Showrunner Saladin K. Patterson reveals the inspiration for that connection to the original Wonder Years.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for Thursday’s episode ofThe Wonder Years, “Love & War.”
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Tell us about the genesis of this episode.
Anthony Jenkins, Yvonne Orji, Spence Moore II, Saycon Sengbloh, and Dulé Hill on ‘The Wonder Years’.Mathew Miller/ABC
What inspired you to tell this story the way that you did?
Do we want there to be any connection?"
That feels like a very respectful way to acknowledge that these families do exist in the same world."
Saycon Sengbloh, Yvonne Orji, and Spence Moore II on ‘The Wonder Years’.Erika Doss/ABC
So we were like, “What often happens when they come back?”
Well, what if she’s older?
What if he’s trying to jump into a ready-made family?"
Elisha Williams and Spence Moore II on ‘The Wonder Years’.Mathew Miller/ABC
How did you end up casting Yvonne Orji as Tammy?
We were very, very blessed and fortunate to be able to cast Yvonne.
But thankfully, she brought it up first.
So it kind of happened organically that way.
Are we going to see more of her character on the show?
We certainly wanted to leave the door open to bring her back if the stars align for season 2.
While we’re looking ahead, where does Bruce go from here?
Bruce comes back as the model son, and really starts to make them look bad.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
The Wonder Yearsairs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
