Good Times (TV Series) The Evans' Dilemma (1979) User Reviews

The roar of the lion

[kevinolzak · 7/10 · 27 December 2016]

"The Evans' Dilemma" was one of at least two final season episodes that dealt with subjects done earlier with John Amos. This remake of "Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle" finds JJ and Keith on a three week job search together, but today Keith isn't willing to go, a visit to the bathroom cheering him up considerably, particularly the bottle kept hidden in the toilet. The family tries to put up with his sudden mood swings, but once JJ and Michael discover his 'joy juice' ("vodka, the Russian revenge!") the truth is out: "no wonder he thinks he's the king, his throne is 90 proof!" Old college teammate Joe Stennet (Daryl Roach) drops by to reminisce about the good times, but Keith's increasingly erratic behavior insults his friend and ends with a slap to his loving wife's face. After a heart to heart talk, Thelma delivers her own brand of Skin Bracer!

One good slap deserves another

[gregorycanfield · 10/10 · 26 August 2021]

As Season 6 went along, Bern Nadette Stanis' character started to move into the background. Throughout the first five seasons, Thelma was always a prominent figure in the cast. In season 6, she was all too often in the shadow of new husband Keith. This episode, although it focuses more on Keith, ultimately sets Thelma up with some quality screen time. Curiously, Keith was never depicted as having a drinking problem prior to this episode. Florida conveniently doesn't appear in this episode. One can only imagine how she would have reacted to Keith's violent, drunken rage. Ben Powers did the part well. He was alternately funny and disturbing. Then, there was Thelma. She looked so pretty here. Then, Keith slapped her pretty face. Thelma lays it on the line, telling him that he has to choose between her and the bottle. Very emotional scene, especially when Thelma slaps Keith back. I've read that this episode wasn't shown until the series was in syndication. Interesting, because the last episode of the series, which was aired during the original broadcasts, makes a reference to Keith's drinking problem.