I do not think the show ever commented on Florida's new husband Carl after she returned to the cast in the final season ( ON A SIDE NOT, Carl was a really unappealing man, i do not see how she could settle for a dope like him after being with a man as good as James)

but she left with him after she got married, and the next season she was back---- without Carl???

did he run off with a stripper? did he die? was he arrested and sent away to prison??

???????????????????

He was written off, he never existed in the minds of the character when Florida came back for good.

Esther Rolle wanted him written off, so they just pretended he didn't exist that final season.

I think we were supposed to think that he died at least that's what I always thought since he was in poor health.

I think we were supposed to think that he died at least that's what I always thought since he was in poor health.
do i smell a debate here???? LOL

I felt he died. Didn't Flo make a reference abt Carl to Michael that was edited out by TVLand?

do i smell a debate here???? LOL

I felt he died. Didn't Flo make a reference abt Carl to Michael that was edited out by TVLand?
:lol:


I think their was a mention of him at the beginning of that season. They probably didn't want to make a big deal of another death in the family. I can't imagine what Flo went through losing 2 husbands if that happened.

I do not think the show ever commented on Florida's new husband Carl after she returned to the cast in the final season ( ON A SIDE NOT, Carl was a really unappealing man, i do not see how she could settle for a dope like him after being with a man as good as James)

but she left with him after she got married, and the next season she was back---- without Carl???

did he run off with a stripper? did he die? was he arrested and sent away to prison??

???????????????????



Lamont you are on the TV BOARDS???????_LoL

It was explained that he passed away in a Chicago Hospital which was only explained on CBS in 78, never syndication


Jet Magazine, September 1978

It was explained that he passed away in a Chicago Hospital which was only explained on CBS in 78, never syndication


Jet Magazine, September 1978


Are you serious?!? Would that be on the season 6 dvd?

i remember at the end of the 4th season he didn't want to marry Florida because he had cancer.
but i could be wrong i haven't seen that episode in years.

Are you serious?!? Would that be on the season 6 dvd?


Not Sure, maybe it was just one of those Things that the Network did ONCE like how the Original Closing Credits on the Mary Tyler Moore Finale on CBS was only seen once and not on the DVD or Columbia House

i remember at the end of the 4th season he didn't want to marry Florida because he had cancer.
but i could be wrong i haven't seen that episode in years.
He felt that he would be a burden to marry Flo knowing he may die soon of cancer. That episode is a two-parter.


Wait Solomon, if he died in a Chicago hospital, then why was Flo still in Arizona when Thelma called her asking her permission to marry Keith? That could be why they cut that part out for good, because of the inconsistency that raised. Not that GT didn't have its share of them.

He felt that he would be a burden to marry Flo knowing he may die soon of cancer. That episode is a two-parter.


Wait Solomon, if he died in a Chicago hospital, then why was Flo still in Arizona when Thelma called her asking her permission to marry Keith? That could be why they cut that part out for good, because of the inconsistency that raised. Not that GT didn't have its share of them.



I'm talking about when they returned from Arizona

It was explained that he passed away in a Chicago Hospital which was only explained on CBS in 78, never syndication


Jet Magazine, September 1978

Well that is a stupid thing to leave out. So if TVOne is uncut they still wouldn't air that scene?

Well that is a stupid thing to leave out. So if TVOne is uncut they still wouldn't air that scene?


Nope, Sounds like u had to be around in the fall of 78-lol

Nope, Sounds like u had to be around in the fall of 78-lol

I don't get why TV One calls it uncut then? Seems like uncut would mean all scenes included. That is a ripoff then.

Well that is a stupid thing to leave out. So if TVOne is uncut they still wouldn't air that scene?


It just says Florida's New Husband was moved to a Veterans Hospital near Chicago. So apprarently that was the explanation by the Network of Carl's absence back in 78, i guess no explanaton was needed for syndication.

I don't get why TV One calls it uncut then? Seems like uncut would mean all scenes included. That is a ripoff then.


Matt they are UNCUT, the segment had nothing to do with the actual storyline, it was just something that was ADDED back in 78. The TV ONE eps are Uncut. Kind of Like the Mary Tyler Moore Thing

It just says Florida's New Husband was moved to a Veterans Hospital near Chicago. So apprarently that was the explanation by the Network of Carl's absence back in 78, i guess no explanaton was needed for syndication.

I am confused. So was the scene where Florida mentioned him being in the hospital filmed or was that just in the magazines and guides?

Matt they are UNCUT, the segment had nothing to do with the actual storyline, it was just something that was ADDED back in 78. The TV ONE eps are Uncut. Kind of Like the Mary Tyler Moore Thing

ok, I got what you are saying.

Esther Rolle wanted him written off, so they just pretended he didn't exist that final season.

Why did she want him written out? Seems to me she made such a fuss about wanting her character to have a husband for her children to show Americans that black fathers are just as potentially supportive as white fathers, and then she turns around and boots him off? Is this for real?

Perhaps she wasn't thrilled that John Amos was killed off, but there was no way that could be undone once Season 4 wrapped up. I agree it was wrong for the show to kill off John Amos, but to me, by bringing on Carl, it seemed like the show was at least trying to meet Esther Rolle halfway. Was she ever satisfied with anything?

Good grief, I hope this tidbit isn't true, for if it is, my already lack of respect for her is kicked down a notch. Talk about prima donna...


Ed

P.S. My guess was that Carl was written off in Season 6 simply because the actor, Moses Gunn, was pissed at the show for writing him out of Season 5 and he refused to come back. Think about it. He gets all geared up to join the show at the end of Season 4 and for the long haul, just to be told at the last minute that, due to his TV wife's battles behind-the-scenes, he's not joining the show after all. I'd be plenty mad, wouldn't you? I always thought that was the reason. Mind you, I didn't read this anywhere so it's a complete guess on my part. I'm probably wrong however...

Why did she want him written out? Seems to me she made such a fuss about wanting her character to have a husband for her children to show Americans that black fathers are just as potentially supportive as white fathers, and then she turns around and boots him off? Is this for real?

Perhaps she wasn't thrilled that John Amos was killed off, but there was no way that could be undone once Season 4 wrapped up. I agree it was wrong for the show to kill off John Amos, but to me, by bringing on Carl, it seemed like the show was at least trying to meet Esther Rolle halfway. Was she ever satisfied with anything?

Good grief, I hope this tidbit isn't true, for if it is, my already lack of respect for her is kicked down a notch. Talk about prima donna...


Ed

P.S. My guess was that Carl was written off in Season 6 simply because the actor, Moses Gunn, was pissed at the show for writing him out of Season 5 and refused to come back. Think about it. He gets all geared up to join the show at the end of Season 4 and for the long haul, just to be told at the last minute that, due to his TV wife's battles behind-the-scenes, he's not joining the show after all. I'd be plenty mad, wouldn't you? I always thought that was the reason. Mind you, I didn't read this anywhere so it's a complete guess on my part. I'm probably wrong however...
Ester wanted CARL written off. Not John Amos. She wanted the family to have a father and mother. Not a step-father. She had a right to say that I don't want any man to come in and play DADDY to her kids. Her kids were old enough to not need a step-daddy. As for Flo needing a man, she didn't need one either. Especially not an atheist one. As for Moses Gunn, I am sure he didn't sign a contract because if he had a contract for a season, he could've sued for breach of contract. He may have been told upfront abt the possibility of not returning.

Ester wanted CARL written off. Not John Amos.
I know this. It's pretty much common knowledge that she was upset that John was fired and killed off, although why she didn't refuse to work because of it is a mystery. Could it be that she sensed somehow that the absence of John Amos increased her value to the show, thereby entitling her to make more money potentially? More on that later...

She wanted the family to have a father and mother. Not a step-father. She had a right to say that I don't want any man to come in and play DADDY to her kids. Her kids were old enough to not need a step-daddy. As for Flo needing a man, she didn't need one either. Especially not an atheist one.

I hear what you're saying. What I'm saying though is that the killing off of John Amos was a done deal, especially by the time the end of Season 4 rolled around. There was nothing that could be done to undo the killing of James, unless the show did some Days of Our Lives stunt.

Esther probably complained about this ad nauseum, and as an effort to appease her and do right by the show, they brought in Moses Gunn's character and had him marry Florida. And still she wasn't happy? Goodness gracious, this woman was hard to please. I'd have lost patience with her as well.

As for Moses Gunn, I am sure he didn't sign a contract because if he had a contract for a season, he could've sued for breach of contract. He may have been told upfront abt the possibility of not returning.

Then why have him appear at all? You could be right about this Irene, but I don't think it's plausible (but hey, what do I know?).

I don't think they knew that Esther wouldn't return for Season 5. If that's the case, if they thought Florida would be around in Season 5, then Carl would've been as well. They would've been stupid to bring on another husband for Florida just to kill him off a couple of episodes later. It would've pissed off the fans as well as Esther Rolle. It also would have reminded the audience of James, something the show would'nt want in an effort to get the fans to forget about him. That way the audience could be convinced (or so the show thought) that the show was just as good without him. This couldn't be accomplished if James was constantly referenced or if other things triggered memories of him, and killing off Carl would've done just that.

(Case in point: The Hogan Family, formerly Valerie. When Valerie Harper was fired from the show, there was very little mention of her character, Valerie Hogan. Again, this was an attempt to have the audience forget about her as much as possible so that they could sell the audience on the show's new lead, Sandy Duncan. You'd almost think Valerie Hogan never existed!)

The producers may not have always agreed with everything that Esther wanted, but I don't think they tried to piss her off deliberately. It just seems the more I learn about what went on behind-the-scenes, the more it looks like she was very hard to please. The woman even found fault with Ja'Net Du Bois for crying out loud!

Part of what I find distasteful is her trying to pass herself off as some sort of spokesperson for the unheard 'black family'. Every complaint she had was about how the 'black family' was depicted, and how the members of her 'black family' was not given its fair due. But, and here's what Esther Rolle supporters conveniently forget, she always backed down from her pedestal when the show/network threw more money at her. It's like her activism had a price. She was willing to pose as an activist for the 'black family', but when her salary was upped, suddenly those issues didn't matter. She was willing to tolerate those injustices that the show caused for the 'black family' because she was paid enough. And we're supposed to think that the 'white' producers did the show a disservice?

Whatever...

Ed

P.S. Lest anyone doubt this, I am a fan of Esther Rolle's. I found her to be a truly great talent and she deserves all of the accolades that she's received for her work. But some of her behavior in the business side of things were a bit dubious at best. The same with Carroll O'Connor, another great talent who wasn't always gracious business-wise. I just want to say for the record that I acknowledge these actors' talent, but I don't think it entitles them to be a pain-in-the-booty, and that's what they were...

as for Esther and her eventual return, the show was not doing well in the ratings and with the pending wedding of Thelma, it was thought best to bring the character back to help with the ratings. Obviously, we know nothing could save this show from this point.

I know this. It's pretty much common knowledge that she was upset that John was fired and killed off, although why she didn't refuse to work because of it is a mystery. Could it be that she sensed somehow that the absence of John Amos increased her value to the show, thereby entitling her to make more money potentially? More on that later...



I hear what you're saying. What I'm saying though is that the killing off of John Amos was a done deal, especially by the time the end of Season 4 rolled around. There was nothing that could be done to undo the killing of James, unless the show did some Days of Our Lives stunt.

Esther probably complained about this ad nauseum, and as an effort to appease her and do right by the show, they brought in Moses Gunn's character and had him marry Florida. And still she wasn't happy? Goodness gracious, this woman was hard to please. I'd have lost patience with her as well.



Then why have him appear at all? You could be right about this Irene, but I don't think it's plausible (but hey, what do I know?).

I don't think they knew that Esther wouldn't return for Season 5, otherwise her send-off would've been taken care of by the ending of Season 4. If that's the case, if they thought Florida would be around in Season 5, then they surely must have thought Carl would be as well. I don't think they would've been stupid enough to bring on another husband for Florida just to kill him off a couple of episodes later. It would've pissed off the fans as well as Esther Rolle. It also would have reminded the audience of James, something the show would not want to do in an effort to try to convince the audience that the show was just as good without him. This couldn't be accomplished if James was constantly referenced or if other things triggered memories of him for the audience, and killing off Carl deliberately would've done just that.


(Case in point The Hogan Family, formerly Valerie. When Valerie Harper was fired from the show, there was very little mention of her character, Valerie Hogan. Again, this was an attempt to have the audience forget about her as much as possible so that they could sell the audience on the show's new lead, Sandy Duncan. You'd almost think Valerie Hogan never existed!)

The show and Esther may have disagreed on many things, but I don't the show tried to piss her off deliberately. It just seems to me that the more I learn about the goings on behind-the-scenes, the more it seems that she was very hard to please. The woman even found fault with Ja'Net Du Bois for crying out loud!

Part of what I find distasteful is her trying to pass herself off as if she was the spokesperson for the unheard 'black family'. Every complaint she had was about how the 'black family' was depicted, and how the members of her 'black family' was not given its fair due. But, and here's what supporters of Esther Rolle's conveniently forget, she always backed down from her pedestal when the show or the network threw more money at her. It's like her activism had a price. She was willing to pose as an activist for the 'black family', but when her salary was upped, suddenly those issues didn't matter. She was willing to tolerate those injustices that the show caused for the 'black family' because she was paid enough. And we're supposed to think that the 'white' producers didn't treat the show fairly?

Whatever...

Ed




Esther came along during he AMOS and ANDY era and she was SMART ENOUGH to see that they were slipping in some of those Negative Stereotypes on the J.J Character. That was her Problem with the show

Esther came along during he AMOS and ANDY era and she was SMART ENOUGH to see that they were slipping in some of those Negative Stereotypes on the J.J Character. That was her Problem with the show

So what's your point? What you don't get Solomon is that her problems with J.J. and the negative stereotypes ceased to matter when she got her raises. I'm not putting down her argument. In retrospect, I'd have to agree with her. I just think she sold out because of a paycheck. Because she's Esther Rolle doesn't make it any less so. Because she's deceased doesn't make it any less so. The bottom line is she, like the white producers that she was complaining about, put money over principle. It wouldn't be nearly as bad if she hadn't been the one who started harping on the principle to start with. Talk about your double standards...



Ed

as for Esther and her eventual return, the show was not doing well in the ratings and with the pending wedding of Thelma, it was thought best to bring the character back to help with the ratings. Obviously, we know nothing could save this show from this point.

But if she left because of her issues, then no way would she have compromised those issues to help out the show because of poor ratings or because of Thelma's wedding. What got her back to the show was $$$MONEY$$$, not a resolution to her complaints. That's the point I'm trying to make.

And yes, it's sad that it's true nothing could save the show at this point, although I do think the ever changing timeslot had something to do with it. The show wasn't that bad in Season 6...

Ed

So what's your point? What you don't get Solomon is that her problems with J.J. and the negative stereotypes ceased to matter when she got her raises. I'm not putting down her argument. In retrospect, I'd have to agree with her. I just think she sold out because of a paycheck. Because she's Esther Rolle doesn't make it any less so. Because she's deceased doesn't make it any less so. The bottom line is she, like the white producers that she was complaining about, put money over principle. It wouldn't be nearly as bad if she hadn't been the one who started harping on the principle to start with. Talk about your double standards...



Ed



But when She RETURNED the J.J character no longer said DYNOMITE!!!!!! AM I WRONG???????????

But when She RETURNED the J.J character no longer said DYNOMITE!!!!!! AM I WRONG???????????

Oh please, her issue wasn't with the word 'Dynomite' Solomon, but the whole 'characterization' of J.J., or so she claimed. If you ask me, I think the great Esther Rolle was a tad jealous of the attention that J.J. and Jimmie Walker got. This is understandable; she had the talent and worked her butt off whereas Jimmie Walker just lucked onto a good thing without having had to work hard prior to the show. Again, it's understandable. She was human after all. But no way can anyone sum up her entire issue with the show to one word ('Dynomite'). That's just a ditch effort to regard her as some sort of hero instead of the greedy opportunist that she clearly was.

To make an argument about the 'black family' and then to back down from that because of $$$MONEY$$$ means she wasn't out for the 'black family' as much as she was out for herself.

Hey, I don't blame her in one way. Perhaps I would've done the same thing. Hard to tell without having lived through it. But don't insult my intelligence by summing up the whole thing as being about J.J. saying the word 'Dynomite'. That's just plain stupid...


Ed

Oh please, her issue wasn't with the word 'Dynomite' Solomon, but the whole 'characterization' of J.J., or so she claimed. If you ask me, I think the great Esther Rolle was a tad jealous of the attention that J.J. and Jimmie Walker got. This is understandable; she had the talent and worked her butt off whereas Jimmie Walker just lucked onto a good thing without having had to work hard prior to the show. Again, it's understandable. She was human after all. But no way can anyone sum up her entire issue with the show to one word ('Dynomite'). That's just a ditch effort to regard her as some sort of hero instead of the greedy opportunist that she clearly was.

To make an argument about the 'black family' and then to back down from that because of $$$MONEY$$$ means she wasn't out for the 'black family' as much as she was out for herself.

Hey, I don't blame her in one way. Perhaps I would've done the same thing. Hard to tell without having lived through it. But don't insult my intelligence by summing up the whole thing around J.J. saying the word 'Dynomite'. That's just plain stupid...


Ed



Esther Rolle was TOO MATURE to be JEALOUS of Jimmy Walker. She just wanted Good Times to be like THE COSBY SHOW. What was wrong with that?????

Esther Rolle was TOO MATURE to be JEALOUS of Jimmy Walker. She just wanted Good Times to be like THE COSBY SHOW. What was wrong with that?????

Solomon, can you read OK? Did I say there was anything wrong with her complaints? In case you can't tell, no, I did not.

What I think was wrong was for her to make her complaints and then back down on them when more money was thrown her way. Do you get this?

Honestly, I don't know how else to spell it out to you...


Ed

Solomon, can you read OK? Did I say there was anything wrong with her complaints? In case you can't tell, no, I did not.

What I think was wrong was for her to make her complaints and then back down on them when more money was thrown her way. Do you get this?

Honestly, I don't know how else to spell it out to you...


Ed



Ed she only came back because they promised to TONE down the J.J character. IT wasn't just the money

When Florida returns from Arizona, she gives Michael a book of law terms and she says "Carl and I got it for you".

was a lame-o character

he was dull, not good lucking, and no personality
PLUS he was an atheist and Florida would NEVER ever have gone for him

was a lame-o character

he was dull, not good lucking, and no personality
PLUS he was an atheist and Florida would NEVER ever have gone for him


Carl was far from Dull

TV RESEARCHER can u honestly be saying that u think CARL had ANYTHING at all to offer the show or to florida the character?

he was AWFUL, the audience hated him, he was lame-o

PLUS i hated the fact that Florida would fall so head over heels for such a dope as carl

so soon after losing James

TV RESEARCHER can u honestly be saying that u think CARL had ANYTHING at all to offer the show or to florida the character?

he was AWFUL, the audience hated him, he was lame-o

PLUS i hated the fact that Florida would fall so head over heels for such a dope as carl

so soon after losing James


I think you are saying he was boring because you compared him to James. I never compared him to James and that's why I enjoyed watching the character. Now if I compared him to James then I would sa he is Boring

i think carl was awful

REGARDLESS of james

I know this. It's pretty much common knowledge that she was upset that John was fired and killed off, although why she didn't refuse to work because of it is a mystery. Could it be that she sensed somehow that the absence of John Amos increased her value to the show, thereby entitling her to make more money potentially? More on that later...



I hear what you're saying. What I'm saying though is that the killing off of John Amos was a done deal, especially by the time the end of Season 4 rolled around. There was nothing that could be done to undo the killing of James, unless the show did some Days of Our Lives stunt.

Esther probably complained about this ad nauseum, and as an effort to appease her and do right by the show, they brought in Moses Gunn's character and had him marry Florida. And still she wasn't happy? Goodness gracious, this woman was hard to please. I'd have lost patience with her as well.



Then why have him appear at all? You could be right about this Irene, but I don't think it's plausible (but hey, what do I know?).

I don't think they knew that Esther wouldn't return for Season 5. If that's the case, if they thought Florida would be around in Season 5, then Carl would've been as well. They would've been stupid to bring on another husband for Florida just to kill him off a couple of episodes later. It would've pissed off the fans as well as Esther Rolle. It also would have reminded the audience of James, something the show would'nt want in an effort to get the fans to forget about him. That way the audience could be convinced (or so the show thought) that the show was just as good without him. This couldn't be accomplished if James was constantly referenced or if other things triggered memories of him, and killing off Carl would've done just that.

(Case in point: The Hogan Family, formerly Valerie. When Valerie Harper was fired from the show, there was very little mention of her character, Valerie Hogan. Again, this was an attempt to have the audience forget about her as much as possible so that they could sell the audience on the show's new lead, Sandy Duncan. You'd almost think Valerie Hogan never existed!)

The producers may not have always agreed with everything that Esther wanted, but I don't think they tried to piss her off deliberately. It just seems the more I learn about what went on behind-the-scenes, the more it looks like she was very hard to please. The woman even found fault with Ja'Net Du Bois for crying out loud!

Part of what I find distasteful is her trying to pass herself off as some sort of spokesperson for the unheard 'black family'. Every complaint she had was about how the 'black family' was depicted, and how the members of her 'black family' was not given its fair due. But, and here's what Esther Rolle supporters conveniently forget, she always backed down from her pedestal when the show/network threw more money at her. It's like her activism had a price. She was willing to pose as an activist for the 'black family', but when her salary was upped, suddenly those issues didn't matter. She was willing to tolerate those injustices that the show caused for the 'black family' because she was paid enough. And we're supposed to think that the 'white' producers did the show a disservice?

Whatever...

Ed

P.S. Lest anyone doubt this, I am a fan of Esther Rolle's. I found her to be a truly great talent and she deserves all of the accolades that she's received for her work. But some of her behavior in the business side of things were a bit dubious at best. The same with Carroll O'Connor, another great talent who wasn't always gracious business-wise. I just want to say for the record that I acknowledge these actors' talent, but I don't think it entitles them to be a pain-in-the-booty, and that's what they were...


The reasaon why Esther did not want the character of Carl Dixon on the show was she thought it was too soon after James' death for Florida to be out dating. All of this happened in the same season and Esther felt that this is something her character would not do. Esther was unhappy with the direction of the show dealing with the characterization of J.J. For someone who was 19 and acted like a child still brought out negative stereotypes and bad images across the screen. Esther wanted Jimmie to be funny but also to be responsible and mature. You found that in season 6 but the change was too radical and it should had came gradually.

Esther Rolle was a wonderful actress who stood up to be counted for what was right. What brought her back to Good Times yes was the money but she was able to have a voice in the scripts more and J.J. to toned down. You did not see him walk around the house in that wretched hat in season 6.

The reasaon why Esther did not want the character of Carl Dixon on the show was she thought it was too soon after James' death for Florida to be out dating. All of this happened in the same season and Esther felt that this is something her character would not do. Esther was unhappy with the direction of the show dealing with the characterization of J.J. For someone who was 19 and acted like a child still brought out negative stereotypes and bad images across the screen. Esther wanted Jimmie to be funny but also to be responsible and mature. You found that in season 6 but the change was too radical and it should had came gradually.

Esther Rolle was a wonderful actress who stood up to be counted for what was right. What brought her back to Good Times yes was the money but she was able to have a voice in the scripts more and J.J. to toned down. You did not see him walk around the house in that wretched hat in season 6.



He actually changed before season 6, the blue hat was not worn in season 5 either

I think you are saying he was boring because you compared him to James. I never compared him to James and that's why I enjoyed watching the character. Now if I compared him to James then I would sa he is Boring

But how could you NOT compare him to James. He was essentially James' replacement on the show.

But how could you NOT compare him to James. He was essentially James' replacement on the show.



I never compared him to James because he had nothing to do with John amos leaving the show. I think it would be unfair to compare him to James. Carl was entertaining in his own way

I never compared him to James because he had nothing to do with John amos leaving the show. I think it would be unfair to compare him to James. Carl was entertaining in his own way

I know he wasn't directly the reason why John Amos was fired, but he was his replacement. The audience could do nothing but compare him to James and therefore, didn't embrace him. He was an ok character.

I know he wasn't directly the reason why John Amos was fired, but he was his replacement. The audience could do nothing but compare him to James and therefore, didn't embrace him. He was an ok character.


I think you will enjoy him more if you don't look at him as a replacement and just as a New Addition.

I didn't like the character that Carl was made to be. Like I said before, that man Ben, from Flo's night out, was a good match. He was good looking and appeared very nice and gentle. Carl came off aggressive, and the atheist thing was taking it too far. Had a male character had the gentle, non-aggressive personality, it would have worked out great. I never compared Carl to James. If anything, it seems the writers were trying to make Carl somewhat an imitation of James, being loud, aggressive, etc.

They definitely tried to make Carl to be James when he used the words, "the militant midget" Only James can say that in my opinion.

They definitely tried to make Carl to be James when he used the words, "the militant midget" Only James can say that in my opinion.


Now that I agree with, they should have never had Carl say what James used to say, if anything they should have gave Carl his own Phrase

that Florida would have been better off with Bookman than that loser Carl! :lol:

I didn't like the character that Carl was made to be. Like I said before, that man Ben, from Flo's night out, was a good match. He was good looking and appeared very nice and gentle. Carl came off aggressive, and the atheist thing was taking it too far. Had a male character had the gentle, non-aggressive personality, it would have worked out great. I never compared Carl to James. If anything, it seems the writers were trying to make Carl somewhat an imitation of James, being loud, aggressive, etc.

I like Ben as well. If they would had brought him in the following season it would had been more acceptable for the audience. Look at Make Room for Daddy when Jean Hagen quit the show and they killed her character, Margaret Williams, off. They made Danny Williams a widower for an entire season. He dated different women until him and Kathy met. The following season they were married. It was more acceptable to the audience. The show had 7 more years to their life with the addition of Marjorie Lord as Danny Thomas second TV wife.

On Good Times James death was played out before our eyes with the family getting the telegram that he was killed in an automobile accident. We saw the family dealing with the aftermath of it after the funeral when they all gathered at the house. With Florida dealing with the initial shock of James being gone with her famous line, "Damn, Damn, Damn" and to this day I get chills when that is acted out and when she breaks down. Classic TV. Good Times was one of the first shows where we see a main character death being played out before our eyes as an audience. We felt that loss as well because we all loved James.

I never compared him to James because he had nothing to do with John amos leaving the show. I think it would be unfair to compare him to James. Carl was entertaining in his own way

Carl (Moses Gunn) didn't have anything at all to do with James (John Amos) leaving the show whatsoever. They were two entirely different characters, in different seasons yet, and I totally agree with the fact that comparing Carl to James is not right or even necessary. As I said, they were two entirely different characters, and they were each enjoyable/entertaining on their own unique levels. :lol:

If you all would please read a little closer to the facts surrounding the GT casting, John Amos left the show b/c of repeated conflicts with how JJ and his character were being portrayed all the time.
He didn't like the fact that JJ Walker was doing a "rendition" of Vaudeville-style buffoonery in the JJ Evans character; John thought that it was real offensive. Especially during a time when blacks were trying to establish themselves as decent figures overall, without unnecessary stereotyping and so forth. John didn't want to be a part of stereotypical buffoonery at all, and so he went his own way. Period.

BTW, what DID happen to Carl Dixon? The only thing I remember of that marriage was when they moved to Arizona (Esther had briefly left the GT show), and the next thing I know is that Florida is back in Chicago.
What happened to the new hubby, eh??? :confused:

Someone tell me, please...thanx :wave:

Carl (Moses Gunn) didn't have anything at all to do with James (John Amos) leaving the show whatsoever. They were two entirely different characters, in different seasons yet, and I totally agree with the fact that comparing Carl to James is not right or even necessary. As I said, they were two entirely different characters, and they were each enjoyable/entertaining on their own unique levels. :lol:

If you all would please read a little closer to the facts surrounding the GT casting, John Amos left the show b/c of repeated conflicts with how JJ and his character were being portrayed all the time.
He didn't like the fact that JJ Walker was doing a "rendition" of Vaudeville-style buffoonery in the JJ Evans character; John thought that it was real offensive. Especially during a time when blacks were trying to establish themselves as decent figures overall, without unnecessary stereotyping and so forth. John didn't want to be a part of stereotypical buffoonery at all, and so he went his own way. Period.

BTW, what DID happen to Carl Dixon? The only thing I remember of that marriage was when they moved to Arizona (Esther had briefly left the GT show), and the next thing I know is that Florida is back in Chicago.
What happened to the new hubby, eh??? :confused:

Someone tell me, please...thanx :wave:

He was written off as if he was never there.

Carl (Moses Gunn) didn't have anything at all to do with James (John Amos) leaving the show whatsoever. They were two entirely different characters, in different seasons yet, and I totally agree with the fact that comparing Carl to James is not right or even necessary. As I said, they were two entirely different characters, and they were each enjoyable/entertaining on their own unique levels. :lol:

If you all would please read a little closer to the facts surrounding the GT casting, John Amos left the show b/c of repeated conflicts with how JJ and his character were being portrayed all the time.
He didn't like the fact that JJ Walker was doing a "rendition" of Vaudeville-style buffoonery in the JJ Evans character; John thought that it was real offensive. Especially during a time when blacks were trying to establish themselves as decent figures overall, without unnecessary stereotyping and so forth. John didn't want to be a part of stereotypical buffoonery at all, and so he went his own way. Period.

BTW, what DID happen to Carl Dixon? The only thing I remember of that marriage was when they moved to Arizona (Esther had briefly left the GT show), and the next thing I know is that Florida is back in Chicago.
What happened to the new hubby, eh??? :confused:

Someone tell me, please...thanx :wave:


That's right Cindy, you have to see Carl as "NOT JAMES REPLACEMENT but as a New Addition to the show. And once you do that, you see him as Carl Dixon not the Guy to replace James

He's in the black hole of TV characters who were forgotten by friends/family along with Chuck Cunningham, Judy Winslow, and Anna Craig (the one-episode wife of Rev. Alden on Little House on the Prairie). I didn't think Carl was THAT bad, but his character was poorly developed and shoehorned into the story. Count me in as another who liked Ben, the gentleman Flo met at the singles bar. I would have loved to see THAT love story instead.

There was ONE reference to Carl in Season 6. Florida was telling Michael, "There's a book on my bag. Carl and I bought it for you." The book was called Quotes From Great Black Leaders (or something like that). That was in Florida's Homecoming Part 2.

That's messed up that he was written off. I don't know what the point was for having him on the show in the first place.

From what little we have to go on, we'll have to assume that Carl succumed to the cancer he was diagnosed as having in a previous season's episode. When Florida mentioned him that one time upon returning to her family, she spoke of him with a meloncholy expression. Carl apparently died in Arizona and after the funeral, she had no reason to remain there.

That said, GT's loyal viewers were owed this explanation by the writers who introduced and got those viewers to care about him in the first place. In addition, Moses Gunn and the character he portrayed were too good to be treated this carelessly.

Mitchell G.

From what little we have to go on, we'll have to assume that Carl succumed to the cancer he was diagnosed as having in a previous season's episode. When Florida mentioned him that one time upon returning to her family, she spoke of him with a meloncholy expression. Carl apparently died in Arizona and after the funeral, she had no reason to remain there.

That said, GT's loyal viewers were owed this explanation by the writers who introduced and got those viewers to care about him in the first place. In addition, Moses Gunn and the character he portrayed were too good to be treated this carelessly.

Mitchell G.


Welcome to the Boards

I always believed that it was revealed what happened to Carl on CBS back in 1978 but not in syndication.

@ Solomon: Do we have any proof? I really want to know if there is something out there? On screen or offscreen? This is of major interest to me. I wondered about this.

@ Solomon: Do we have any proof? I really want to know if there is something out there? On screen or offscreen? This is of major interest to me. I wondered about this.


I will try to ask my mom since she watched every sitcom from the 70's. I started thinking about it more when I read a 1978 Jet from September and it said that

"Florida's new husband will be moved to a veterans hospital near chicago in a upcoming segement"


So that's proof right there LOL

LOL. There you have it, folks!

Yeah, Florida gave Michael a book she and Carl bought and that was the very last reference to Carl. She was always thereafter referred to a 'Mrs. Evans' NEVER 'Mrs. Dixon' and everyone pretended from that point onwards that she'd only been married once to James and no one else thereafter. Curiously, within a few episodes of James' death Willona tried to encourage Florida to date again yet Florida never once hinted at wanting to date anyone again after her return from Arizona. Was it because she was still deeply mourning James or was she unable to due to being stuck in a marriage she no longer wanted to be in but decided that staying in that marriage would keep her from being tempted to try it a 3rd time? :eek:
Also, it seemed they were trying to make Keith a younger version of James who married Thelma. :rolleyes:
Don't feel too bad for Carl. There's talk he cavorted with someone named Hester-Sue on a rival network!:lol:

LOSER Carl?? We are all entitled to our opinions, but Carl was HARDLY a LOSER... (Buffalo butt, Booger Bookman was the loser in my opinion he was OVERWEIGHT,LAZY a player, and on & on) where Carl was a HARD worker, had a somewhat nice body, and so on.... I just happen to like Carl WAAAAY better than Buffalo butt, booger!!;)

LOSER Carl?? We are all entitled to our opinions, but Carl was HARDLY a LOSER... (Buffalo butt, Booger Bookman was the loser in my opinion he was OVERWEIGHT,LAZY a player, and on & on) where Carl was a HARD worker, had a somewhat nice body, and so on.... I just happen to like Carl WAAAAY better than Buffalo butt, booger!!;)

Excellent point, but of course Bookman was intended to fill that role.

He was written off, he never existed in the minds of the character when Florida came back for good.

It must have been some terrible experience for Florida to have blocked it out of her mind so completely.

They definitely tried to make Carl to be James when he used the words, "the militant midget" Only James can say that in my opinion.

Yes, too derivative.

It was explained where Carl was in 1978 on CBS but that was cut out of syndication and not on DVD

I do not think the show ever commented on Florida's new husband Carl after she returned to the cast in the final season ( ON A SIDE NOT, Carl was a really unappealing man, i do not see how she could settle for a dope like him after being with a man as good as James)

but she left with him after she got married, and the next season she was back---- without Carl???

did he run off with a stripper? did he die? was he arrested and sent away to prison??

???????????????????
That's what I was wondering. But he was suppose to be on the show to be the new strong black male since James had left but he didn't catch on that much so he was gone. But they could have at least said why he wasn't on anymore and not just have him go.

That's what I was wondering. But he was suppose to be on the show to be the new strong black male since James had left but he didn't catch on that much so he was gone. But they could have at least said why he wasn't on anymore and not just have him go.


He was at a VA hospital which was not included in syndication. This was only stated on CBS

It was explained where Carl was in 1978 on CBS but that was cut out of syndication and not on DVD

I wonder why they would cut such an important thing as that out of the story?

He was at a VA hospital which was not included in syndication. This was only stated on CBS

That's terrible... the DVD doesn't even reinstate that crucial story point?!?

That's what I was wondering. But he was suppose to be on the show to be the new strong black male since James had left but he didn't catch on that much so he was gone. But they could have at least said why he wasn't on anymore and not just have him go.

Even worse, it seems the original cut did explain Carl's exit, but was cut, and remains cut even on the DVD releases.

That's terrible... the DVD doesn't even reinstate that crucial story point?!?


Not sure why it wouldn't be included for syndication since he was seen all during season 4.

I wonder if its possible that the relevant footage not only got cut but alsodestroyed which is why it didn't get included? Perhaps a home viewer with a bulky proto VCR may have recorded and saved it from the broadcast but the odds aren't all that good.

Esther Rolle was TOO MATURE to be JEALOUS of Jimmy Walker. She just wanted Good Times to be like THE COSBY SHOW. What was wrong with that?????

How could Esther Rolle have wanted GT to be like The Cosby Show?

The Cosby Show didn't debut until 1984, five years after Good Times ended.

How could Esther Rolle have wanted GT to be like The Cosby Show?

The Cosby Show didn't debut until 1984, five years after Good Times ended.

Meaning that she wanted a positive image of blacks like how the cosby show was not the oldest child being a FOOL. None of the huxtable kids was like JJ

Florida left Carl in Arizona to die alone. :lol::lol:

Florida left Carl in Arizona to die alone. :lol::lol:

I actually heard of women doing that in real life. Leaving a man once he gets sick. awful

I might be mistaken, but don't remember Florida ever mentioning Carl's name in the 6th season. Even children didn't ask Florida about him or whatever happen to him.

I might be mistaken, but don't remember Florida ever mentioning Carl's name in the 6th season. Even children didn't ask Florida about him or whatever happen to him.

She mentioned his name when she told Michael her and Carl got him some gift

She mentioned his name when she told Michael her and Carl got him some gift

Thanks for info. It must have slipped right by me. I wished they brought Carl back in the 6th season instead of adding Keith. Carl had much better chemistry with the family than keith.

Thanks for info. It must have slipped right by me. I wished they brought Carl back in the 6th season instead of adding Keith. Carl had much better chemistry with the family than keith.

It was something along the lines of........."me and carl got it for you". I will look for a thread i started years ago asking what was the point of mentioning his name if he was no longer on the show