Good Times - The Complete First Season

Rating:
Summary: Dyn-O-Mite.
Review: You can have your Huxtables, but for my time and money, I'll gladly settle for the Evans family of the 1970s sitcom "Good Times." Here was a TV show that never pandered to PC norms, nor did it preoccupy itself with projecting this clean image of the "perfect" family as "The Cosby Show" did. It was an honest portrayal of an African American family living in the projects of Chicago. Shortsighted critics who nitpicked at "Good Times" for its alleged ghetto stereotypes ignored the big picture and bypassed its messages of tough love, Black pride, and family unity. While the Evans family did bicker and fight over even the most frivolous of matters, they clearly loved each other and pulled together in moments of crisis. There's Esther Rolle (who left the series after a dispute but later returned) who played the God-fearing, let's-do-the-right-thing matriarch Florida; there's James (John Amos) who was the hotheaded yet hardworking father who struggled to provide for his family; J.J. (Jimmie Walker), the clownish yet talented painter who never runs out of insults to trade with his sister Thelma (Bernnadette Stanis). Michael, the youngest, was "the Militant Midget," a studious and highly intelligent young kid. I almost forgot Wilona, the gossipy neighbor played by Janet DuBois who always looked stylish, even by modern standards. Columbia has released the first season of its 13 episodes on 2 DVDs; my favorites are "Michael Gets Suspended," "The Checkup," and "My Son the Lover." Truthfully, I love them ALL, and once you see one episode, you'll want to watch the next one and the one after that and so forth. These DVDs have virtually no features including a commentary, documentary, or other extras you'd expect from a Columbia release. Also, don't be fooled by the term "Dolby Surround" on the package. It sounds more like a mono mix to me, which is fine, as it gives the presentation that "vintage" feel. Still, if you always loved the sitcom, you have to get this DVD. I just hope that Columbia will release ALL seasons (including the ones that have Janet Jackson as Wilona's adopted daughter Penny) of this fine series, which proves that the 1970s were among the best decades for American TV.