Good Times (1974–1979) 7.0
A poor Afro-American family make the best of things in the Chicago housing projects. |
|
| 0Share... |
Good Times (1974–1979) 7.0
A poor Afro-American family make the best of things in the Chicago housing projects. |
|
| 0Share... |
| Complete series cast summary: | |||
| Ja'net DuBois | ... |
Willona Woods
(133 episodes, 1974-1979)
|
|
|
|
Ralph Carter | ... |
Michael Evans
(133 episodes, 1974-1979)
|
| BernNadette Stanis | ... |
Thelma Evans
(133 episodes, 1974-1979)
|
|
| Jimmie Walker | ... |
James 'J.J.' Evans, Jr.
(133 episodes, 1974-1979)
|
|
| Esther Rolle | ... |
Florida Evans
(109 episodes, 1974-1979)
|
|
| John Amos | ... |
James Evans, Sr.
(61 episodes, 1974-1976)
|
|
| Johnny Brown | ... |
Nathan Bookman
(57 episodes, 1975-1979)
|
|
Life in the Chicago projects is never easy, However, the Evans family never gives up trying to make the best of things. While Florida and James struggle to provide for their family, their sons J.J., an aspiring painter, Micheal, the undying political crusader, causing trouble while their sister, Thelma, stands between them as the voice of reason. Living in the same building were Willona Woods, Florida's best friend from High School who provided support, love and gossip and Nathan Bookman, the overweight janitor who gave them grief and was the butt of alot of fat jokes, especially Willona who often referred to him as Buffalo Butt or Booger. Life, at least, is never boring while they fight to keep their heads above water and one day leave the projects, which they did in the series finale. Sadly, it was without James who was killed off in the 4th season. Written by Kate Tripper
I realize everyone has their own opinion, but, I don't know . . . I think the critics of this show miss the point of the show. I don't find it stereotypical or shuckin'/jivin' at all. This was a family that just happened to be black and live in the projects. They didn't dwell on it. They were actually trying to do everything they could to get out of the projects. JJ wanted to be an artists. Thelma, a dancer. Michael, involved in legal/justice. Seems to me nowadays, the projects or ghetto life is romanticized (see BET videos or MTV videos), whereas the Evans family in "Good Times" was trying to get out and onto something better. Headed by two parents who realized there own shortcomings (lack of education, money), but didn't they try to lead by example by teaching their kids values, strong work ethic and didn't they try to IMPROVE the lives of THEIR children? They tried to show their kids to strive for more in life, DESPITE obstacles. James tried to work several jobs, just so Florida could stay home and tend to the needs of the house/family. Some may find that chauvinistic by today's standards, but, I'm not so sure about that. Seems to me when at least one parent was in the home, children were a bit more manageable. What better representation of a family values can you ask for? A great show! Better than most of the family comedies today!