How many of you over the age of thirty remember a time when you used to shout (either in public or in private), “DY-NO-MITE!!!” If you raised your hand, as I did, there’s no need to be ashamed. As a matter of fact, go ahead; say it again…loud and proud. Columbia Tristar Home Video treated us to the 1st season of “Good Times” on DVD last year, and now they’re back with an all new 2nd season set. “Good Times” ranks right up there with some of the best TV sit-coms of the seventies, and rightfully so. The writing was sharp, funny and smart. It was another comedy that dealt with important issues, but what was so great was that they weren’t necessarily one-sided. This was an African American family who stood up to injustices railed against them, but never really blamed anyone for their problems. They never felt sorry for themselves, and realized it was in their power to change a bad situation. We were also shown that racists come in all colors. This characteristic was never placed on one group or social caste.

We watched every week as the family struggled with hard times, but considered them ‘good times’ because of the love they had for one another. James (John Amos) was the patriarch of the family. He was tough and never took lip from his kids. But he never demanded respect from them, he earned it. I always considered John Amos to be one of those underrated actors that you hear about much anymore. Even though he always seemed to have some projects going, lately he’s popped up in more and more TV shows. And now he even has another hit on his hands as the lead in “All About the Andersons.” I’m really glad to see the man back at the top of his game. If you really want to see a good example of Amos’ acting chops, just check out the two-part episode in season 2, “The Gang.” When he finds out that J.J. (Jimmie Walker) has been shot, his reaction is memorable.

“Good Times”, which ran from 1974 - 1979, also worked as a great ensemble show. All of the actor’s had opportunities over the years to come to the forefront and be featured in an episode. Mostly it was Jimmie Walker as J.J., but Ralph Carter as Michael and Ja’net Du Bois as Thelma also had several episodes that revolved around their characters. And of course, who can forget the late Esther Rolle as Florida. She always carried herself with a quiet dignity, and easily made the transition between loving mother and strict disciplinarian.

In light of recent events in the news, I would be remiss if I failed to mention one particular member of the cast. You won’t find her in any of the episodes in this DVD set as she didn’t join the cast until 1977, but I remember little Janet Jackson. She played Penny Woods, the daughter of Willona (Ja’net Du Bois). I’ve always considered her stint on “Good Times” to be the pinnacle of her career and always found it a little sad that she never really had the opportunity to attain the level of quality work she did here.

This new 3-disc set has all of the 24 episodes from the first season, and they look and sound even better than they did when they first aired so many years ago. There aren’t any extras unfortunately. I keep hoping that some of these shows will get some commentary on them at least. On the right side, the studio has continued to include foldout inserts with all the episode titles and synopses. The case itself is a quad-fold DVD holder that fits into a slipcover. The DVD holder has some great pictures of John Amos and Esther Rolle, but that picture of Jimmie Walker is ‘SCAA-REE.’

As for the show’s availability on the home video market, I can hear them singing, “…Ain’t we lucky we got ‘em…Good Times… on DVD….yeah…”

Starring: John Amos, Esther Rolle, Jimmie Walker, Ralph Carter and Ja’net Du Bois
Studio: Columbia / Tristar Home Video
Specifications: Full Screen
Release Date: 2/03/2004
Region 1
Website

We'll give Good Times: Season 2 a B.