I just wanted to know..who here likes the earlier episodes(1st-3rd seasons) compared with the rest of the show(seasons 4-6)? Like do you prefer the earlier episodes or later episodes?
I, for one, like the earlier ones better because it was so fresh and alive at the time. I mean, not to say the later episodes weren't good(they were), I just always liked the earlier days more.

I agree. The early episodes (esp. Season 1) were edgier and I liked the fights between Fred and Lamont. Season 2 is probably the best in the entire series IMO. ALOT of classic episodes. After season 3 the episodes go downhill, but with Redd Foxx, even the worst episodes were enjoyable.

I enjoyed both really, by seasons 4-6 you could see how their characters had grown.

I like all the episodes of Sanford and Son

I like every episode, Its the reason i bought every season on DVD.

The earlier ones are a scream- I haven't seen most of the series in many years, but I have the DVDs for years 1, 2 and 6 and year 6 is the worst- The early shows based on Steptoe and Son scripts and the writing of people like Richard Pryor and Paul Mooney are really good as they had solid storylines coupled with Redd Foxx's natural talent and enthusiam. Lamont was more flawed in the beginning and in some ways just as funny as Fred - there was more of a balance and the show was not that far removed from being a tragedy/drama the acting was that good. All of those Norman Lear classics have that element to them- the situations in those characters lives were such that if not the outrageous humor you'd be crying about Fred and Lamont's pathetic situation.

In the later shows I've seen it was more like a live action cartoon- tuning in to see what outrageous thing Fred was going to do or say next, but without the dramatic foundation. Still watchable, but you can tell that the performers weren't really into it anymore.

When that show first started it became a big ratings hit immediately because it was the first show since Amos and Andy to really show blacks operating in an all-black environment and Redd Foxx was so talented that he could have anyone on the floor laughing regardless of their race, age or background. The show was specific yet also had mass appeal at the same time and I think that the actors and the producers and writers were psyched to be doing something groundbreaking and exciting. By the last year they were just cashing in their checks and in some cases doing drugs.

The earlier ones are a scream- I haven't seen most of the series in many years, but I have the DVDs for years 1, 2 and 6 and year 6 is the worst- The early shows based on Steptoe and Son scripts and the writing of people like Richard Pryor and Paul Mooney are really good as they had solid storylines coupled with Redd Foxx's natural talent and enthusiam. Lamont was more flawed in the beginning and in some ways just as funny as Fred - there was more of a balance and the show was not that far removed from being a tragedy/drama the acting was that good. All of those Norman Lear classics have that element to them- the situations in those characters lives were such that if not the outrageous humor you'd be crying about Fred and Lamont's pathetic situation.

In the later shows I've seen it was more like a live action cartoon- tuning in to see what outrageous thing Fred was going to do or say next, but without the dramatic foundation. Still watchable, but you can tell that the performers weren't really into it anymore.

When that show first started it became a big ratings hit immediately because it was the first show since Amos and Andy to really show blacks operating in an all-black environment and Redd Foxx was so talented that he could have anyone on the floor laughing regardless of their race, age or background. The show was specific yet also had mass appeal at the same time and I think that the actors and the producers and writers were psyched to be doing something groundbreaking and exciting. By the last year they were just cashing in their checks and in some cases doing drugs.

VERY well said.

I like the first episodes the best. I'm especially interested in the first 3 episodes in particular. In the first 3 there is mention of Reverend Trimble, I have been trying to find out where that name came from, as that is my last name. Around the time the shows where being filmed my Uncle worked at a restaurant that Redd Foxx frequented. I'm hoping there might be a connection there, if anyone can help me find out. I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks