I have nothing to do with The Wonder Years.I’m merely a fan of the show who like many others,was disappointed with the show’s final episode.After years of agonizing over her,Kevin did not end up with Winnie; his dream girl and the love of his life throughout adolescence.So I decided to write my own ending to the show to share with other Wonder Years fans.Enjoy.



(In the final episode of the Wonder Years,’Independence Day’,it begins with Kevin in employee headquarters.He is in a foul mood and cant get over what saw; Winnie kissing a fellow lifeguard)



The scene from last night kept replaying in my head like a bad movie.My dream girl,the love of my life,in the arms of another man.Once again,the girl with the brown eyes had broken my heart.



(The boy’s room)



Micky (another employee): Oi Kev,whats up man?
Kevin: Nothing.Why cant you guys mind you own damn business?
Nick: Hey,don’t bring me into this.I’m just sitting here reading this glorious playboy. (he smirks)
Kevin: Good for you (rolls his eyes)
Micky: Hey lemme see that!
(Nick tosses the magazine to Micky,who flicks through it)
Micky: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Now that’s a woman.Look Kev!
(Micky tosses the magazine at Kevin’s bunk bed)



But even Farrah Fawcett couldn’t cheer me up.Not the hair,that red bathing suit,or her smile.She didn’t compare to my Winnie.And no matter how hard I tried,I couldn’t get her off my mind.I knew what I had to do.



(Kevin in his car,starting the engine,outside the resort)


Go home


(Kevin hesitates)


It was then that I realised that if I ran now,I’d be doomed to spend the rest of my life running away from my problems.I had to face the music.


(Kevin gets out of the car)



Winnie by the pool on duty,talking to Eric. (Kevin comes into the pool area,instantly spotting her)


And no sooner had I marched bravely to the pool,I decided that I didn’t like the music.


Winnie: Kevin!


What did she want?


Winnie: Kevin,I thought you went home last night.
Kevin: What made you think that?


Go home because I saw my girlfriend kissing a handsome lifeguard I didn’t compare to?


Winnie: I don’t know.I think we should talk.
Kevin: I know that you want to dump me.Get it over with Winnie.


I sounded brave,but inside I was begging her not to say the words.Heck,I loved this girl,and always would.


Winnie: I’m sorry.
Kevin: What?


I’m sorry I’m about to rip out your still beating heart and shatter it into a million pieces.

Winnie: About Eric.I did something horrible.
Kevin: I know.
Winnie: You do?
Kevin: I saw you.I saw the two of you last night.

Why?

Kevin: And I was just wondering…

Why? Why? Why?

Kevin: Winnie…whats going on with us? I thought we loved each other.
Winnie: We do,I mean,we did.

DID? Past tense was never good in situations like these.

Kevin: DID?
Winnie: I guess its over then.I kissed Eric,and ruined everything between us.Its all my fault.
Kevin: Winnie,was it a mistake?
Winnie: A mistake?
Kevin: Yeah,you just screwed up right? You spent a lot of time together,and it just happened,right?

RIGHT?

Winnie: Kevin,don’t forgive me.You don’t have to.
Kevin: I don’t want to.

I wanted to take her in my arms,and hold her forever.
Winnie: I understand.
Kevin: I mean….i don’t want to let you go.
Winnie: But I cheated on you.I went behind your back,surely that hurt.

More than she’d ever know.More than I’d ever show.

Kevin: Well,yeah.But it was a mistake,maybe we can forget it,and move on with our lives.
Winnie: And you’d still want me?

Want her? I needed her.

Kevin: Of course.I…love you.
Winnie: I love you too Kevin.
Kevin: I shouldn’t have come up here.You were right.I just couldn’t stay away from you.
Winnie: Kevin,you said you wanted to spend time alone.
Kevin: Alone,yes,but with you.I wanted us to be alone….together.
Winnie: You could have been more specific (smile)

There it was.That smile.It could melt my heart,and it did.

Kevin: What about Eric?
Winnie: He’s a friend.A close friend.He’ll never be you.

Her words touched my heart.Maybe they were the words I desired to hear from her most.Because deep down,I knew there would never be another girl like Winnie Cooper.I doubted that any woman would ever take her place.

(Winnie smiles)

No other woman could.

Winnie: I want to go home.
Kevin: What?

Come to think of it,everything that was coming from Winnie now was everything I wanted to hear her say.There’ll never be another you,and let’s go home.Lets leave this place,lets leave Eric,and all the memories behind.I knew that once we were home,everything would be right again.I had my girlfriend back.And she had me.Forever.Of that,I was sure.

Winnie: There’s nothing keeping me here.
Kevin: What about your job?
Winnie: I’ll get a job back home.Its no big deal.I don’t want to be here anymore.

Perhaps Winnie Cooper and I would have that perfect summer after all.We’d be together.Nothing else mattered.

Kevin: Are you sure?
Winnie: Yeah,yeah.Yeah.

Three yeahs? Sounded sure to me.

Kevin: Ok,great!

Mission accomplished.What I had come to this horrid place for was Winnie….and now she was coming home…with me.I had got what I came for.

Winnie: I’ll get my things and meet you out front in 10?
Kevin: Great.

Terrific.

(Kevin smiles)


(Boys room.Kevin is happily packing his bags)

Micky: Hey Arnold,your old man called.I think he wants you to give a bell back.
Kevin: Not necessary.I’m going home.
Micky: HOME?
Kevin: Yeah,with my girlfriend.
Micky: Winnie quit her job here?

Yeah.What a girl.

Kevin: Yeah,that’s right.We’re going home.To make the most of what is left of summer.
Micky: Hey,good for you man.

(Eric enters)

Eric: Kevin,I just spoke to Winnie.She tells me she’s leaving.

Yeah,in your face.

Kevin: Yeah,she quit.Is there a problem?
Eric: I came to apologize.About last night.I screwed around on my girlfriend too,ya know.But I can see that you and Winnie have something special.

I actually felt like I could forgive the guy.And why not? He had sincerely apologized,and in a few minutes I’d be on the road,with my girlfriend.Going home.I was happy.

Kevin: Hey,thanks man.Its okay.Winnie told me.All is forgiven.
Eric: No hard feelings then?
Kevin: None at all.
Eric: Thanks man.I wish you and Winnie all the best.

What a guy.

Kevin: Thanks.
Eric: Drive safely then.
Kevin: Yeah.

(Eric exits)

Kevin: Wow,he’s not such a bad guy.
Micky: Yeah.
Kevin: Well,this is it.It was great knowing you.
Micky: The place wont be the same without you.I’ll miss ya.

I knew I would miss Micky,but I couldn’t say the same of the resort.I’d be happy to never see the place again.

Kevin: Maybe I’ll drive back up at the end of summer,if you’re still here.

Of course it was a lie.But Micky didn’t need to know that.

Micky: Take care Arnold.


As we drove back home,Winnie and I realised where we belonged.Together.

(Winnie rests her head on Kevin’s shoulder as he drives)


At the point at sunset-Winnie and Kevin make out in his car.

The girl next door and I were destined to be together forever.Winnie Cooper,my first love,my only love.

Winnie: I don’t want it to end.
Kevin: I know.But it doesn’t have to Winnie.
Winnie: Promise me you’ll be with me forever

(Kevin kisses her nose)

Kevin: Only if you promise me.
Winnie: I promise

(they kiss)

And it was a promise we never broke


(Late at night.Kevin has just returned home.His father is sitting in the kitchen with Paul)

Jack: Its abit late isn’t it Kev,I called the resort hours ago.
Kevin: Hey,I’m home now aren’t I?
Jack: I know,and its good to have you back son.
Kevin: What are you doing here Paul,I thought you went away for the summer.
Paul: There was a change in plans.I decided not to go on the road trip with the guys.


My best friend Paul.He could’ve been having the time of his life on the road trip that summer,but here he was,in the Arnold kitchen.We’d spent many summers before in that kitchen together,while Mom made lemonade for us both.They were the good old days.And they were almost over.


Jack: I was thinking you could…I mean if you want to….you’ve still got a job at the furniture shop.

My Dad was trying to be nice,but I had quit,and it suited me.

Kevin: Thanks Dad,but no thanks.I’m sure I can get a job at the mall if I need to.
Jack: Sure you can.(smiles and gets up) I’ll leave you men to it. (Jack exits)
Kevin: So Paul,what are you doing here?
Paul: I came over because your Mom said you were on your way home.But that was hours ago.
Kevin: Yeah well,Winnie and I went out before I took her home.
Paul: Hows thing between you two?
Kevin: Great,couldn’t be better.(smiles)
Paul: I can’t believe how long you’ve been together.

Truth was,neither could I.We’d had our good times,and our bad,we’d split up,and we’d dated other people,but for some reason we always ended up back together.Perhaps we were just…

Paul: You’re perfect for each other.

And that was why Paul was my best friend.He always knew the right thing to say.

Kevin: Thanks Paul (smiles)
Paul: Hey,no problem (smiles)

Paul and I had been best friends since we were born,and nothing ever came between us.We liked all the same things,and we’d always lived in the same neighbourhood,It was hard to believe that in a few months,after graduation,we’d be in different states.

Paul: Don’t you think it seems like yesterday that we were starting junior high?
Kevin: Yeah.And now we’re going to be finished school forever soon.
Paul: Thanks for being a great friend all these years Kev.

It hit me at that moment that Paul was actually going away.And I was really going to miss him.

Kevin: I’ll always be your friend Paul.
Paul: No matter what?
Kevin: No matter what (smiles)

(Norma Arnold enters)

Norma: Kevin,honey,welcome home (smiles)
Kevin: Thanks Mom.

I was home.And for the first in a long time,It felt good.

____________________________________________________________________


(The following is part of the wonder years script of the final episode,with some minor alterations)

*THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE*

(Kevin’s arm is around Winnie as they watch the parade,with the rest of the Arnold family)


Winnie Cooper and I had the greatest summer of our teenage lives.It held the promise that there were many more great summers to follow.

That year’s 4th of July parade will always be a memory.We had plenty to celebrate.
In that small surburban town….was where I’d probably belong for many years to come,but only in spirit.My past would always be there,but my future was elsewhere.Where,I wasn’t sure,but I was sure of one thing,No matter where our lives took us,Winnie Cooper and I would never be apart.
In a world full of uncertainties,our love was something we knew was certain.And it was forever.

(Camera zooms in on Paul Pfeiffer)

Paul Pfeiffer.My best friend.For better,and for worse.We’d been through everything together.From our first day of junior high to the day of our graduation.He’d always have a special place in my heart,and we both knew our friendship would never die,no matter where life took us.But there comes a time for goodbye,and that time had come.

Paul went on to study Law at Harvard….And he’s still allergic to everything.

(Paul sneezes,and smiles)

(Camera zooms in on Karen Arnold,Kevin’s older sister)

Karen did alright.Blossomed into a beautiful woman,stayed happily married to a terrific fellow and began a family.

(Kevin pats Karen’s bulging belly and they smile)

Wayne: It’s Little Kevin.
Kevin: Yeah,Oh My Gosh (smiles)

(Camera zooms in on Wayne)

Wayne.My brother Wayne.Born a butthead,remained a butthead.But as much as I loved to hate him….he was my brother.

(Wayne ruffles Kevin’s hair)

Wayne stayed in the furniture business.It was good for him.He took over the factory two years later….when Dad passed away.

(Camera zooms in on Jack Arnold)

Dad and I patched things up.Heck,I loved the big guy and he loved me,and at sixteen years of age,I finally appreciated all that he did for me.He had his faults,but in my eyes Jack Arnold was my hero.

(Camera zooms in on Norma Arnold)

Then there was Mom.She did well.Businesswoman,board chairman,grandmother,cooker of mashed poatoes.

And there ya had it,the Arnold family.

(Camera cuts to a snapshot of a wedding portrait.It is Kevin and Winnie)

Then the day finally arrived.
Winnie and I were married.
My dream girl with the big brown eyes who would always be the girl next door to me,became Mrs Kevin Arnold.It was a summer’s day.She wore a white dress.It was picturesque.Just as I had dreamed it would be.
Winnie and I had kept our promise; to stay together forever.


(Back to the parade-Kevin cuddles Winnie against him)

My wife,went on to study art history in Paris,the summer after we married.2 years apart felt like an eternity.But me,and little Kevin Arnold junior got along just fine.Then the day finally arrived when my first son and I went to the airport to welcome the most important woman in both our lives,home.


(Shots of Kevins old neighbourhood,and his childhood home)

Some things never turn out exactly the way you planned.No.Sometimes they turn out better than you ever imagined.

(Flashback to episode 1,where a young Kevin and Winnie have their first kiss at Harper’s woods)

(Cut to the present,where Kevin and Winnie kiss)


(from the real Wonder Years finale script)

Growing up happens in a heartbeat.
One day you're in diapers; next day you're gone.
But the memories of childhood stay with you
For the long haul.
I remember a place...a town...a house
like a lot of other houses...
A yard like a lot of other yards...
On a street like a lot of other streets.
And the thing is...After all these years,
I still look back...with WONDER.

I really enjoyed the alternate version of the show's final episode on what life would have been like if Kevin and Winnie were together forever to the end. Kevin and Winnie were made for each other, and they should have never split.

Winnie Cooper reminds me of my old childhood girlfriend whom I love so much. I haven't been the same since she left our hometown a little over ten years ago. I still live in hope that she will return and she and I will get back together someday.

Dr. Zeus

I'm really glad you liked it Dr Zeus.No one could understand how disappointed I was when the show ended how it did.Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper were meant to be together!

I didn't mind them not getting together at all. I mean, how often does one end up with their child hood sweetheart? Plus, who knows what happened down the road. Maybe they eventually decided to give it another go.

I was most saddened by what happened to Kevin's dad.

I was most saddened by what happened to Kevin's dad.

Yeah,I always thought that was tragic.Jack Arnold was a hard working decent father,who got disrespected by his family.You got the impression that the rest of the Arnolds didn't really appreciate all he did for them.

I had the same feeling.

For some reason, Jack seems to remind me of my dad in some ways. Not exactly, but something similar. I guess I was just shocked about how quickly he passed away, and how relatively young he was.

BTW, excellent "ending", thanks for typing it all up. :)

No problem jimbo ;)

I was REALLY shocked by Jack's death,it did seem sudden.I wonder why they killed a character off,maybe to show that Kevin's distant relationship with his father was something he'd later regret.

Fresh Princess of Belair, you weren't the only one who wanted them together. I was so upset that they didn't get together in the end, that I haven't really watched the show since. I loved your ending and think that's how it should have been. If I were Kevin's new wife, I'd be threatened by Kevin and Winnie's relationship, to me it didn't make sense that she would be at the airport with him waiting for his first love (or better yet his "true love"). I would have been content if they would have said while waiting for Winnie to come back, he may have tried a relationship with another woman and had kids with her (because in episodes he does mention he has kids) but it just didn't work out, then he would meet Winnie at the airport with his kids and NOT a wife. Cause even though Kevin has kids, he's not tied down to a wife, leaving us wondering if he and Winnie would have gotten together.

But on another note, I know a lot of people prefer not to have the happy ending with shows because it's not real life, but shows are for entertainment and if TPTB choose to invest in a couple and get the audience to fall in love with a couple, then they should give the public a happy ending. The whole point with tv shows and movies is for you to sorta escape real life and give you some kind of hope, especially when you don't have a lot of hope in your own life.

That was a great fan fiction story!
It was definetly the ending I hoped for.

I think the ending was very realistic, few people wind up with the love of their lives ( only the lucky ones do ), as for Jack dying relatively young, well, thats something that happens....the whole show was built around life taking many twists and turns, and i believe the ending of the show did that perfectly....but, I have to say, Belairs FF captured the "feel" of the show ( incl the voiceovers by "old Kevin" ) very nicely! :)

Great ending, Belair! :rock:

Thanks James! :) I enjoyed putting it together.

I am selling my personal collection of the wonder years for $45.00. If interested, let me know and I will let you know the details. 115 Episodes on DVD

Yeah, this was the end the show deserved. Great Belair!!

That's an awesome alternate ending. I too was disappointed with the show's finale, it just didn't seem right.

Wow, thanks for sharing that! Sure we didn't get the ending we wanted, but thanks Belair for letting us have that dream for a few minutes. :) And what excellent writing; I could definetly picture the characters speaking the exact dialogue, it was brilliant!

Man, AWESOME.......Thank you so much for that..................You should write for TV, if you dont already........................

I like to think that they ended up together even though they didn't. I mean he probably didn't stay with his wife to long once Winnie came back from being gone. You know what I mean... My dad has seen wonder years and he told me that they end up together so I was a little upset to find out that they don't. Great fanfic ending though.:)

Man, AWESOME.......Thank you so much for that..................You should write for TV, if you dont already........................

Oh i wish i did! :happyface

I wanted them together too. It's too bad they ended the show during their junior year, you'd think they would end it with them graduating. As much as I wanted them to be together, them ending up together forever would have been too idealistic.

I didn't mind them not getting together at all. I mean, how often does one end up with their child hood sweetheart? Plus, who knows what happened down the road. Maybe they eventually decided to give it another go.

I was most saddened by what happened to Kevin's dad.

I couldn't agree more. I was saddened by Jack's fate but at the same time, I love how this show ended overall. A very "real life" ending to a very "real life" show.

Oops! Sorry, double post!

I think the ending was very realistic, few people wind up with the love of their lives ( only the lucky ones do ), as for Jack dying relatively young, well, thats something that happens....the whole show was built around life taking many twists and turns, and i believe the ending of the show did that perfectly....but, I have to say, Belairs FF captured the "feel" of the show ( incl the voiceovers by "old Kevin" ) very nicely! :)

This is going to be a long one, so just skip it you don't want to read it.

Just chiming in to say I too, couldn't agree more. You make a great point about most people not ending up with their childhood sweetheart. It's the bittersweet ending that captivated me and underscored the talent of the writers, IMO.

I also liked that we didn't find out much about Kevin in terms of specifics. Sure, I was curious about many things, but since he really represented Everyman, which is to say the character was written to represent all of us and the commonalities we all share as adolescents, it seemed fitting that the ending was a bit evasive. He represented the Baby Boomers as a whole, so I thought that was why the writers left out the specifics in the final episode.

Also, the non-specific ending makes for great fan fiction opportunities to fanwank your own version of the details, (where he went to college, where he lived, etc) which is always fun to think about.

But, in terms of dramaturgy, it would've felt like false pabulum, like a neat little bow just for the audience, just because it is the end, rather than because it fit in with what they had created, in terms of the writing. They created a character that was supposed to be representative of everyone, going through the same experiences everyone shares no matter the gender, race, socioeconomic background, etc. (ex: first date, first zit, being rejected, algebra woes and so on). So I was just fine on the one level without knowing the specifics.

None of the above means I don't wonder like crazy about the details, it just means I think the writer's showed quite a bit of artistic integrity with the last episode by keeping the character of Kevin Arnold who he had always been, a sort of suburban adolescent Everyman if you will (hee!). That's just my opinion! :D

I love pondering the reasons writers make the choices they do, because you know it's not as if they didn't realize what they were doing. Sometimes when something bothers or baffles me, I like to think about why the writers might have made the choices they did, and then go from there in terms of critical analysis. Sure, some shows are poorly written and the choices might not have been well-thought, if at all, but I don't think this is the case with the Wonder Years. The writers made a conscious choice, for a reason, not to have Kevin end up with Winnie and not to give us all of the details.

This thread has been a lot of fun to read!

wow, that was really good! :)

way too much, you jokin if you think ima read all that..

[QUOTE=Belair]I have nothing to do with The Wonder Years.I’m merely a fan of the show who like many others,was disappointed with the show’s final episode.After years of agonizing over her,Kevin did not end up with Winnie; his dream girl and the love of his life throughout adolescence.So I decided to write my own ending to the show to share with other Wonder Years fans.Enjoy.



(In the final episode of the Wonder Years,’Independence Day’,it begins with Kevin in employee headquarters.He is in a foul mood and cant get over what saw; Winnie kissing a fellow lifeguard)



The scene from last night kept replaying in my head like a bad movie.My dream girl,the love of my life,in the arms of another man.Once again,the girl with the brown eyes had broken my heart.



(The boy’s room)



Micky (another employee): Oi Kev,whats up man?
Kevin: Nothing.Why cant you guys mind you own damn business?
Nick: Hey,don’t bring me into this.I’m just sitting here reading this glorious playboy. (he smirks)
Kevin: Good for you (rolls his eyes)
Micky: Hey lemme see that!
(Nick tosses the magazine to Micky,who flicks through it)
Micky: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Now that’s a woman.Look Kev!
(Micky tosses the magazine at Kevin’s bunk bed)



But even Farrah Fawcett couldn’t cheer me up.Not the hair,that red bathing suit,or her smile.She didn’t compare to my Winnie.And no matter how hard I tried,I couldn’t get her off my mind.I knew what I had to do.



(Kevin in his car,starting the engine,outside the resort)


Go home


(Kevin hesitates)


It was then that I realised that if I ran now,I’d be doomed to spend the rest of my life running away from my problems.I had to face the music.


(Kevin gets out of the car)



Winnie by the pool on duty,talking to Eric. (Kevin comes into the pool area,instantly spotting her)


And no sooner had I marched bravely to the pool,I decided that I didn’t like the music.


Winnie: Kevin!


What did she want?


Winnie: Kevin,I thought you went home last night.
Kevin: What made you think that?


Go home because I saw my girlfriend kissing a handsome lifeguard I didn’t compare to?


Winnie: I don’t know.I think we should talk.
Kevin: I know that you want to dump me.Get it over with Winnie.


I sounded brave,but inside I was begging her not to say the words.Heck,I loved this girl,and always would.


Winnie: I’m sorry.
Kevin: What?


I’m sorry I’m about to rip out your still beating heart and shatter it into a million pieces.

Winnie: About Eric.I did something horrible.
Kevin: I know.
Winnie: You do?
Kevin: I saw you.I saw the two of you last night.

Why?

Kevin: And I was just wondering…

Why? Why? Why?

Kevin: Winnie…whats going on with us? I thought we loved each other.
Winnie: We do,I mean,we did.

DID? Past tense was never good in situations like these.

Kevin: DID?
Winnie: I guess its over then.I kissed Eric,and ruined everything between us.Its all my fault.
Kevin: Winnie,was it a mistake?
Winnie: A mistake?
Kevin: Yeah,you just screwed up right? You spent a lot of time together,and it just happened,right?

RIGHT?

Winnie: Kevin,don’t forgive me.You don’t have to.
Kevin: I don’t want to.

I wanted to take her in my arms,and hold her forever.
Winnie: I understand.
Kevin: I mean….i don’t want to let you go.
Winnie: But I cheated on you.I went behind your back,surely that hurt.

More than she’d ever know.More than I’d ever show.

Kevin: Well,yeah.But it was a mistake,maybe we can forget it,and move on with our lives.
Winnie: And you’d still want me?

Want her? I needed her.

Kevin: Of course.I…love you.
Winnie: I love you too Kevin.
Kevin: I shouldn’t have come up here.You were right.I just couldn’t stay away from you.
Winnie: Kevin,you said you wanted to spend time alone.
Kevin: Alone,yes,but with you.I wanted us to be alone….together.
Winnie: You could have been more specific (smile)

There it was.That smile.It could melt my heart,and it did.

Kevin: What about Eric?
Winnie: He’s a friend.A close friend.He’ll never be you.

Her words touched my heart.Maybe they were the words I desired to hear from her most.Because deep down,I knew there would never be another girl like Winnie Cooper.I doubted that any woman would ever take her place.

(Winnie smiles)

No other woman could.

Winnie: I want to go home.
Kevin: What?

Come to think of it,everything that was coming from Winnie now was everything I wanted to hear her say.There’ll never be another you,and let’s go home.Lets leave this place,lets leave Eric,and all the memories behind.I knew that once we were home,everything would be right again.I had my girlfriend back.And she had me.Forever.Of that,I was sure.

Winnie: There’s nothing keeping me here.
Kevin: What about your job?
Winnie: I’ll get a job back home.Its no big deal.I don’t want to be here anymore.

Perhaps Winnie Cooper and I would have that perfect summer after all.We’d be together.Nothing else mattered.

Kevin: Are you sure?
Winnie: Yeah,yeah.Yeah.

Three yeahs? Sounded sure to me.

Kevin: Ok,great!

Mission accomplished.What I had come to this horrid place for was Winnie….and now she was coming home…with me.I had got what I came for.

Winnie: I’ll get my things and meet you out front in 10?
Kevin: Great.

Terrific.

(Kevin smiles)


(Boys room.Kevin is happily packing his bags)

Micky: Hey Arnold,your old man called.I think he wants you to give a bell back.
Kevin: Not necessary.I’m going home.
Micky: HOME?
Kevin: Yeah,with my girlfriend.
Micky: Winnie quit her job here?

Yeah.What a girl.

Kevin: Yeah,that’s right.We’re going home.To make the most of what is left of summer.
Micky: Hey,good for you man.

(Eric enters)

Eric: Kevin,I just spoke to Winnie.She tells me she’s leaving.

Yeah,in your face.

Kevin: Yeah,she quit.Is there a problem?
Eric: I came to apologize.About last night.I screwed around on my girlfriend too,ya know.But I can see that you and Winnie have something special.

I actually felt like I could forgive the guy.And why not? He had sincerely apologized,and in a few minutes I’d be on the road,with my girlfriend.Going home.I was happy.

Kevin: Hey,thanks man.Its okay.Winnie told me.All is forgiven.
Eric: No hard feelings then?
Kevin: None at all.
Eric: Thanks man.I wish you and Winnie all the best.

What a guy.

Kevin: Thanks.
Eric: Drive safely then.
Kevin: Yeah.

(Eric exits)

Kevin: Wow,he’s not such a bad guy.
Micky: Yeah.
Kevin: Well,this is it.It was great knowing you.
Micky: The place wont be the same without you.I’ll miss ya.

I knew I would miss Micky,but I couldn’t say the same of the resort.I’d be happy to never see the place again.

Kevin: Maybe I’ll drive back up at the end of summer,if you’re still here.

Of course it was a lie.But Micky didn’t need to know that.

Micky: Take care Arnold.


As we drove back home,Winnie and I realised where we belonged.Together.

(Winnie rests her head on Kevin’s shoulder as he drives)


At the point at sunset-Winnie and Kevin make out in his car.

The girl next door and I were destined to be together forever.Winnie Cooper,my first love,my only love.

Winnie: I don’t want it to end.
Kevin: I know.But it doesn’t have to Winnie.
Winnie: Promise me you’ll be with me forever

(Kevin kisses her nose)

Kevin: Only if you promise me.
Winnie: I promise

(they kiss)

And it was a promise we never broke


(Late at night.Kevin has just returned home.His father is sitting in the kitchen with Paul)

Jack: Its abit late isn’t it Kev,I called the resort hours ago.
Kevin: Hey,I’m home now aren’t I?
Jack: I know,and its good to have you back son.
Kevin: What are you doing here Paul,I thought you went away for the summer.
Paul: There was a change in plans.I decided not to go on the road trip with the guys.


My best friend Paul.He could’ve been having the time of his life on the road trip that summer,but here he was,in the Arnold kitchen.We’d spent many summers before in that kitchen together,while Mom made lemonade for us both.They were the good old days.And they were almost over.


Jack: I was thinking you could…I mean if you want to….you’ve still got a job at the furniture shop.

My Dad was trying to be nice,but I had quit,and it suited me.

Kevin: Thanks Dad,but no thanks.I’m sure I can get a job at the mall if I need to.
Jack: Sure you can.(smiles and gets up) I’ll leave you men to it. (Jack exits)
Kevin: So Paul,what are you doing here?
Paul: I came over because your Mom said you were on your way home.But that was hours ago.
Kevin: Yeah well,Winnie and I went out before I took her home.
Paul: Hows thing between you two?
Kevin: Great,couldn’t be better.(smiles)
Paul: I can’t believe how long you’ve been together.

Truth was,neither could I.We’d had our good times,and our bad,we’d split up,and we’d dated other people,but for some reason we always ended up back together.Perhaps we were just…

Paul: You’re perfect for each other.

And that was why Paul was my best friend.He always knew the right thing to say.

Kevin: Thanks Paul (smiles)
Paul: Hey,no problem (smiles)

Paul and I had been best friends since we were born,and nothing ever came between us.We liked all the same things,and we’d always lived in the same neighbourhood,It was hard to believe that in a few months,after graduation,we’d be in different states.

Paul: Don’t you think it seems like yesterday that we were starting junior high?
Kevin: Yeah.And now we’re going to be finished school forever soon.
Paul: Thanks for being a great friend all these years Kev.

It hit me at that moment that Paul was actually going away.And I was really going to miss him.

Kevin: I’ll always be your friend Paul.
Paul: No matter what?
Kevin: No matter what (smiles)

(Norma Arnold enters)

Norma: Kevin,honey,welcome home (smiles)
Kevin: Thanks Mom.

I was home.And for the first in a long time,It felt good.

____________________________________________________________________


(The following is part of the wonder years script of the final episode,with some minor alterations)

*THE 4TH OF JULY PARADE*

(Kevin’s arm is around Winnie as they watch the parade,with the rest of the Arnold family)


Winnie Cooper and I had the greatest summer of our teenage lives.It held the promise that there were many more great summers to follow.

That year’s 4th of July parade will always be a memory.We had plenty to celebrate.
In that small surburban town….was where I’d probably belong for many years to come,but only in spirit.My past would always be there,but my future was elsewhere.Where,I wasn’t sure,but I was sure of one thing,No matter where our lives took us,Winnie Cooper and I would never be apart.
In a world full of uncertainties,our love was something we knew was certain.And it was forever.

(Camera zooms in on Paul Pfeiffer)

Paul Pfeiffer.My best friend.For better,and for worse.We’d been through everything together.From our first day of junior high to the day of our graduation.He’d always have a special place in my heart,and we both knew our friendship would never die,no matter where life took us.But there comes a time for goodbye,and that time had come.

Paul went on to study Law at Harvard….And he’s still allergic to everything.

(Paul sneezes,and smiles)

(Camera zooms in on Karen Arnold,Kevin’s older sister)

Karen did alright.Blossomed into a beautiful woman,stayed happily married to a terrific fellow and began a family.

(Kevin pats Karen’s bulging belly and they smile)

Wayne: It’s Little Kevin.
Kevin: Yeah,Oh My Gosh (smiles)

(Camera zooms in on Wayne)

Wayne.My brother Wayne.Born a butthead,remained a butthead.But as much as I loved to hate him….he was my brother.

(Wayne ruffles Kevin’s hair)

Wayne stayed in the furniture business.It was good for him.He took over the factory two years later….when Dad passed away.

(Camera zooms in on Jack Arnold)

Dad and I patched things up.Heck,I loved the big guy and he loved me,and at sixteen years of age,I finally appreciated all that he did for me.He had his faults,but in my eyes Jack Arnold was my hero.

(Camera zooms in on Norma Arnold)

Then there was Mom.She did well.Businesswoman,board chairman,grandmother,cooker of mashed poatoes.

And there ya had it,the Arnold family.

(Camera cuts to a snapshot of a wedding portrait.It is Kevin and Winnie)

Then the day finally arrived.
Winnie and I were married.
My dream girl with the big brown eyes who would always be the girl next door to me,became Mrs Kevin Arnold.It was a summer’s day.She wore a white dress.It was picturesque.Just as I had dreamed it would be.
Winnie and I had kept our promise; to stay together forever.


(Back to the parade-Kevin cuddles Winnie against him)

My wife,went on to study art history in Paris,the summer after we married.2 years apart felt like an eternity.But me,and little Kevin Arnold junior got along just fine.Then the day finally arrived when my first son and I went to the airport to welcome the most important woman in both our lives,home.


(Shots of Kevins old neighbourhood,and his childhood home)

Some things never turn out exactly the way you planned.No.Sometimes they turn out better than you ever imagined.

(Flashback to episode 1,where a young Kevin and Winnie have their first kiss at Harper’s woods)

(Cut to the present,where Kevin and Winnie kiss)


(from the real Wonder Years finale script)

Growing up happens in a heartbeat.
One day you're in diapers; next day you're gone.
But the memories of childhood stay with you
For the long haul.
I remember a place...a town...a house
like a lot of other houses...
A yard like a lot of other yards...
On a street like a lot of other streets.
And the thing is...After all these years,
I still look back...with WONDER.[/QUOTE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------I loved that ending:loveya: Check out my thread.I actually get sick and depressed if I listen to the real ending:crybaby:

For me, the ending was okay--up until describing what happened to the family and other characters. It actually didn't bother me too much that Kevin and Winnie didn't end up together--but it REALLY bothered me to have had Jack pass away two years later.

But here's some of my ideas on how the final TWY could have ended if I had written the episode--even if it would have made the finale a two-hour movie-length program.

--Show a brief glimpse into Kevin/Winnie/Paul's senior year in 1974, and a brief graduation clip.

--I would eliminate the mention of Jack passing away in 1975; instead, he would suffer a near-fatal heart attack, however, in '74 instead shortly after Kevin graduates HS--but survives (similar to the one the writers of "Family Ties" had Steven Keaton suffer--where the doctors almost lost him on the operating table). However, afterward Jack is mellowed greatly and becomes very mild-mannered and less likely to easily get agitated as we saw on the series (particularly with becoming a grandpa); he would also make the decision to transfer most of the responsibility for managing the furniture factory to Wayne (and instead decide to work more with the manufacture of the furniture).

--After Jack's heart attack, Kevin decides to attend two years at the local junior college and still remain at home until 1976, when he transfers to a university. Despite walking out from the furniture factory job in the last episode, I would mention that during his college years that he returns to work part-time during summers and school vacations to Arnold's Furniture. Kevin graduates from college with a B.A. in history education in 1978, and moves several hours away from his hometown to become a junior high history teacher. By spring 1983, he has received his Master's in educational administration, while still enjoying his career as a successful junior high social studies instructor.

--After a few years off (and acquiring additional responsibilities at Arnold's Furniture after Jack's heart attack), Wayne decides to return to school around 1975, attending night classes (with a Business/Management emphasis) at the local junior college while still working full-time, then a Bachelor's in Business Administration by 1980. Despite breaking up New Year's Eve 1972, he and Bonnie would actually continue to maintain a friendship instead--but around 1975 they resume their relationship and get married in June of 1977. They would have two additional children (a boy and a girl) in addition to Bonnie's son. In the meantime, Wayne and Kevin's relationship as brothers becomes closer.

--Meanwhile, in Alaska Michael and Karen separate in 1975 and divorce shortly afterward. Karen and her child returns home, living with Jack and Norma for a few months while she looks for a job and an apartment. She becomes determined to successfully make it as a full-time, working mother, and works with Norma at her business for a few years. Ironically, because of issues such as her divorce with Michael, Jack's heart attack in '74, and a closer relationship with her parents, Karen abandons the "hippie" lifestyle, commits her life to Christ (after attending a Billy Graham crusade), and by 1980, is a full-fledged conservative and enthusiastic supporter of Ronald Reagan and the conservative movement.

--Paul still goes to Harvard and becomes a lawyer.

--I would still have Winnie study art in Paris for 8 years (with her and Kevin writing almost daily), but have her come home to visit for a month each year. They still promise to be together, even during the times Winnie's away. Before Winnie returns to Paris for her last year of studies in the summer of 1981, Kevin and Winnie return to the resort area from the last episode--and go back to the barn where they had promised to be together 8 years earlier. Kevin proposes to Winnie in the barn, and plan a July 1982 wedding (one month after Winnie comes home).

--Kevin and Winnie marry in July 1982. In May 1983, Winnie gives birth to their first child.

--Sadly, only two months after the birth of Kevin and Winnie's first child, Jack passes away suddenly from another heart attack in July 1983. Wayne takes full control over Arnold's Furniture. Norma continues to live in the Arnold family home for another four years, deciding to sell the house in 1987.

--After Jack's passing, Kevin is offered a new junior high history teaching position--at RFK Junior High. He returns to his junior high alma mater in September 1983. Mr. DiPerna is still at RFK in '83--finally having been promoted to principal. Despite the very frosty student-vice principal relationship during his junior high years, DiPerna, upon his retirement from a long career in education after the 1983-84 school year, recommends that Kevin consider the vice-principal post at RFK starting the following year (while the current vice-principal gets promoted). After consideration, Kevin accepts this new position, and eventually becomes promoted to principal at RFK in fall 1988.

Welcome to the boards, Leatherneck! (I was down in Springfield recently, trying to retrace old US 66! :cool: )

Great ideas for how to wrap up the show! I especially like Karen's decision to abandon liberalism! :rock:

--I would still have Winnie study art in Paris for 8 years (with her and Kevin writing almost daily), but have her come home to visit for a month each year. They still promise to be together, even during the times Winnie's away. Before Winnie returns to Paris for her last year of studies in the summer of 1981, Kevin and Winnie return to the resort area from the last episode--and go back to the barn where they had promised to be together 8 years earlier. Kevin proposes to Winnie in the barn, and plan a July 1982 wedding (one month after Winnie comes home).

--Kevin and Winnie marry in July 1982. In May 1983, Winnie gives birth to their first child.

--Sadly, only two months after the birth of Kevin and Winnie's first child, Jack passes away suddenly from another heart attack in July 1983. Wayne takes full control over Arnold's Furniture. Norma continues to live in the Arnold family home for another four years, deciding to sell the house in 1987.

--After Jack's passing, Kevin is offered a new junior high history teaching position--at RFK Junior High. He returns to his junior high alma mater in September 1983. Mr. DiPerna is still at RFK in '83--finally having been promoted to principal. Despite the very frosty student-vice principal relationship during his junior high years, DiPerna, upon his retirement from a long career in education after the 1983-84 school year, recommends that Kevin consider the vice-principal post at RFK starting the following year (while the current vice-principal gets promoted). After consideration, Kevin accepts this new position, and eventually becomes promoted to principal at RFK in fall 1988.

Regarding these, ABC could have made reunion specials, kind of like was done with "The Waltons" and "The Brady Bunch" in the 1980s. However, with "The Brady Bunch" after the movie about Marcia (and Jan) getting married (not to each other, mind you! :nonono: They had that double wedding, remember Wally Logan and Philip Covington? But I digress!), you had the miniseries "The Brady Brides" in the winter and spring of 1981. A miniseries could work along with a reunion movie!

I just watched the final episode for the first time tonight. I had downloaded all the episodes and watched them this past year, what a ride!

It's not like they're not together. They still see each other and them not being together, makes them be closer, in my opinion.

We all know that they are together, no doubt.

I wish there could be like a TV-movie where all the actors would come back and it would be a look back and offer us more of the future after the show had ended. Maybe Winnie and Kevin would be reunited at a class reunion or a funeral maybe. Then they could look back and include clips from some episodes and then you guys take it from there. What happens?

For me, the ending was okay--up until describing what happened to the family and other characters. It actually didn't bother me too much that Kevin and Winnie didn't end up together--but it REALLY bothered me to have had Jack pass away two years later.

But here's some of my ideas on how the final TWY could have ended if I had written the episode--even if it would have made the finale a two-hour movie-length program.

--Show a brief glimpse into Kevin/Winnie/Paul's senior year in 1974, and a brief graduation clip.

--I would eliminate the mention of Jack passing away in 1975; instead, he would suffer a near-fatal heart attack, however, in '74 instead shortly after Kevin graduates HS--but survives (similar to the one the writers of "Family Ties" had Steven Keaton suffer--where the doctors almost lost him on the operating table). However, afterward Jack is mellowed greatly and becomes very mild-mannered and less likely to easily get agitated as we saw on the series (particularly with becoming a grandpa); he would also make the decision to transfer most of the responsibility for managing the furniture factory to Wayne (and instead decide to work more with the manufacture of the furniture).

--After Jack's heart attack, Kevin decides to attend two years at the local junior college and still remain at home until 1976, when he transfers to a university. Despite walking out from the furniture factory job in the last episode, I would mention that during his college years that he returns to work part-time during summers and school vacations to Arnold's Furniture. Kevin graduates from college with a B.A. in history education in 1978, and moves several hours away from his hometown to become a junior high history teacher. By spring 1983, he has received his Master's in educational administration, while still enjoying his career as a successful junior high social studies instructor.

--After a few years off (and acquiring additional responsibilities at Arnold's Furniture after Jack's heart attack), Wayne decides to return to school around 1975, attending night classes (with a Business/Management emphasis) at the local junior college while still working full-time, then a Bachelor's in Business Administration by 1980. Despite breaking up New Year's Eve 1972, he and Bonnie would actually continue to maintain a friendship instead--but around 1975 they resume their relationship and get married in June of 1977. They would have two additional children (a boy and a girl) in addition to Bonnie's son. In the meantime, Wayne and Kevin's relationship as brothers becomes closer.

--Meanwhile, in Alaska Michael and Karen separate in 1975 and divorce shortly afterward. Karen and her child returns home, living with Jack and Norma for a few months while she looks for a job and an apartment. She becomes determined to successfully make it as a full-time, working mother, and works with Norma at her business for a few years. Ironically, because of issues such as her divorce with Michael, Jack's heart attack in '74, and a closer relationship with her parents, Karen abandons the "hippie" lifestyle, commits her life to Christ (after attending a Billy Graham crusade), and by 1980, is a full-fledged conservative and enthusiastic supporter of Ronald Reagan and the conservative movement.

--Paul still goes to Harvard and becomes a lawyer.

--I would still have Winnie study art in Paris for 8 years (with her and Kevin writing almost daily), but have her come home to visit for a month each year. They still promise to be together, even during the times Winnie's away. Before Winnie returns to Paris for her last year of studies in the summer of 1981, Kevin and Winnie return to the resort area from the last episode--and go back to the barn where they had promised to be together 8 years earlier. Kevin proposes to Winnie in the barn, and plan a July 1982 wedding (one month after Winnie comes home).

--Kevin and Winnie marry in July 1982. In May 1983, Winnie gives birth to their first child.

--Sadly, only two months after the birth of Kevin and Winnie's first child, Jack passes away suddenly from another heart attack in July 1983. Wayne takes full control over Arnold's Furniture. Norma continues to live in the Arnold family home for another four years, deciding to sell the house in 1987.

--After Jack's passing, Kevin is offered a new junior high history teaching position--at RFK Junior High. He returns to his junior high alma mater in September 1983. Mr. DiPerna is still at RFK in '83--finally having been promoted to principal. Despite the very frosty student-vice principal relationship during his junior high years, DiPerna, upon his retirement from a long career in education after the 1983-84 school year, recommends that Kevin consider the vice-principal post at RFK starting the following year (while the current vice-principal gets promoted). After consideration, Kevin accepts this new position, and eventually becomes promoted to principal at RFK in fall 1988.

After originally posting my alternate TWY 1973-88 scenario over the summer, I have come up a few extra modifications to the post-1983 alternate timeline:

--When Kevin becomes RFK Junior High's vice-principal after Principal DiPerna's retirement in June 1984, RFK becomes a grades 6-8 junior high rather than the 7-9 facility as depicted on TWY.

--Then this MAJOR event provides the impetus for Kevin's reminiscing about his junior high/high school years in "The Wonder Years" (which in my alternate "reel time" is comparable to him writing a book about those years): June 1986, one night after RFK's 8th grade graduation, a massive boiler fire destroys the RFK Junior High building, leaving the facility a total loss (except, miraculously, for the math classroom that was once occupied by Mr. Collins until his 1970 death--as if Collins' ghost protected that classroom). This relocates the displaced RFK students to the school district's other junior high buildings for the entire 1986-87 school year (and ironically, the junior high district boundaries are temporarily redrawn to place the Cooper's pre-summer 1970 home in Kevin's neighborhood to Lincoln Junior High, and the Arnold and Pfieffer homes to a completely different junior high school). The displaced RFK vice-principal, Kevin, is temporarily reassigned to teaching an additional section of history at Lincoln for '86-87, while helping oversee the reconstruction of the new RFK building. The new RFK Junior High opens for the 1987-88 school year, one year before Kevin is promoted to principal.

After originally posting my alternate TWY 1973-88 scenario over the summer, I have come up a few extra modifications to the post-1983 alternate timeline:

--When Kevin becomes RFK Junior High's vice-principal after Principal DiPerna's retirement in June 1984, RFK becomes a grades 6-8 junior high rather than the 7-9 facility as depicted on TWY.

--Then this MAJOR event provides the impetus for Kevin's reminiscing about his junior high/high school years in "The Wonder Years" (which in my alternate "reel time" is comparable to him writing a book about those years): June 1986, one night after RFK's 8th grade graduation, a massive boiler fire destroys the RFK Junior High building, leaving the facility a total loss (except, miraculously, for the math classroom that was once occupied by Mr. Collins until his 1970 death--as if Collins' ghost protected that classroom). This relocates the displaced RFK students to the school district's other junior high buildings for the entire 1986-87 school year (and ironically, the junior high district boundaries are temporarily redrawn to place the Cooper's pre-summer 1970 home in Kevin's neighborhood to Lincoln Junior High, and the Arnold and Pfieffer homes to a completely different junior high school). The displaced RFK vice-principal, Kevin, is temporarily reassigned to teaching an additional section of history at Lincoln for '86-87, while helping oversee the reconstruction of the new RFK building. The new RFK Junior High opens for the 1987-88 school year, one year before Kevin is promoted to principal.

Welcome back, Leatheneck! (I thought I'd never hear from you again!)

How about that, the two sides of the street are now rivals! RIVALS! I can't imagine such taking place in real life; I remember growing up in Hamilton, Ohio, and being interested in where my fellow students lived (I had a thing for roadmaps and geography!), and on my side of town (the "west side", also known as "Rossville") the dividing line between Wilson and Garfield Junior High (I hate the term "middle school"!) Schools seemed to be a railroad track. I think that's how it was.

I always wanted to revive the series with the original cast with the story from their children's perspective. Kevin would be married to Becky Slater who is battling cancer. Winnie is married to Kirk Mcray who is an abusive alcoholic.
Paul is married do Carla ( ironically he marries his first love). Kevin and Becky have a son, Paul and Carla have a daughter, naturally they are emotionally connected and provide the prospective of the series with the use of a narrator. The series begins in a classroom and the children are prepaing to watch the Challenger shuttle, and a teacher, go to space. The explosion of the Challenger signals an end of innocence and forshadow the lives of their parents. Kevin is conflicted with his wife's heath issues and his desire to "be there" for winnie through her marraige issues. Late in season one or early in two Winnie divorces Kirk. Eventually Becky loses her battle with cancer but Kevin and Winnie still cant be together because each are dealing with emotional trauma. The "will they, wont they get together" will continue through to the series finale....when they finally say "I do". Kevin and Paul's children are dating and in the final episode we find they marry and kevin an paul are father-in-laws of the others child.
I should post the episode ive written....I may do that soon.

That's actually a great idea. If that could be produced at the same level of "goodness" (lack of better word) it would be great. I say that because sometimes revamped type shows later on are bad like Joey and things like that but I love the idea. I feel like we should throw in Ben Savage and Topanga just for the hell of it lol.

I always wanted to revive the series with the original cast with the story from their children's perspective. Kevin would be married to Becky Slater who is battling cancer. Winnie is married to Kirk Mcray who is an abusive alcoholic.
Paul is married do Carla ( ironically he marries his first love). Kevin and Becky have a son, Paul and Carla have a daughter, naturally they are emotionally connected and provide the prospective of the series with the use of a narrator. The series begins in a classroom and the children are prepaing to watch the Challenger shuttle, and a teacher, go to space. The explosion of the Challenger signals an end of innocence and forshadow the lives of their parents. Kevin is conflicted with his wife's heath issues and his desire to "be there" for winnie through her marraige issues. Late in season one or early in two Winnie divorces Kirk. Eventually Becky loses her battle with cancer but Kevin and Winnie still cant be together because each are dealing with emotional trauma. The "will they, wont they get together" will continue through to the series finale....when they finally say "I do". Kevin and Paul's children are dating and in the final episode we find they marry and kevin an paul are father-in-laws of the others child.
I should post the episode ive written....I may do that soon.

Wow, talk about interesting, especially Kevin marrying his old nemesis Becky! I remember the Challenger explosion myself. I was in eighth grade when it happened, and a friend in sixth period art class told me. That was followed by an announcement on the loudspeaker.

However, I remember the Columbia explosion from six years ago better.

Oh, and welcome to the boards, HoosierMan! :bighug:

I feel like we should throw in Ben Savage and Topanga just for the hell of it lol.


That would be a cool idea too, but I don't know enough about the show to write their characters correctly.

Wow, talk about interesting, especially Kevin marrying his old nemesis Becky! I remember the Challenger explosion myself. I was in eighth grade when it happened, and a friend in sixth period art class told me. That was followed by an announcement on the loudspeaker.

However, I remember the Columbia explosion from six years ago better.

Oh, and welcome to the boards, HoosierMan! :bighug:


I used the challenger explosion because it is an era i am familar with and it would put kevin in his early 30's and the kids around 11.

Thanks for the welcome.

I used the challenger explosion because it is an era i am familar with and it would put kevin in his early 30's and the kids around 11.

Thanks for the welcome.

Actually, Kevin still would have been 29. In the bar mitzvah episode early on it was revealed that Kevin was born March 18, 1956, four days after Paul. The Challenger exploded January 28, 1986, less than two months before Kevin hit the big three-oh.

I think it should of ended the way I said it should...I wrote about this in another thread.

Actually, Kevin still would have been 29. In the bar mitzvah episode early on it was revealed that Kevin was born March 18, 1956, four days after Paul. The Challenger exploded January 28, 1986, less than two months before Kevin hit the big three-oh.

That's pretty good James.

--After Jack's passing, Kevin is offered a new junior high history teaching position--at RFK Junior High. He returns to his junior high alma mater in September 1983.

I just realized this if my "alternate ending" was used as the inspiration for a reunion movie or a limited-run revival of TWY, particularly with Kevin returning to RFK to teach in fall '83--AND the majority of that fall's new 7th grade class having been born in 1971--the same year Kevin graduated from 9th grade:

--Although he does not realize this until the first parent-teacher conference of the school year, one of Kevin's 7th grade social studies students is actually Miss White/Mrs. Heimer's child (which, although the gender of the baby was unknown in the episode, for now I'll say it was a boy). Since 1971, Mrs. Heimer remarried--but by 1983, her second marriage was in turmoil.

Her second husband, Mr. Brannen, was a Vietnam veteran (whom she had married around 1974) who had become an alcoholic and was extremely verbally/physically abusive toward her and her son. This terrible home life obviously took a toll on her son's grades and school behavior. Kevin and Winnie offer to help and support (as well as theirs and Karen's many prayers) their former teacher and Kevin's new student during their turmoil.

After a violent domestic incident one evening (shortly before Christmas 1983) where the police were called to the Brannen home--with Miss White/Mrs. Heimer aka Mrs. Brannen severely beaten, and her son, who had also felt his stepfather's wrath, having fled from the home for safety and to call 911 at a neighbor's house--Mr. Brannen is arrested and a restraining order placed against him toward his wife and stepson. After his jail time, he immediately seeks forgiveness for his actions, promises he will not drink again, and decides to admit himself into alcoholism treatment (and anger management counseling) in efforts to save his marriage. Kevin and Winnie offer to help pay for some of the Brannen family's expenses incurred from the treatment and court costs. Eventually, by the end of the 1984-85 school year, the family's marriage has healed, while Mr. Brannen, having recovered from alcoholism, seeks to become a better stepfather for his stepson.

Here's a second "alternate universe" scenario for post-1973 TWY that I have also considered posting too, with a few key changes from my original scenario (reprinted with changes in bold):

--Show a brief glimpse into Kevin/Winnie/Paul's senior year in 1974, and a brief graduation clip.

--I would eliminate the mention of Jack passing away in 1975; instead, he would suffer a near-fatal heart attack, however, in '74 instead shortly after Kevin graduates HS--but survives (similar to the one the writers of "Family Ties" had Steven Keaton suffer--where the doctors almost lost him on the operating table). However, afterward Jack is mellowed greatly and becomes very mild-mannered and less likely to easily get agitated as we saw on the series (particularly with becoming a grandpa); he would also make the decision to transfer most of the responsibility for managing the furniture factory to Wayne (and instead decide to work more with the manufacture of the furniture).

--After Jack's heart attack, Kevin decides to attend two years at the local junior college and still remain at home until 1976, when he transfers to a university. Despite walking out from the furniture factory job in the last episode, I would mention that during his college years that he returns to work part-time during summers and school vacations to Arnold's Furniture. Kevin graduates from college with a B.A. in history education in 1978, and moves several hours away from his hometown to become a junior high history teacher. By spring 1983, he has received his Master's in educational administration, while still enjoying his career as a successful junior high social studies instructor.

--After a few years off (and acquiring additional responsibilities at Arnold's Furniture after Jack's heart attack), Wayne decides to return to school around 1975, attending night classes (with a Business/Management emphasis) at the local junior college while still working full-time, then a Bachelor's in Business Administration by 1980. Despite breaking up New Year's Eve 1972, he and Bonnie would actually continue to maintain a friendship instead--but around 1975 they resume their relationship and get married in June of 1977. They would have two additional children (a boy and a girl) in addition to Bonnie's son. In the meantime, Wayne and Kevin's relationship as brothers becomes closer.

--Meanwhile, in Alaska Michael and Karen separate in 1975 and divorce shortly afterward. Karen and her child returns home, living with Jack and Norma for a few months while she looks for a job and an apartment. She becomes determined to successfully make it as a full-time, working mother, and works with Norma at her business for a few years. Ironically, because of issues such as her divorce with Michael, Jack's heart attack in '74, and a closer relationship with her parents, Karen abandons the "hippie" lifestyle, commits her life to Christ (after attending a Billy Graham crusade), and by 1980, is a full-fledged conservative and enthusiastic supporter of Ronald Reagan and the conservative movement.

--Paul still goes to Harvard and becomes a lawyer.

--I would still have Winnie study art in Paris for 8 years (with her and Kevin writing almost daily), but have her come home to visit for a month each year. But both her and Kevin mutually agree to remain only friends and marry other people (as the finale indicated despite their previous agreement to always remain together). Winnie returns home, unmarried, in June 1982.

--Although it appeared likely that Kevin would never see Cara again after summer 1972, they meet again in the fall of 1976 in a chance meeting after Kevin transfers to a university. By then Cara is working for UPS, while saving money to start nursing school--which she begins in spring 1977. She had to make a delivery to the university library, and is waiting at the reference desk for a library staff member to sign for the package at the very moment Kevin walks by. Kevin and Cara both recognize each other and briefly visit. Kevin asks her for a date, and Cara, who had long since broken up with her boyfriend (from the time of the summer '72 lake visit), accepts with some reservations (reluctancy on her part about reentering the dating world while she is working and preparing for nursing school). But romance soon blossoms, and Kevin and Cara are eventually married (at the Lake) in June 1979 (one year after Kevin's college graduation). Less than two years later in May 1981, their first child, a boy (John Wayne Arnold--"Jack II") was born--just in time for Cara to complete nursing school one month later (with a near-perfect GPA) and become an RN at a local hospital in the lake area (where Kevin is also teaching history at a local school--which happens to be Cara's HS alma mater).

--Tragedy strikes the Arnold family in early June 1983. On the same day of Kevin's last day of school for the 1982-83 school year, while returning home late that night from a long hospital nursing shift, Cara is involved in a tragic automobile accident (perpetrated by a drunk driver who drove into her lane). Cara is transported to the hospital, and Kevin and the rest of the Arnold family is notified. Despite valiant efforts to save her, Cara dies of her massive injuries the following morning, leaving Kevin a widower and a single parent of a two-year old son. Immediately after Cara's funeral, a distraught Kevin decided it was best to move from the lake area, and he sells his home there and resigns his teaching position after Jack and Norma ask Kevin and "Jack II" to move back home with them for the summer or "as long as Kevin feels he needs to stay."

--During the tragic summer of 1983, Kevin learns about a new junior high history teaching offer--at RFK Junior High. He returns to his junior high alma mater in September 1983. Mr. DiPerna is still at RFK in '83--finally having been promoted to principal. Despite the very frosty student-vice principal relationship during his junior high years, DiPerna, upon his retirement from a long career in education after the 1983-84 school year, recommends that Kevin consider the vice-principal post at RFK starting the following year (while the current vice-principal gets promoted). After consideration, Kevin accepts this new position.

--When Kevin becomes RFK Junior High's vice-principal after Principal DiPerna's retirement in June 1984, RFK becomes a grades 6-8 junior high rather than the 7-9 facility as depicted on TWY.

--Kevin uses the trauma of the circumstances surrounding Cara's death to establish the RFK and McKinley HS chapters of Students Against Drunk Driving (for which he becomes faculty adviser) while also becoming an advocate of the DARE program.

--Winnie pledges her full support and friendship to Kevin and "Jack II" during the trauma and adjustment following Cara's death. She eventually becomes "like a mother" to Kevin's young son, and by summer 1984, romance blossoms between Kevin and Winnie again. They would marry in June 1985, and have their own child (a girl, Brianne Gwendolyn) in April 1986. But Kevin (with Winnie, Jack II, and the new Arnold daughter at his side) would visit Cara's graveside at least once monthly.

--This MAJOR event provides the impetus for Kevin's reminiscing about his junior high/high school years in "The Wonder Years" (which in my alternate "reel time" is comparable to him writing a book about those years): June 1986, one night after RFK's 8th grade graduation, a massive boiler fire destroys the RFK Junior High building, leaving the facility a total loss (except, miraculously, for the math classroom that was once occupied by Mr. Collins until his 1970 death--as if Collins' ghost protected that classroom). This relocates the displaced RFK students to the school district's other junior high buildings for the entire 1986-87 school year (and ironically, the junior high district boundaries are temporarily redrawn to place the Cooper's pre-summer 1970 home in Kevin's neighborhood to Lincoln Junior High, and the Arnold and Pfieffer homes to a completely different junior high school). The displaced RFK vice-principal, Kevin, is temporarily reassigned to teaching an additional section of history at Lincoln for '86-87, while helping oversee the reconstruction of the new RFK building. The new RFK Junior High opens for the 1987-88 school year, one year before Kevin is promoted to principal in fall 1988.

--Sadly, Jack Arnold Sr. would pass away in July 1987, four months shy of his 60th birthday. Norma decides to put the family home up for sale the following year.

I think I prefer this scenario better than the one I came up with last summer (with my addendum in February)--but it would still include the Miss White situation mentioned in my previous reply.

--Although he does not realize this until the first parent-teacher conference of the school year, one of Kevin's 7th grade social studies students is actually Miss White/Mrs. Heimer's child (which, although the gender of the baby was unknown in the episode, for now I'll say it was a boy). Since 1971, Mrs. Heimer remarried--but by 1983, her second marriage was in turmoil.

Her second husband, Mr. Brannen, was a Vietnam veteran (whom she had married around 1974) who had become an alcoholic and was extremely verbally/physically abusive toward her and her son. This terrible home life obviously took a toll on her son's grades and school behavior. Kevin and Winnie offer to help and support (as well as theirs and Karen's many prayers) their former teacher and Kevin's new student during their turmoil.

After a violent domestic incident one evening (shortly before Christmas 1983) where the police were called to the Brannen home--with Miss White/Mrs. Heimer aka Mrs. Brannen severely beaten, and her son, who had also felt his stepfather's wrath, having fled from the home for safety and to call 911 at a neighbor's house--Mr. Brannen is arrested and a restraining order placed against him toward his wife and stepson. After his jail time, he immediately seeks forgiveness for his actions, promises he will not drink again, and decides to admit himself into alcoholism treatment (and anger management counseling) in efforts to save his marriage. Kevin and Winnie offer to help pay for some of the Brannen family's expenses incurred from the treatment and court costs. Eventually, by the end of the 1984-85 school year, the family's marriage has healed, while Mr. Brannen, having recovered from alcoholism, seeks to become a better stepfather for his stepson.

Hey, great idea to update us with Miss White! Who would have imagined that she would get a divorce? I never saw her (or her husband, whom we saw briefly in "Our Miss White"/the civil rights play episode that she hugged a man at the end of the play during the audience's clapping and cried out, "Stephen!") like that.

--Sadly, Jack Arnold Sr. would pass away in July 1987, four months shy of his 60th birthday. Norma decides to put the family home up for sale the following year.

What did Jack die from? Of course, he never got to see TWY! :D

Who would buy the house, and where would Norma move to?

Hey, great idea to update us with Miss White! Who would have imagined that she would get a divorce? I never saw her (or her husband, whom we saw briefly in "Our Miss White"/the civil rights play episode that she hugged a man at the end of the play during the audience's clapping and cried out, "Stephen!") like that.



What did Jack die from? Of course, he never got to see TWY! :D

Who would buy the house, and where would Norma move to?

IIRC from Kevin's RFK graduation episode, wasn't Miss White/Mrs. Heimer's husband killed in Vietnam at the time of her pregnancy (I should revisit a script for this episode I've seen online before in case my facts are wrong).

In my alternate scenario (second version), Jack would probably have passed away from another heart attack (in July '87 according to my scenario--6 months before TWY began in "real life"). I set the time of his death (and the boiler fire at the old RFK Junior High) to about the time that in real life, that TWY was in development, casting began, etc., prior to its premiere after Super Bowl XXII (Jan. 31, 1988). This could be seen as the "reel life" equivalent of Kevin writing a book about his JH/HS "Wonder Years," particularly after the all the turmoil and changes he faced with his family, friends, and with RFK JH, during the 1983-87 time period as my second alternate scenario depicts.

I would probably have Norma move to an apartment or condo after selling the Arnold family home--or perhaps she stays there, but Karen decides to move back to her childhood home so the house could stay in the Arnold family (by 1987-88, Karen would have remarried and perhaps the birth or adoption of another child).

But upon thinking of Karen, and how my scenario depicts her as becoming a conservative by 1980, this could lead to an idea for an additional "alternate universe" storyline for a future post--entry into politics, perhaps even a run for state or federal office (perhaps state legislature or Congress as a conservative Republican around 1986--but her opponent tries to use her "hippie" youth of her past against her).

IIRC from Kevin's RFK graduation episode, wasn't Miss White/Mrs. Heimer's husband killed in Vietnam at the time of her pregnancy (I should revisit a script for this episode I've seen online before in case my facts are wrong).

I don't remember. I remember the scene right when Kevin was about to graduate with Miss White, er, Mrs. Heimer, alone in the white Volkswagen in the white dress with red fruits going into labor, and Mr. Heimer was not there so license-less Kevin had to drive her to the hospital. I was thinking Mr. Heimer was at work and unavailable. Then it occurred to me that he would likely take the day off to support her, so I guess her kid was born very early and unexpectedly!

If Mr. Heimer had died in Vietnam, the writers wrote it in in too subtle fashion for me to have noticed.

The show should have ended another way then it did