I liked Good Times. Being a white guy from a white city, it was one of my first glimpses into black culture. I liked many things about this show. Most importantly it had a black family that stuck together through thick and thin. The parents loved their children more than anything, were always there for them , and wanted the best for them. J.J. (the eldest brother) was the tall comic relief in this show, and always fought with his sister Thelma (the curvacious beauty). The little brother "Michael" was Mr. Militant black pride. That theme got a little over done at times, but it was the 70's and blacks were still seeking equality. It was actually quite funny> All references in the show had to be "black". For instance: Every book report had to be about black history, every movie had to involve black people, every politition had to be black, the list went on and on. All posters in there rooms were black people, furniture pieces were African. All guests were black people. Man, I can't remember ever seeing a white guy in that show! Common, Chicago wasn't all black! Actually I loved the intro and ending to each show; the painting at the end, the camera sky-views of Chicago, the theme music, the bike rider and citizens. Very cool. What I liked about this show over Sanford and Son was that whites weren't portrayed as idiots, like some stupid attack against shows in the past that put blacks in an Aunt Jemima mode, please! It also dated politics, recession, wages, history. It was great. The best episodes were the first few years with James Evans, the father. He was tough, but loving and kind. He took no bull from any of the kids. He worked hard. He loved his wife. The way he was written out of the show was very abrupt. He was out of town, got hit by a car, and died. This funeral episode was excellent. Ester Rolle was handling the death all well untill the end. As she was putting away dishes from the wake at their house, she saw a flower James had left her and kept working, she finally stopped and smashed a bowl on the kitchen floor as she swore and then broke down in tremendous grief over the loss of her husband. Her children(who were shocked she hadn't grieved in front of others but was laughing) then ran from their rooms and comforted her with a family hug. The show ended. No canned laughter, no music. Great acting. Why did James(John Amos) leave the show? Roots? A movie career? Contract disputes? I don't know. What I do know is that when Janet Jackson, Bookman, and that annoying neighbor Willona; Miss Big Mouth, I'm beautiful, took over, this show was lost forever(but I did like sweet daddy). Aids wiped him out not long ago. The original lineup could've easily gone on a few more years. Thank God for reruns! FLAMIO
