1 The Show faded into the wind of neverland.
'Good Times' is one of the best written African-American shows not just of the 1970s but even to this day. It could go head to head with the Cosby Show on issues that effect raising the family, and is like a Raisin in the Sun with a television adaption by Esther Rolle. Great cast. Great writers. It is very sad to see by Season 4 the egos clash between the writers and actors or whatever brought about the end. But Seasons 1-3 with John Amos (James Evans) helped to bring about a family chemistry with the perfected script writing tackling taboo topics much like 'All in the Family'. You see the stresses of invisible and sometime blatant racism. And J.J. finds his niche in art. The majority of the tenants living in the projects are seen from a different light of conservatism and not the hip hop culture of dis-respect, violence, and drugs. Most would like to see these problems resolved but fail to act rightly to do so. At least, you can feel that the black family unit is as conservative then as it was in the 1980s. The stereotypes of Afro-Americans are laid to rest, and the painful reality of racism and struggle are undeniable on 'Good Times'. Seasons 1-3 are ***** stars to me. Season 4 is where the show begin to unravel behind the scenes, and so you can't exactly blame the scriptwriters entirely.
2 Season Four--Good Times DVD Review
I was pleased with my purchase of Good Times Season 4. This show is on a fast pace DVD release wise. Season 4 began a new phase for the show--the post James Evans episodes. What I found interesting about the shows writing is that James Evans was the love of Florida Evans life and by seasons end she had found romance with a new man Carl. On top of that, he was an atheist and Florida was highly religious. Remember in the early episodes she would speak to the Jesus picture on the wall. It was hard for viewers to accept that this religious woman who loved her late husband so much would find love with a man so different so soon. Despite the fact that James was gone from the show there were some suprisngly good episodes.
Season 4 was before Penny and Thelma's man Keith. Rosalind Cash and JJ explore a relationship. She is older and Florida doesn't approve. Shirley Hempill (What's Happening) appears in a season 4 episode as the older sister of a woman that Thelma is tutoring. After the Evans come into some money the two women plan to rob the Evans. This was a good episode. Season 4 also includes the two part episode in which Thelma falls in love with African student Ibe (pronounced Ebay). The title screens are slightly different than the previous releases. There are still no extras like cast interviews or special featurettes. Hopefully, by the release of the next two seasons there will be a few bonus features. Since both Esther Rolle (Florida Evans) and Moses Gunn (Carl Dixon) have both passed away it would have been nice to have a little feature about those two. I would really love to see commentary from the directors and cast.
3 DAMN!DAMN!DAMN! what a Year this one was
the first two Episodes reflecting on the Loss of James Evans Senior. John Amos leaving the Show really was painful for myself. Hearing the Brass Constructions "Moving" in the Background playing when the News hits about James still is haunting&Hard to digest. nevertheless this Season deals with some strong storylines that details many subjects. this was One of those Seasons that you will never forget especially if you are a Big fan of the Evans Family.Willona was always on Point. Props,Daps&Double Claps for Florida Evans Esther Rolle(RIP)Holding things down.
4 Maybe the best out of the 6 seasons
It's kind of a double edge sword. With John Amos, who played the role of James Evans better than any actor could have, the first 3 seasons are really good. At the same time, season 4 is also pretty good after Amos left because of the new direction the show took with more serious storylines. Esther Rolle really steps up to the challenge of playing the single mother, and even J.J. becomes a little more serious character in his role of becoming man of the house. The majority of these episodes are compelling entertainment and highlight the issues of a mother raising a family alone, having to to be the reasonable one and the tough one that Amos was in the relationship. I know Rolle felt some of these scripts stereotyped inner city black youth, but I think some of the shows in season 4 brought some things home to viewers who really lived the life that the Evans lived. Bad part was that in the long run, the absence of John Amos and later Rolle in season 5 would be the downfall of the series.
After re-watching a few of the episodes so far, I feel my money was very well spent. Buy it especially if you're a fan of the show but can't afford to buy every season. Though at this point I'm considering buying the others upon rediscovering this wonderful sitcom.
5 Damn,Damn, Damn!!!! Post John Amos GT
Due to disputes with John Amos on the direction of the show,He was asked to leave before the fourth season began.The premiere episode The Big Move dealt with the death of James Evans Sr (Amos)from a car accident, and the Evans family carrying on throughout the season.
Good Times broke ground as an African American show which was headed by both parents.The loss of the patriarch was a major blow to the show as it was robbed of it unique premise of a tight knit family surviving in the ghetto.Amos's character was the soul of the show as he portrayed a man with limited education,yet fiercely devoted to his family.
Another change in the show was the character of JJ(Jimmie Walker) who has to fill in for his father.The once bufoonish character having to grow up didn't sit well with TV viewer who wanted their fill of "DY-NO-MITE".The most astounding change on the show was Florida (Esther Rolle),as she became a stronger household head in the wake of her husband.
By the end of the season,Florida meets Carl Dixon (Moses Gunn) who was suppose to fill in for Amos.By the next season,Rolle departed the show due to the eroding direction of the show(Florida's abscence was due to marrying Carl and moving away with him).Despite some great episodes (J.J.'s New Career ,The Big Move, Thelma's African Romance,J.J. and the Older Woman, Willona's Surprise),there were a majority of stinkers (especially the bizaare "The Judy Cohen Story".Although a dip in quality in season four was obvious, the show would finally "Jump The Shark" in the next season.
