"Good Times" Episode Guide v1.0.0
Copyright (c) 1997-98, Tom Walsh (avs@netport.com)
This guide may be reproduced in its entirety for noncommercial purposes
only. For other uses, please contact the author.
The following is an episode guide for the sitcom "Good Times."
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* NOTE: I do NOT have tapes of this show available for trade. *
* Please post to the newsgroup alt.video.tape-trading for requests. *
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The text version is available at the AVIMall:
http://www.avimall.com/entertain/GoodTimes.txt
A pointer to this site is available at the Ultimate TV List:
http://tvnet.com/UTVL/
Of course, there is a page at the Internet Movie Database:
http://us.imdb.com/M/title-exact?%22Good%20Times%22%20(1974)
ABOUT THE SHOW:
"Good Times" is another of the Norman Lear, Bud Yorkin (a.k.a.,
Tandem Productions) early 1970s social sitcoms, along with "All in
the Family," from which it spun off, via "Maude" (another social
sitcom). "Good Times" featured a the trials of the Evans family,
who lived in the projects in Chicago. Mother Florida was Maude's
maid, and continued other domestic-like jobs. Father James was a
foreman but often out of work. Older son J.J. was a somewhat
talented artist and smooth talker who probably would have become a
con artist if not for the moral guidance of his parents. Daughter
Thelma was fairly middle of the road, while younger son Michael was
angrier than J.J. and more apt to social protest.
In the fourth season, John Amos decided to leave the series. To add
to the realism, it was decided that James had found a job in
Mississippi (he had been jobless often in the series), and as the
family prepared to move, he was killed in an accident. The family
stayed put in the projects.
At the beginning of the fifth season, Esther Rolle, who was growing
increasingly fed up that the moral center of the show was being
abandoned in favor of Jimmie Walker's increasingly popular huckster
J.J., left the show. Florida was said to have married boyfriend
Carl and moved to Arizona. After patching things up with the
executive producers, Rolle agreed to return in the sixth season to
boost the now-sagging ratings. When Florida returned, no mention was
made of Carl.
"Good Times" was a Bud Yorkin--Norman Lear--Tandem production. The
producers in season 4 were Lloyd Turner and Gordon Mitchell. The
producer in season 5 was Sid Dorfman. All episodes in seasons 4 and
5 were directed by Gerren Keith, as were some in season 3.
The theme, "Good Times," is by Marilyn & Alan Bergman & Dave Grusin.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE:
Episode titles come from the Library of Congress Information Services,
LOCIS (telnet://locis.loc.gov), clicktv (http://www.clicktv.com), and
TMSTV (http://www.tmstv.com/cgi-bin/quest/search). Episode descriptions
also came from clicktv and TMSTV.
VERSION HISTORY:
v1.0.0 14 August 1998 Initial version
CAST:
PERFOMER - CHARACTER
Esther Rolle - Florida Evans (1974-77, 1978-79)
John Amos - James Evans (1974-76)
Jimmie Walker - J.J. (James Evans, Jr.)
Ja'net DuBois - Willona Woods
Ralph Carter - Michael Evans
BernNadette Stanis - Thelma Evans Anderson
OTHER PERFORMERS:
Moses Gunn - Carl Dixon (1977)
Johnny Brown - Nathan Bookman (1977-79)
Janet Jackson - Penny Gordon Woods (1977-79)
Ben Powers - Keith Anderson (1978-79)
Theodore Wilson - Sweet Daddy (1978-79)
EPISODES:
CBS -- the series aired on CBS from 1974-79 at a variety of days and
times.
Production numbers, where provided, come from LOCIS. The order used
below is that for airing the reruns. When I can determine the original
airing order, I'll use that.
There are a few guesses as to which episodes belong to season 4. The
first three seasonal breakdowns are probably 13, 24, and 24.
*** SEASONS 1 through 3 (1974, 1974-75, and 1975-76) 61(?) EPISODES ***
"Getting Up the Rent" 1 February 1974
The Evans family faces eviction from their Chicago apartment.
"Black Jesus"
A sudden run of good luck and one of J.J.'s paintings create a religious
conflict in the Evans household.
"Too Old Blues"
Tests indicate that James is a candidate for a union apprenticeship program,
but his birth certificate says differently.
"God's Business Is Good Business"
A self-proclaimed "shepherd of the Lord" asks James to become one of his
herdsmen.
"Michael Gets Suspended"
A remark about George Washington causes Michael to be suspended from
school.
"Junior Gets a Patron"
J.J. is discovered by a man who wants to become his patron.
"The Checkup"
The family tries to convince James that he should see a doctor for his
headaches and emotional outbursts.
"My Son the Lover"
The most popular girl in high school turns J.J. into a one-woman man.
Guest: Ta-Tanisha - J.J.'s girlfriend
"Florida Flips"
Something transforms Florida into an angry whirlwind.
"Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah"
Michael is offered a chance to bus to a better school.
"The Man I Most Admire"
Michael is assigned to write about a man he admires.
"Thelma's Young Man"
Thelma's fiance turns out to be old enough to be her father.
"The Matchmaker"
Florida plays matchmaker for Willona and a male friend of James.
"A Real Cool Job"
The family discovers that the high-paying job James has been offered has
one major drawback.
"Junior the Senior"
The probability of J.J. not being promoted to a high-school senior worries
the whole family.
"Sex and the Evans Family"
Florida and James fear that there is more between Thelma and her new beau
than a five-year difference.
"The TV Commercial"
Florida is asked to be the television spokeswoman for a new health tonic.
"Springtime in the Ghetto"
Florida jeopardizes her standing in a contest by helping to dry out the
neighborhood wino.
"The Visitor"
An angry Housing Authority official visits the Evans family after one of
Michael's letters to the editor is published.
"J.J. Becomes a Man, pt. 1"
J.J's hopes to receive expensive birthday gifts are shattered when
James gets a bad credit rating.
"J.J. Becomes a Man, pt. 2"
Florida and James must come up with $500 to bail out jailed J.J. after he
arrested on an alleged armed robbery charge.
"The Encyclopedia Hustle"
Trouble lurks in an encyclopedia contract's fine print.
"The I.Q. Test"
Michael protests perceived bias in a school IQ test by walking out of the
test, hurting his chances at higher education.
"The Windfall"
Florida insists James return $27,000 in loot he found. For his trouble,
he starts receiving obscene phone calls.
"The Gang, pt. 1"
J.J. is forced into a gang shoot-out.
"The Gang, pt. 2"
James wants to press charges after J.J. is wounded.
"No Bottom in the Bottle"
Thelma catches her cousin nipping at the family liquor supply.
"Florida's Big Gig"
James receives a promising job offer.
"Florida Goes to School"
James opposes Florida's efforts to return to school to get her high
school diploma.
"The Nude"
J.J.'s parents object to the subject of a portrait.
"The Family Business"
The family runs a secret fix-it service at home.
"The Debutante Ball"
The snobbish parents of J.J.'s date disapprove of him.
"The Dinner Party"
Michael thinks a neighbor's recipe contains dog food.
"The Houseguest"
James fears an old pal has secret motives for visiting.
"My Girl Henrietta"
J.J. announces plans to marry and settle down.
"The Enlistment"
Both James and J.J. suddenly lose their jobs.
"Thelma's Scholarship"
Thelma receives a scholarship from an exclusive school.
"The Lunch Money Ripoff"
A schoolyard extortionist bullies Michael.
"The Family Gun"
Florida objects when James buys a gun for protection.
"Operation Florida"
Florida's hospitalization strains the family finances.
"Florida's Rich Cousin"
Frustrated James considers borrowing from cousin Edgar.
"The Politicians"
A local election divides the family.
"Love in the Ghetto"
James and Florida disapprove of Thelma's engagement.
"The Weekend"
Florida and James rent a cabin for their anniversary.
"The Baby"
A baby-shower guest of honor makes an announcement.
"Michael's Big Fall"
Changing schools has an effect on Michael.
"Willona's Dilemma"
Willona dates a man with a physical disability.
"Florida's Protest"
A supermarket sells tainted beef.
"The Mural"
The Evans family's good news is not what it seems.
"A Loss of Confidence"
A gorgeous girl's rejection shatters J.J.
"Cleatus"
The FBI comes asking questions about Florida's nephew.
"The Family Tree"
Thelma locates James' long-lost father.
"Sweet Daddy Williams"
A bookie asks J.J. to do a portrait.
"J.J.'s Fiancee, pt. 1"
J.J. announces his intention to marry.
"J.J.'s Fiancee, pt. 2"
Facts surface after J.J. decides to elope.
"Rich Is Better Than Poor, Maybe"
After J.J. wins the lottery, he is faced with two gun-toting members of a
girls' gang.
"Michael's Great Romance"
J.J. tries to lend a helping hand when Michael experiences his first great
romance.
"Florida's Night Out"
Willona and the children try to get Florida to go out more.
"Evans vs. Davis"
J.J. becomes an instant celebrity after winning a local art show.
"The Hustle"
J.J., Thelma and Michael get involved in selling what people think is
"hot" underwear.
"The Investigation"
Michael's research for a report has repercussions.
*** SEASON 4 (1976-77) 24 EPISODES ***
"A Stormy Relationship"
Florida hits the ceiling when Michael announces that his new boss has
converted him to atheism.
"J.J. in Trouble"
When an old girlfriend visits J.J., she brings along the news that he
may have venereal disease.
Guest: Jay Leno - patient in VD clinic
"Florida the Woman"
Fed up with being treated like a servant by her family, Florida accepts
a luncheon invitation from a man.
"The Break Up"
Thelma's indecision turns to agony when Harry accepts a new job and moves
to California.
"The Rent Party"
The Evanses put together a rent party to raise money for the projects'
favorite senior citizen.
"The Big Move, pt. 1"
The family prepares to move to Mississippi. James is accidentally killed.
"The Big Move, pt. 2"
Florida is unusually calm at James' funeral which causes dissension in the
family.
"Michael the Warlord"
Michael is pressured into becoming a member of a street gang that is
terrorizing the neighborhood; Florida confronts the gang.
"J.J.'s New Career, pt. 1"
J.J. resorts to crime in an effort to get his family out of the ghetto.
"J.J.'s New Career, pt. 2"
Florida has only one choice of action when she discovers what J.J. is
doing for money.
"Grandpa's Visit"
Grandpa Evans brings a special guest of his own for Thanksgiving.
"J.J. and the Older Woman"
Thelma's favorite teacher falls for J.J.'s art, then J.J.
"The Judy Cohen Story"
J.J. comes up with a vocal discovery that he calls the "great white
hope."
"The Comedian and the Loan Sharks"
The backers for J.J.'s new client turn out to be loan sharks.
0414. "Willona's Surprise" 5 January 1977
W: Austin Kalis & Irma Kalis
Willona discovers the surprise guest at her birthday party is her
ex-husband.
0415. "Thelma's African Romance, pt. 1" 12 January 1977
P: Austin & Irma Kalish
W: Bob Peete (script)
Thelma becomes involved with an African student.
0416. "Thelma's African Romance, pt. 2" 19 January 1977
W: Bob Peete (script)
Thelma plans to move in with her African boyfriend despite Florida's
objections.
0418. "A Friend in Need" 9 February 1977
W: Roger Shulman, John Baskin (script)
J.J., Thelma and Michael throw a wild party while Florida is gone
for the weekend.
"Florida and Carl"
Florida's reluctance to go out on a date proves to be justified when her
special evening seems headed for disaster.
"My Son, the Father"
Michael's secret plan with Carl changes J.J.'s attitude about his whole
family.
"What Price Honesty?"
J.J. is the only witness to a serious automobile accident.
"Love Has a Spot on Its Lung, pt. 1"
Carl tells J.J., Thelma and Michael that he is going to propose to
Florida.
"Love Has a Spot on Its Lung, pt. 2"
Florida and the family discover that Carl has cancer.
"J.J. in Business"
J.J. and two buddies start a greeting card business.
*** SEASON 5 (1977-78) 24 EPISODES ***
Videotape editor for all episodes this season was Jay Scherberth.
0501. "Breaker, Breaker"
W: Elroy Schwartz
Michael discovers the world of CB radios and ends up with more than
his "handle" can handle.
0502-0503. "The Evans Get Involved, pts. 1-2"
W: Austin & Irma Kalish (part 1), Sid Dorfman (part 2)
Willona and the Evans family try to help a mysterious little girl
who appears injured; Willona later suspects child abuse.
0504. "The Evans Get Involved, pt. 3"
W: Lloyd Turner & Gordon Mitchell
Willona must make an agonizing decision that could change the rest
of her life, when Penny is made a ward of the court.
0505. "The Evans Get Involved, pt. 4"
W: Austin & Irma Kalish
Willona anxiously awaits the adoption board's decision about her
impending motherhood. Bookman's secret scheme could derail the
adoption.
0506. "Thelma Moves Out"
W: Kim Weiskopf & Michael G. Baser
In rebellion against J.J., Thelma moves into her own apartment.
0507. "Willona, the Fuzz"
W: Sid Dorfman (teleplay), Richard Freiman & Sid Dorfman (story)
Willona turns to spying to raise money for ice-skating lessons for Penny.
0508. "Wheels"
W: Al Schwartz & Bill Freedman (story),
Al Schwartz, Bill Freedman, Kim Weiskopf & Michael G. Baser (teleplay)
One car plus four owners equals trouble when J.J.'s "Awesome Foursome"
become business partners.
0509. "Bye, Bye, Bookman"
W: Paul Belous & Bob Wolterstorff
Bookman snows Willona and the Evans family into saving his job, when a
petition for repairs costs him his employment.
0510. "Thelma's Brief Encounter"
W: Bruce Kalish & Philip Wickham Taylor
Thelma becomes the romantic target of a handsome stranger with a shady
past.
0511. "Requiem for a Wino"
W: Lloyd Turner & Gordon Mitchell
J.J. presides over a most unusual wake.
0512. "I Had a Dream"
W: Jim Rogers
J.J.'s job promotion may be threatened by prejudice. He then dreams he
is white.
0513. "Willona's Mr. Right"
W: Laura Levine
Willona must choose between the chance of a lifetime with the man
of her dreams or something far more important.
0514. "No More Mister Nice Guy"
W: Tom Dunsmuir & Dan Wilcox
J.J. decides to teach Michael what he believes is a badly needed
lesson in responsibility.
0515. "Penny's Christmas"
W: Robert & Rosalind Stevenson
Willona's Christmas joy is threatened when she learns that her
most precious gift may be taken from her.
0516. "J.J. and the Boss' Daughter"
W: Bob Baublitz, Kevin Hopps, Kim Weiskopf & Michael S. Baser (teleplay),
Bob Baublitz & Kevin Hopps (story)
J.J. doesn't know if his talent or the boss's daughter was responsible
for his new assignment.
0517. "Where There's Smoke"
W: Bruce Kalish & Philip Wickham Taylor
Penny painfully discovers that smoking is dangerous to more than one's
health.
0518. "The Boarder"
W: Don Segall
artist, Ernie Barnes
J.J., Thelma, and Michael discover that their new boarder is the only
surviving witness in a trial against a dangerous criminal.
0519. "Something Old, Something New"
W: Sid Dorfman
artist, Ernie Barnes
Social Security could stand in the way when Grandpa Evans decides that
it's time to get married.
0520. "J.J.'s Condition"
W: Bill Nuss & Dusty Kay ** OR ** Sid Dorfman ???
artist, Ernie Barnes
J.J. falls in love with a married woman.
0521. "Willona, the Other Woman"
W: Michael G. Moye
artist, Ernie Barnes
Willona is suspected of being the "other woman" when Bookman is thought
to be cheating on his wife.
0522. "Write on, Thelma"
W: Judi Ann Mason
artist, Ernie Barnes
Thelma is ecstatic when her first play is chosen for production until
she discovers the "hitch."
0523. "Willona's New Job"
W: Michael G. Moye
artist, Ernie Barnes
Willona receives a long-awaited marriage proposal only to discover that
her suitor has a catch -- he does not want her to work.
0524. "That's Entertainment, Evans Style"
W: Kim Weiskopf & Michael S. Baser
artist, Ernie Barnes
Willona, the Evans family and friends put on a show to raise money for
a day-care center.
*** SEASON 6 (1978-79) 24 EPISODES ***
For all episodes this season except the "Florida's Homecoming" set (first four),
the videotape editor was George Zimmermann. For those first four episodes, the
videotape editor is listed.
0601-0602. "Florida's Homecoming, pts. 1-2"
W, pt. 1: Michael S. Baser, Kim Weiskopf, Norman Paul (story),
Michael S. Baser, Kim Weiskopf (teleplay)
W, pt. 2: Joe Bonaduce, Norman Paul (story), Joe Bonaduce, Sid Dorfman (teleplay)
videotape editor: Dave Eckenberg
Thelma gives a dinner party for her new boyfriend with such
sensational results that Florida rushes home from Arizona to see
what's happening. Thelma and Keith announce their engagement.
They plane their wedding amongst much argument between them.
0603. "Florida's Homecoming, pt. 3 -- The Wedding" 23 September 1978
W: Sid Dorfman & Wayne Kline (teleplay), Norman Paul (story)
audio: Chris Chigaridas
videotape editor: Michael Krupnick
The day arrives for Thelma to marry handsome football star Keith
Anderson.
0604. "Florida's Homecoming, pt. 4 -- United We Stand" 23 September 1978
W: Joe Bonaduce & Bruce Howard (teleplay),
Joe Bonaduce, Bruce Howard & Norman Paul (story)
audio: Chris Chigaridas
videotape editor: Michael Krupnick
Thelma's new husband stands to lose his contract, and J.J. faces the
jaws of a greedy loan shark.
0605. "Stomach Mumps" 14 October 1978
W: Michael G. Moye
audio: Chris Chigaridas
In order to shelter Penny from the facts of life, Willona dodges the
truth.
0607. "J.J. the Teacher" 21 October 1978
W: Mark Fink
audio: Chris Chigaridas
J.J. tries to give art lessons to neighborhood children.
0606. "Florida Gets a Job"
W: Michael G. Moye
J.J. might have the answer when Florida needs a job.
0608. "Michael's Decision"
W: Gene Farmer (teleplay), Norman Paul (story)
Michael stuns the family with his decision to move out of the house.
Guest: Howard Morton - Jim Crebbins
0609. "The Witness"
W: Bruce Howard & Joe Bonaduce (teleplay), Bruce Howard (story)
J.J. could pay dearly for witnessing an auto accident.
0610. "J.J. and the Plumbers Helper"
W: Michael G. Moye
An unemployed J.J. is torn between his emotions and the facts when a
girlfriend returns to town.
0611. "House Hunting"
W: Gene Farmer
The Evans family decides to buy its first house and discovers major
obstacles.
0612. "Florida's Favorite Passenger, pt. 1"
W: Michael G. Moye
Florida's concern for one of her passengers puts her at odds with the
child's mother.
0613. "Florida's Favorite Passenger, pt. 2"
W: Michael G. Moye
Florida's interest in one of her passengers solves one problem, but
creates another.
0614. "The Snowstorm"
W: Bud Slocomb & Len Riley
Florida takes charge of a group of children trapped in a deserted
building during a snowstorm.
0615. "The Traveling Christmas"
W: Sid Dorfman (story), Wayne Kline & Norman Paul (teleplay)
When Keith's boss refuses to let him off on Christmas Eve, the Evans
family celebrates on the road.
0616. "The Evans' Dilemma"
W: Cecil M. Brown, Michael G. Moye & Cecil M. Brown (teleplay)
The Evans family tries to discover the source of Keith's anger and
depression.
0617. "The Art Contest"
W: Joe Bonaduce
J.J. has some fast decisions to make when he mistakenly enters an
important art contest with someone else's painting.
0618. "Blood Will Tell"
W: Anthony Bonaduce & Celia Bonaduce
J.J. has something that Sweet Daddy wants -- his blood -- and whether
or not he gets it will be a matter of life or death.
0619. "The Physical"
W: Bud Slocomb & Len Riley
Florida's efforts to pass an important medical exam at work may be
thwarted by a well-meaning gift from the children she cares most about.
0620. "A Matter of Mothers"
W: Jacqueline Henken (story), Michael G. Moye (teleplay)
Willona is forced into the stand of a lifetime when Penny's natural
mother arrives.
0621. "Where Have All the Doctors Gone?"
W: Carmen Finestra (story), Mark Fink & J. A. Mason (teleplay)
Florida's anxious search for a doctor turns to anger when the only
one she finds is too busy to be interested in her problem.
0622. "Cousin Raymond"
W: Walter Smith & Bill Duke
A visit from Florida's wealthy cousin brings expensive gifts for
everyone until Florida discovers just where all the money is coming
from.
0624. "J.J. and T. C."
W: Mark Fink and Wayne Kline
J.J.'s far-reaching search for a date overlooks an eager candidate
who takes some dangerous steps to ensure that she'll never be
forgotten again.
0623. "The End of the Rainbow"
W: Mark Fink & Wayne Kline
Good fortune shines on the Evans family and creates the happiest day
of Florida's life.
(
geocities.com/hollywood)