedish exchange student Inga Finnstrom (Shevonne Durkin), and asks Winnie to introduce her, and in return, she asks Kevin to help her meet Matt Stevens. Things seem to go well initially, but become awkward when Matt suggests they double date for the spring formal. On the way there, 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 and they are soon brought close together once again. They then ditch their dim-witted dates and go to the point to park, but both find it hard to make a move and wind up kissing one another on the eye. Both understand that they need some 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 and Jason Hervey as Wayne Arnold.
8617"Hero"Stephen CraggDavid GreenwaltMarch 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
8718"Lunch Stories"Ken TopolskySy Dukane & Denise MossMarch 18, 1992 (1992-03-18)02S0059118

Kevin recalls a typical lunch period at McKinley High--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
8819"Carnal Knowledge"Nancy CoopersteinDavid GreenwaltMarch 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
8920"The Lost Weekend"Arthur AlbertTeleplay 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
9021"Stormy Weather"Ken TopolskyDenise Moss & Sy DukaneApril 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
9122"The Wedding"Peter BaldwinMark B. PerryApril 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 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.
9223"Back to the Lake"Michael DinnerMark LevinMay 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.
9324"Broken Hearts and Burgers"Ken TopolskyCraig HoffmanMay 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.

References

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