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How many of
you over the age of thirty remember a time
you said aloud (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. That’s
it, think about the fact that Columbia Tristar
Home Video has just released the first season
of “Good Times” on DVD, stand
up and proudly proclaim, “DY-NO-MIIITE!!”
Okay, now that your entire family is looking
at you kind of funny, run out and pick up
a copy of this great DVD set so you can
re-live the good old days of family comedy.
“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.
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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. Florida (Esther Rolle) was
the glue that held the family together. She was
usually the voice of reason when tempers flared,
but she was as strong as they come.
“Good Times” which ran from 1974 -
1979, also worked as a great ensemble show. All
of the actors 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.
Sony / Columbia Tristar is releasing the 3rd season
this month on a 3-disc set, and it features some
of the best episodes of the series’ run.
“The Family Gun”, which relates the
problems a family can have when they disagree
on how best to protect the household, while “Michael’s
Big Fall” brings out some negative changes
in Michael when he changes schools. “A Place
to Die” offers a poignant look at the elderly
when a senior citizen friend of Michael’s
wants to move in with them for a little while.
In “The Investigation”, Michael’s
research fir a bicentennial report leads to strange
happenings for the family. James loses his job
and the family comes under investigation by the
government. And to think, the Patriot Act wasn’t
even in effect back then. It’s a great episode
that is oddly reflective of our current homeland
situation.
The only thing about the 3rd season that is a
drag is that it marks the final season for John
Amos. After leaving the series, his character
is written out as having passed away. This in
itself served up some emotional episodes in the
following season, but unfortunately this also
meant that he could not return.
Yet another great show from the seventies continues
to make its way onto DVD. You can almost hear
me singing “…Ain’t we lucky
we got ‘em…Good Times… on DVD….yeah…”
(Just don’t cringe when you hear my voice…)
Episodes:
The Family Gun
A Real Cool Job
Operation Florida
Florida’s Rich Cousin
The Politicians
Love in the Ghetto
The Weekend
The Baby
Michael’s Big Fall
Willona’s Dilemma
Florida’s Protest
The Mural
A Loss of Confidence
Cousin Cleatus
The Family Tree
A Place to Die
J.J.’s Fiancée, Part 1
J.J.’s Fiancée, Part 2
Sweet Dadddy Williams
The Investigation
J.J. in Trouble
Florida the Woman
The Break-up
The Rent Party
Starring: John Amos, Esther Rolle, Jimmie Walker,
Ralph Carter and Ja’net Du Bois
Studio: Columbia / Tristar Home Video
Specifications: Full Screen
Release Date: 8/10/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
We'll give Good Times: Season 3 a B.
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