TRhett It's funny to me every time I read about a "modern" TV show/movie/etc. about racial/gender/class issues being "groundbreaking," because Norman Lear was doing some pretty brave "groundbreaking" as far back as the early 70's. "All in the Family" was arguably the greatest, most "realistic" (in TV terms) family sitcom EVER to grace TV (followed closely by "Roseanne"). As if AITF wasn't enough, "Maude" and her ahead- of-her-time politics spun out of that universe, as did "Good Times," which was the first sitcom to really show the gritty reality of lower- class American life since "The Honeymooners." Yes, there were stereotypes . . . yes, there was manipulative "button-pushing," yes, there was lots of "jive talking,'" but like Roseanne, at the heart of all that bravado was a family that REALLY loved and supported each other, and were trying desperately to reach that "American dream." Of course, it was usually futile, mainly because they wanted to keep the shows going, but ironically, it actually reflected the reality of the times . . . which is that unfortunately, that dream is just out of reach for many. But "Good Times" was so well-cast, well-acted, and well-staged (like a very good play), we could overlook its faults . . . because we cared about the characters. Esther Rolle and John Amos had great chemistry together, and the kids were also perfectly cast. I remember hearing things on this show that I had never heard before, like VD, teen pregnancy, the poor resorting to eating dog to survive, the constant struggle of the father figure to provide for his family . . . it just goes on and on. Things that we middle-class white Americans had NO idea of. And that opening - that HAS to be one of the greatest opening montages of images and theme music EVER (The Sopranos comes to mind as a contender). They just don't make 'em like that anymore. Although things began to slip once John Amos left (in one of those "I'm moving on to bigger and better things" mistakes that TV actors often make . . . assuming that a hit TV show is a sure road to super stardom, never to be heard from again except in minor, supporting bits), it was still one of the best of the 70's. So whenever you hear somebody talk about a "groundbreaking" TV show/movie, keep in mind that that ground was "broken" long ago . . .

frenchquarter63 Had to write a review because I just realized an injustice done by the writers, promoting a misconception about an intact family. Just watched the episode in which the Evans family was having a farewell party in preparation to relocate to Mississippi to be with the family patriarch, James Evans, Sr. James found a good paying, steady job, in Mississippi; there was a real chance for his family to move out of poverty. The matriarch, Florida, was reading telegrams from friends wishing them well on their new move; that last one she read informed her that James was killed in an auto accident. Having seen the reruns of this show multiple times, I am familiar with the financial struggles the family faced after the loss of James. My only question is WHY? James was portrayed as a working man and he served in the Korean War. In addition he had a new job, which should have come with life insurance, especially in the 70's when most jobs came with benefits. Why weren't FL and his minor children, Thelma and Michael, eligible for Social Security? During the time when this show was broadcast children under the age of 21 were eligible for Social Security if they continued with secondary education, which Thelma and Micheal did. In addition, because the character Florida was not a skilled laborer, or a woman with a college education, her earning potential would have been limited. Therefore, she would have been eligible for widow's benefits to supplement her earnings. It's very sad that the show's writers did not choose the high road to portray the family's circumstances accurately and show that James' labor had provided for his family after his loss. The family still would have struggled and needed help but the struggle would have been mitigated.

harry_crumb Now I know I love Goodtimes. I watched this show when I was like in elementary as well in college when we all just like to think back in the day. Now that I am a lot older I sit and think that Florida had cheated on James when they had that fruit Michael Evans. Think about it. Florida and James are dark as night. Thelma and J J are like black as charcoal, but Michael does not look like any of them and is light. No one ever brings it up, but I know the truth. Florida had a fling and decided to take that to her grave (not literally). You know what really throws me for a loop is that James did not notice it. Now the show is good and all but lets all be foreal here. Florida cheated and forced James to take care of a child that does not belong to him. That is typical.

jaywescott I just returned from a trip to Chicago. The last show I saw before I left was "Good Times", so upon my arrival to the area out of the window of the plane, I looked for the buildings shown in the opening and closing of the show. They weren't anywhere I could see. Are they still standing? have they been demolished? Just curious, I like to look at things like that and it would be something to see weather it be new buildings or the same old buildings. also does anyone know what happened to the two siblings of JJ, Thelma and Michael. Have either of them been I anything recently? It would be interesting to see what they've done