working out at the Alaska pipeline because he lost his job in Chicago. This was mentioned in a article a month after season 3 ended. I think this would have been better which would have left the door open for a possible return


http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9UtQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WlgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5617,2281118&dq=john+amos+missing+in+good+times+episode&hl=en

I agree. Even if he never appeared on the show again having him alive would have been better than killing him off. For what it's worth at least they killed him off instead of saying he deserted the family and left town or something, that would have been awful.

I agree. Even if he never appeared on the show again having him alive would have been better than killing him off. For what it's worth at least they killed him off instead of saying he deserted the family and left town or something, that would have been awful.


And they could have made reference to him on the phone like they did in the "A Place to Die" episode

And they could have made reference to him on the phone like they did in the "A Place to Die" episode

Yeah, it wouldn't have been hard. When Florida was gone too for season 5 it would have been easier to say she was with him in Alaska.

Yeah, it wouldn't have been hard. When Florida was gone too for season 5 it would have been easier to say she was with him in Alaska.


YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!. LOL I never thought that

working out at the Alaska pipeline

Isn't that what Lamont was doing during the Sanford & Son spinoff, Sanford?

Isn't that what Lamont was doing during the Sanford & Son spinoff, Sanford?


Yup, would have been the ideal explanation for james too

But that kinda wouldn't make sense because James would have had to be gone for 2 years. That wouldn't be realistic for a father to be away from home for 2 years and never come home to visit, and the family is still living in the projects.

But that kinda wouldn't make sense because James would have had to be gone for 2 years. That wouldn't be realistic for a father to be away from home for 2 years and never come home to visit, and the family is still living in the projects.

He signed a two year contract and couldn't get home because of the weather in Alaska at Christmas and Thanksgiving. He sent the money to them. Too expensive for the Evans to visit Alaska.

But that kinda wouldn't make sense because James would have had to be gone for 2 years. That wouldn't be realistic for a father to be away from home for 2 years and never come home to visit, and the family is still living in the projects.


They could have just made reference to him on the phone once a season

They could have just made reference to him on the phone once a season


If that would have happened then you would be making posts like "How can James be gone for 2 years and never come home." I don't know what man would leave his wife and children for 2 years and never visit.

He signed a two year contract and couldn't get home because of the weather in Alaska at Christmas and Thanksgiving. He sent the money to them. Too expensive for the Evans to visit Alaska.

Alaska isn't some far off underdeveloped country :lol: even in the winter months you can fly out. Also with any job you can request time off in any month or any season.

Alaska isn't some far off underdeveloped country :lol: even in the winter months you can fly out. Also with any job you can request time off in any month or any season.

I don't know then-lol

I don't know then-lol

:lol:

James could have called to the house like Chrissy did on TC


And it's possible to have a character on a show without them being seen just ask.....................CARLTON on Rhoda:lol: :lol: :lol:

James could have called to the house like Chrissy did on TC


And it's possible to have a character on a show without them being seen just ask.....................CARLTON on Rhoda:lol: :lol: :lol:

LOL

Chrissy didn't call Jack and Janet for 2 years. Also Carlton was suppose to be this aloof person.

Now you know, having James in Alaska was not going to work. Unless it was said that James and Florida got divorced, and even then I could not see James being away from his children for 2 years and not see them.

LOL

Chrissy didn't call Jack and Janet for 2 years. Also Carlton was suppose to be this aloof person.

Now you know, having James in Alaska was not going to work. Unless it was said that James and Florida got divorced, and even then I could not see James being away from his children for 2 years and not see them.


They could have had him send a letter stating he found out the job will be for 3 years and during that time period have him call the family once or twice a season

They could have had him send a letter stating he found out the job will be for 3 years and during that time period have him call the family once or twice a season

Now you know good and well that if James was going to be gone for 3 years, Florida and the kids would have had to move with him. If James would have been gone all of those years then people would have said that he was an absentee father. It was better that they killed him off seeing that John was not going to return to the show.

Now you know good and well that if James was going to be gone for 3 years, Florida and the kids would have had to move with him. If James would have been gone all of those years then people would have said that he was an absentee father. It was better that they killed him off seeing that John was not going to return to the show.


Maybe a divorce would have been better

What would have been the plans had not John Amos had a conflict with Norman Lear? More of the same--work a job, get laid off, more of JJ's foolishness, etc?
I wonder if Norman planned to have the Evans family see better days as time went on (had not the conflicts with Amos and Rolle taken place).

What would have been the plans had not John Amos had a conflict with Norman Lear? More of the same--work a job, get laid off, more of JJ's foolishness, etc?
I wonder if Norman planned to have the Evans family see better days as time went on (had not the conflicts with Amos and Rolle taken place).


It was clear by the ratings of season 6 that viewers were fed up with the Evans family not showing any progress after being on the air for 5 years. It's like the show went backwards once Esther Rolle returned. The season she wasn't on the show J.J had a nice job and then no longer has a job once Florida returns from Arizona

It was clear by the ratings of season 6 that viewers were fed up with the Evans family not showing any progress after being on the air for 5 years. It's like the show went backwards once Esther Rolle returned. The season she wasn't on the show J.J had a nice job and then no longer has a job once Florida returns from Arizona

I think that like a lot of shows, Good Times had ran it's course and weren't they moving the show around giving it horrible time slots and they took it off for a couple of months?

Florida returns from Arizona
I forget...what was the deal with the Florida/Carl situation when she returned from Arizona. I remember she married Carl, but I never saw him again when she got back to Chicago.

I think that like a lot of shows, Good Times had ran it's course and weren't they moving the show around giving it horrible time slots and they took it off for a couple of months?


They had to move it around because people probably checked out once they thought Thelma was moving out of the ghetto and then see she was going to remain in the ghetto because J.J caused her husband to lose a contract by breaking his leg

I know for a fact that every fan thought that the Evans would have a new life once she got married and not expecting her and Keith to be living in the projects

I forget...what was the deal with the Florida/Carl situation when she returned from Arizona. I remember she married Carl, but I never saw him again when she got back to Chicago.


He was supposed to be in a VA hospital once they came back from Arizona. I read that in a 1978 magazine and not sure if it was mentioned on CBS back then and just not in syndication or DVD

They had to move it around because people probably checked out once they thought Thelma was moving out of the ghetto and then see she was going to remain in the ghetto because J.J caused her husband to lose a contract by breaking his leg

I know for a fact that every fan thought that the Evans would have a new life once she got married and not expecting her and Keith to be living in the projects

You know for a fact? How do you know for a fact? LOL

You know for a fact? How do you know for a fact? LOL


Because the numbers don't lie..............."#84 ranked that season which was the lowest of the series:lol: :lol: :lol:

Because the numbers don't lie..............."#84 ranked that season which was the lowest of the series:lol: :lol: :lol:

That is because it was moved around and then it was taken off for a few months and THEN it was moved to Saturday nights. So with all of that, of course the ratings are going to suck people could not find it.

That is because it was moved around and then it was taken off for a few months and THEN it was moved to Saturday nights. So with all of that, of course the ratings are going to suck people could not find it.


What probably happened was the show lost viewers once Keith broke his leg. Viewers probably got tired of seeing this Family have bad luck and wanted nothing else to do with the show.

What probably happened was the show lost viewers once Keith broke his leg. Viewers probably got tired of seeing this Family have bad luck and wanted nothing else to do with the show.

I believe that is only in your world LOL.

I believe that is only in your world LOL.


Well my mom stopped watching by 1978 because the show had so many changes which was the elimination of the father and mother.

And FYI, the show wasn't moved around at all once the season started in the fall of September. It aired at 8:30pm on Saturday nights from September to December and based on the numbers they decided to put it on hiatus

Well my mom stopped watching by 1978 because the show had so many changes which was the elimination of the father and mother.

And FYI, the show wasn't moved around at all once the season started in the fall of September. It aired at 8:30pm on Saturday nights from September to December and based on the numbers they decided to put it on hiatus

Well my mom stopped watching at the beginning of the 4th season because they killed off James and she said he made the show for her. She couldn't stand J.J, she said that he was too old to act the way he did.

Seasons 4&5 aired on Wednesday nights the 6th season they moved it to Saturday nights at a time when a lot of people are not home. And then it was taken off for a few months and the last episode was shown like in the middle of summer. I can see why it had poor ratings because people did not know when the show was on. Plus a lot of the episodes in the 5th season sucked.

Well my mom stopped watching at the beginning of the 4th season because they killed off James and she said he made the show for her. She couldn't stand J.J, she said that he was too old to act the way he did.

Seasons 4&5 aired on Wednesday nights the 6th season they moved it to Saturday nights at a time when a lot of people are not home. And then it was taken off for a few months and the last episode was shown like in the middle of summer. I can see why it had poor ratings because people did not know when the show was on. Plus a lot of the episodes in the 5th season sucked.


You may have a point because that season no show that aired on Saturday Nights had good ratings

1. Good Times-84 ranked
2.Carter County-78 ranked
3.Apple Pie..below top 30
4. Love Boat-17 ranked
5.Fantasy Island-22 ranked
6. Rhoda-below 30
7.American Girls-below 30
8.Dallas-below 30
9.Chips-25 ranked
10.Sword of Justice-below 30


So looks like Saturday viewing was becoming a thing of the past which is why CBS moved AITF to Sunday Nights.

You may have a point because that season no show that aired on Saturday Nights had good ratings

1. Good Times-84 ranked
2.Carter County-78 ranked
3.Apple Pie..below top 30
4. Love Boat-17 ranked
5.Fantasy Island-22 ranked
6. Rhoda-below 30
7.American Girls-below 30
8.Dallas-below 30
9.Chips-25 ranked
10.Sword of Justice-below 30


So looks like Saturday viewing was becoming a thing of the past which is why CBS moved AITF to Sunday Nights.


Now I can say that in the late 80's to early 90's Friday and Saturday nights were it for me.

Now I can say that in the late 80's to early 90's Friday and Saturday nights were it for me.

Of course because you were 9 to to 12 years old LOL

Of course because you were 9 to to 12 years old LOL

LOL I can't help that. But there were some great shows that came on back in the day. Me and my Grandma were all up in the TV back then lol.

He was supposed to be in a VA hospital once they came back from Arizona. I read that in a 1978 magazine and not sure if it was mentioned on CBS back then and just not in syndication or DVD
It's very strange that Carl's absense was never mentioned on the show after Florida came back from Arizona. You think she'd want to be with her new husband. I never understood that. I think that's when she got the job as a bus driver.

It's very strange that Carl's absense was never mentioned on the show after Florida came back from Arizona. You think she'd want to be with her new husband. I never understood that. I think that's when she got the job as a bus driver.


I wish I could receive this for Christmas,

ALL CBS eps of Good Times with original commercials from season 1 to seaon 6 so I can find out




I would stop dating:lol: :lol: :lol:

I wish I could receive this for Christmas,

ALL CBS eps of Good Times with original commercials from season 1 to seaon 6 so I can find out




I would stop dating:lol: :lol: :lol:
It's a baffling mystery!!! :confused: :lol: :crazy: :confused:

It's very strange that Carl's absense was never mentioned on the show after Florida came back from Arizona.

Actually it was.

When Florida returned in season six, Willona asked how Carl was doing and Florida reassured her he was fine.

He was never referred to again.

Actually it was.

When Florida returned in season six, Willona asked how Carl was doing and Florida reassured her he was fine.

He was never referred to again.


What this something you saw on CBS? Because i don't ever recall willona asking Florida how Carl was doing

What would have been the plans had not John Amos had a conflict with Norman Lear? More of the same--work a job, get laid off, more of JJ's foolishness, etc?
I wonder if Norman planned to have the Evans family see better days as time went on (had not the conflicts with Amos and Rolle taken place).

Probably not. As far as I'm concerned, Lear and the other producers were just too selfish and too greedy to really take any of Amos and Rolle's ideas into consideration. As far as things went, J.J.'s antics brought home the bacon, and they were not about to let morals get in the way of their dollar signs.

Probably not. As far as I'm concerned, the producers were just too selfish and too greedy to really take any of Amos and Rolle's ideas into consideration. As far as things went, J.J.'s antics brought home the bacon, and they were not about to let morals get in the way of their dollar signs.


I wouldn't say that because the season without Rolle and Amos, the show was horrible in the ratings.

I wouldn't say that because the season without Rolle and Amos, the show was horrible in the ratings.

Yes, but I was talking about the seasons with Amos and Rolle. You obviously weren't listening.

Yes, but I was talking about the seasons with Amos and Rolle. You obviously weren't listening.


You said J.J antics brought home the bacon and that's where I;m confused. The show was a hit because of the entire case not because people tuned in to see J.J

You obviously weren't listening
Listening? Or reading?

The show was a hit because of the entire case not because people tuned in to see J.J
Growing up, when I would see "Good Times" merchandise in the stores, the only person whose face appeared on those products was Jimmie Walker's face.

I don't know about anyone else, but I enjoyed the chemistry of the entire cast, but I don't recall seeing the entire cast on merchandise. I could be wrong as it has been so long ago.

What this something you saw on CBS? Because i don't ever recall willona asking Florida how Carl was doing

I saw it in syndication. It's very quick and like I said, Carl is never referred to again in the series.

I saw it in syndication. It's very quick and like I said, Carl is never referred to again in the series.


Well I never seen it, just a quick mention to michael that her and Carl got him a book.

Well I never seen it, just a quick mention to michael that her and Carl got him a book.

Maybe I'm remembering it wrong. It's been a long time since I've seen it.

In any case, it's odd that Florida comes back from Arizona, where she lives with Carl and decides to stay, without there being a scene where she calls to tell him about it. Maybe it happened off camera, but the series ends without us knowing what happened to Carl.

Maybe I'm remembering it wrong. It's been a long time since I've seen it.

In any case, it's odd that Florida comes back from Arizona, where she lives with Carl and decides to stay, without there being a scene where she calls to tell him about it. Maybe it happened off camera, but the series ends without us knowing what happened to Carl.
VERY, VERY SLOPPY WRITING!!!

VERY, VERY SLOPPY WRITING!!!

Actually, and I'm surprised that no one else has brought this up, this was at Esther Rolle's own request as part of many conditions for her to return, as she actually hated Carl because she felt it unrealistic that a woman as strongly religious as Florida would marry someone as atheistic as Carl and she also felt it unrealistic that Florida in general could move on so quickly after James' death.

Actually, and I'm surprised that no one else has brought this up, this was at Esther Rolle's own request as part of many conditions for her to return, as she actually hated Carl because she felt it unrealistic that a woman as strongly religious as Florida would marry someone as atheistic as Carl and she also felt it unrealistic that Florida in general could move on so quickly after James' death.
^^^ All of that should have been addressed in the show instead of marrying Florida and Carl. That was dumb. Florida never should have gotten involved with a man whose principals were so different than hers. I also thought it was out of character for Florida to move on so quickly with another man after James' death. Just stupid, sloppy writing all around. Florida and Carl never should have happened in the first place.

Very messy, writers!

working out at the Alaska pipeline because he lost his job in Chicago. This was mentioned in a article a month after season 3 ended. I think this would have been better which would have left the door open for a possible return


http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9UtQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WlgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5617,2281118&dq=john+amos+missing+in+good+times+episode&hl=en

Unfortunately, however, the producers really did not actually want Amos on the show anymore, in light of how he and Rolle were continually criticizing them over how they were writing J.J. By this point, the producers were just fed up with the two actors constantly calling them out regarding J.J., and they really just wanted to make an example out of both of them so that they'd stop challenging their authority so much.

I agree. Even if he never appeared on the show again having him alive would have been better than killing him off.

I don't know about that. If they had kept the character alive, we wouldn't be left with this classic (and often parodied) moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e08iD26Rj8

This was the original plan for Carl stated in a 1978 Jet

"Florida's new husband will be moved to a Veterans Hospital near Chicago in a upcoming segment"


So this statement along with the pictures of the episode with Florida returning from Arizona leads me to believe that there was some closure to the carl character on CBS. Mainly because the writer of that article had to view the episode to know about the upcoming segment about Carl being moved to a VA hospital

I don't know about that. If they had kept the character alive, we wouldn't be left with this classic (and often parodied) moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e08iD26Rj8

Classic moment? Give me a break. The producers were only doing it to spite Amos for bringing up very valid points about J.J., all because they were just too selfish and too greedy to fully listen to reason.

This was the original plan for Carl stated in a 1978 Jet

"Florida's new husband will be moved to a Veterans Hospital near Chicago in a upcoming segment"


So this statement along with the pictures of the episode with Florida returning from Arizona leads me to believe that there was some closure to the carl character on CBS. Mainly because the writer of that article had to view the episode to know about the upcoming segment about Carl being moved to a VA hospital
All of that information should have been addressed in the episode where Florida comes back from Arizona. A lot of people were left just guessing about Carl. I know I don't remember ever hearing about any VA hospital in any of the episodes. Carl just vanished without a word or a second thought. Very sloppy writing.

I think they didn't want to deal with the issue of Carl's character, so he was glossed over. Apparently, he was still in Arizona, but Florida never talked about him again, never went back to visit...

Looking back, the Carl thing was a bad idea, but probably hastily done because they knew Esther Rolle might leave the show because of salary negotiations.

In the end, nobody won that battle.

[QUOTE=Dr. Thong]I think they didn't want to deal with the issue of Carl's character, so he was glossed over. Apparently, he was still in Arizona, but Florida never talked about him again, never went back to visit...

Looking back, the Carl thing was a bad idea, but probably hastily done because they knew Esther Rolle might leave the show because of salary negotiations.

In the end, nobody won that battle.[/QUOTE


Based on the article Carl was moved from Arizona and was sent to a Illinois Hospital near chicago

Classic moment? Give me a break. The producers were only doing it to spite Amos for bringing up very valid points about J.J., all because they were just too selfish and too greedy to fully listen to reason.

Yes, classic moment. After "Di-no-mite!" that line is probably the most famous of the entire series. That's not to say that what followed was good for the show. Truthfully, after John Amos departed, the show went to the dogs and wasn't worth watching anymore. But still, that Esther Rolle scene and that line is probably more memorable than any.

Listening? Or reading?


Growing up, when I would see "Good Times" merchandise in the stores, the only person whose face appeared on those products was Jimmie Walker's face.

I don't know about anyone else, but I enjoyed the chemistry of the entire cast, but I don't recall seeing the entire cast on merchandise. I could be wrong as it has been so long ago.there were some bubble gum cards issued with cast pics on them

If that would have happened then you would be making posts like "How can James be gone for 2 years and never come home." I don't know what man would leave his wife and children for 2 years and never visit.


:lol: :lol: :lol: I love it!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: I love it!!!


In the Evans case James leaving would be understandable since he was the only income LOL

In the Evans case James leaving would be understandable since he was the only income LOL


But honestly, that does sound like something you'd say. LOL.

Now, I guess I'd be ok with James taking the job on the pipeline. It would open the door for him to come back.

But honestly, that does sound like something you'd say. LOL.

Now, I guess I'd be ok with James taking the job on the pipeline. It would open the door for him to come back.


he should have told Florida, "If you don't want me to go to Alaska then you get a full time job":lol:

it's odd that Florida comes back from Arizona, where she lives with Carl and decides to stay, without there being a scene where she calls to tell him about it.
What I found totally odd was the fact Florida still went by the name, "Mrs. Evans" instead of her new husband's name.

This was the original plan for Carl stated in a 1978 Jet

"Florida's new husband will be moved to a Veterans Hospital near Chicago in a upcoming segment"


So this statement along with the pictures of the episode with Florida returning from Arizona leads me to believe that there was some closure to the carl character on CBS. Mainly because the writer of that article had to view the episode to know about the upcoming segment about Carl being moved to a VA hospital
I don't think the writer actually saw any preview of the episode, he/she may have been told there was some idea for the show and the Carl character, but those sort of things do change. Many people get the scoop on an upcoming season of a show without seeing anything on tape or film. They get their info from insiders such as the actors, writers, or producers, depending on who knows what and what is allowed to be revealed. That sort of thing has happened many times over the years. I have read many things about what may happen on a sitcom or drama's new season, months in advance, only to not have it happen.

Ester complained about the show, along with John, and all that garnered was the death of the father character. I hated that John was killed. It seems Ester still didn't have much pull on the show because she was then paired with Carl, a storyline she did not like.

What I found totally odd was the fact Florida still went by the name, "Mrs. Evans" instead of her new husband's name.


I don't think the writer actually saw any preview of the episode, he/she may have been told there was some idea for the show and the Carl character, but those sort of things do change. Many people get the scoop on an upcoming season of a show without seeing anything on tape or film. They get their info from insiders such as the actors, writers, or producers, depending on who knows what and what is allowed to be revealed. That sort of thing has happened many times over the years. I have read many things about what may happen on a sitcom or drama's new season, months in advance, only to not have it happen.

Ester complained about the show, along with John, and all that garnered was the death of the father character. I hated that John was killed. It seems Ester still didn't have much pull on the show because she was then paired with Carl, a storyline she did not like.



Well it was never stated they were married. All he did was propose at the end of season 4.

Well it was never stated they were married. All he did was propose at the end of season 4.

I thought it was said that Flo and Carl were on their honeymoon and they decided to stay in AZ because it was better for Carl's health.

I thought it was said that Flo and Carl were on their honeymoon and they decided to stay in AZ because it was better for Carl's health.


I have to check but if so I won't watch another ep past season 4 ever again

I thought it was said that Flo and Carl were on their honeymoon and they decided to stay in AZ because it was better for Carl's health.
Florida and Carl DID get married, and they were supposed to be on their honeymoon in Arizona. They had plans on staying there due to Carl's health problems.

The writing team for Good Times really dropped the ball with this storyline when they had Florida return to Chicago with no mention of her new husband. Carl was just forgotten and never to be seen again. I really hate how they ignored the history of the show and hoped that the viewers were too stupid to remember that Carl WAS Florida's new husband!

Shame on the writing team! :mad:

Florida and Carl DID get married, and they were supposed to be on their honeymoon in Arizona. They had plans on staying there due to Carl's health problems.

The writing team for Good Times really dropped the ball with this storyline when they had Florida return to Chicago with no mention of her new husband. Carl was just forgotten and never to be seen again. I really hate how they ignored the history of the show and hoped that the viewers were too stupid to remember that Carl WAS Florida's new husband!

Shame on the writing team! :mad:


Just saw it on youtube that in season 5 J.J refers to her as Mrs. Dixon while she is on her honeymoon and in season 6 she is Mrs Evans and no Carl

So I will never watch those seasons again

Just saw it on youtube that in season 5 J.J refers to her as Mrs. Dixon while she is on her honeymoon and in season 6 she is Mrs Evans and no Carl

So I will never watch those seasons again
^ I don't blame you...shame on those seasons....just super sucky writing. I can't think of any worse, sloppy writing than that.

Just saw it on youtube that in season 5 J.J refers to her as Mrs. Dixon while she is on her honeymoon and in season 6 she is Mrs Evans and no Carl

So I will never watch those seasons again

You'll never watch season 5 or 6 again? Isn't that going too far :lol:

You'll never watch season 5 or 6 again? Isn't that going too far :lol:


Because it's a bunch of inaccurate episodes so why bother.

Because it's a bunch of inaccurate episodes so why bother.

Well I don't like season 4 at all but I still watch it. Don't disregard a whole season because the writers left things out :lol: That happens in just about all sitcoms.

Well I don't like season 4 at all but I still watch it. Don't disregard a whole season because the writers left things out :lol: That happens in just about all sitcoms.


Season 4 is a lot different from the last 2 seasons.

Season 4 is a lot different from the last 2 seasons.

Of course it was a lot different, No Keith, No Penny and Flo was still there.

Of course it was a lot different, No Keith, No Penny and Flo was still there.


And the last season with James references

Well I don't like season 4 at all but I still watch it. Don't disregard a whole season because the writers left things out :lol: That happens in just about all sitcoms.
The Good Times innacuracy with the Florida/Carl situation is the worst oversight of any sitcom in my opinion. The writing just became too sloppy and inconsistent by that point. There was NO explanation for the absense of Carl who MARRIED Florida. Total nonsense! They could have given the viewers some sort of consistancy and explanation. If they even discussed Carl dying out in an Arizona hospital....even that would have been better, but instead they decided to throw feces at the viewers.

The worst sitcom writing ever!

The Good Times innacuracy with the Florida/Carl situation is the worst oversight of any sitcom in my opinion. The writing just became too sloppy and inconsistent by that point. There was NO explanation for the absense of Carl who MARRIED Florida. Total nonsense! They could have given the viewers some sort of consistancy and explanation. If they even discussed Carl dying out in an Arizona hospital....even that would have been better, but instead they decided to throw feces at the viewers.

The worst sitcom writing ever!


That's probably why the ratings took a huge drop in season 6 because they tried to act like the end of season 4 never happened

Wasn't it said that in order for Esther to go back to the show, when she returned she did not want the Carl character mentioned? It was said that she hated the character and she felt that Florida would have never moved on that fast after James died and that Carl was someone who Florida would have never felt for. So that is why she never went by Dixion and he wasn't brought up again after she returned to the show.

Wasn't it said that in order for Esther to go back to the show, when she returned she did not want the Carl character mentioned? It was said that she hated the character and she felt that Florida would have never moved on that fast after James died and that Carl was someone who Florida would have never felt for. So that is why she never went by Dixion and he wasn't brought up again after she returned to the show.
Maybe, but Florida DID marry Carl. It was very neccesary to mention Carl otherwise it is just sloppy writing. You can't ignore something that already happened, pretend it never took place and expect the viewers to just be okay with that. It is just SLOPPY writing and ignores history. The show deserved to be cancelled after that foolishness. Carl's absence should have been explained. Because it wasn't explained, it was a major insult to the viewers!

Maybe, but Florida DID marry Carl. It was very neccesary to mention Carl otherwise it is just sloppy writing. You can't ignore something that already happened, pretend it never took place and expect the viewers to just be okay with that. It is just SLOPPY writing and ignores history. The show deserved to be cancelled after that foolishness. Carl's absence should have been explained. Because it wasn't explained, it was a major insult to the viewers!

I'm not saying that viewers should ignore the fact that Florida married Carl. But in order to have Esther return to the show, they had to write it as if Florida never married Carl. So I can understand why they wrote it the way they did. But I think the writers could have gone by it differently. They should have had either Florida or one of the kids wake up from a dream or something and have it as though they dreamt that Florida married Carl. Heck, they could have had Willona dream that Florida married Carl.

Apparently the reason was Ester didn't like the character or the storyline. So why did she agree to go through with the storyline? Did she have no choice? She surely must have put her foot down, like she did when she had issues with the JJ character. I guess she had no choice or else she would be breaking her contract?

And the thing that is annoying, is Florida was gone for season five with the mention she was on her honeymoon. I guess the producers never thought she would return to the show, but they must have wanted her back real bad if they acted like the Carl character never existed.

Upon Flo's return, didn't she hand a book to Michael and say it was a gift from Carl? Why bother? Her name was not MRS. DIXON...she was called Mrs. Evans!

Was she wearing a wedding ring?

It is as if Good Times had the whole "dream sequence" thing before that tv drama "Dallas" except the powers that be said, "No one will remember Carl if we act like he never existed."

Apparently the reason was Ester didn't like the character or the storyline. So why did she agree to go through with the storyline? Did she have no choice? She surely must have put her foot down, like she did when she had issues with the JJ character. I guess she had no choice or else she would be breaking her contract?

And the thing that is annoying, is Florida was gone for season five with the mention she was on her honeymoon. I guess the producers never thought she would return to the show, but they must have wanted her back real bad if they acted like the Carl character never existed.

Upon Flo's return, didn't she hand a book to Michael and say it was a gift from Carl? Why bother? Her name was not MRS. DIXON...she was called Mrs. Evans!

Was she wearing a wedding ring?

It is as if Good Times had the whole "dream sequence" thing before that tv drama "Dallas" except the powers that be said, "No one will remember Carl if we act like he never existed."


It was Mrs. Dixon in season 5

It was Mrs. Dixon in season 5
I knew that, but I am referring to the fact when she returned for Thelma's wedding, she was being called Mrs. Evans.

I knew that, but I am referring to the fact when she returned for Thelma's wedding, she was being called Mrs. Evans.

That was a big error that they made but since it was for the purpose of getting rid of Carl, I forgave them and enjoyed the show. I understood and forgave the inconsistency.

That was a big error that they made but since it was for the purpose of getting rid of Carl, I forgave them and enjoyed the show. I understood and forgave the inconsistency.
It is a bad error simply because in the same episode, Florida makes a reference to Carl when she hands Michael a book and says, "It's a gift from me and Carl." How can a character exist in the first five minutes of an episode and then be non-existent in the remainder of the episode when Florida is clearly wearing a wedding ring (I just checked youtube) and she is being called Mrs. Evans?

Another inconsistenty is the scene of Willona telling Thelma and Michael about her great wedding and marriage to "Roger the Dodger", right before Mrs. Dixon walks in to surprise her kids. Willona's ex was named Ray, and Thelma was being grabbed by him in an earlier season. The way Willona went on and on talking about her ex, she would have you believe that he never visited and the kids never met him.

I understood and forgave the inconsistency.
Not me! I found it to be a huge insult to the viewers. The writing team figured everyone in TV land was stupid enough to just forget that Florida/Carl ever happened. There needed to be some sort of CLOSURE. Instead, they had us guessing as to what happened to Carl. They should have announced he died or something. That would have been believable. But the foolishness of just IGNORING history was too much of a mess for me. I was completely turned off of Good Times by season five.

Not me! I found it to be a huge insult to the viewers. The writing team figured everyone in TV land was stupid enough to just forget that Florida/Carl ever happened. There needed to be some sort of CLOSURE. Instead, they had us guessing as to what happened to Carl. They should have announced he died or something. That would have been believable. But the foolishness of just IGNORING history was too much of a mess for me. I was completely turned off of Good Times by season five.


I happily overlooked it. It shouldn't have occured to begin with. No wonder Esther Rolle was ready to leave in season four.

Sitcoms and dramas, soap operas and such have been known to make so many errors and forget history, it happens. I just can't get past the fact that Carl was mentioned and then forgotten in the same episode and in the same season.

I remember watching the tv show Dallas and how the writers forgot the Lucy character was sleeping with the ranch hand in the first season. That ranch hand ended up being her half-uncle later on in the series when the writers decided to make some changes. It has been something that a lot of Dallas fans could not get over because it almost bordered on incest.

I happily overlooked it. It shouldn't have occured to begin with. No wonder Esther Rolle was ready to leave in season four.


Well for me now, Good Times only has 4 seasons:lol:

Well for me now, Good Times only has 4 seasons:lol:
Same here.

After season 4, it's THE END!

Well for me now, Good Times only has 4 seasons:lol:

Denial is beneath you, brother and you too, Roger. :lol:

Denial is beneath you, brother and you too, Roger. :lol:

:lol:

:lol:


Well, Brie it is! :lol:

Denial is beneath you, brother and you too, Roger. :lol:
LOL :lol: I deny that seasons 5 and 6 ever existed! Too terrible! :lol:

LOL :lol: I deny that seasons 5 and 6 ever existed! Too terrible! :lol:


:football:

The New Good Times Finale

"NOTHING"


Just a typical day in the windy city:lol:

Sitcoms and dramas, soap operas and such have been known to make so many errors and forget history, it happens. I just can't get past the fact that Carl was mentioned and then forgotten in the same episode and in the same season.

I remember watching the tv show Dallas and how the writers forgot the Lucy character was sleeping with the ranch hand in the first season. That ranch hand ended up being her half-uncle later on in the series when the writers decided to make some changes. It has been something that a lot of Dallas fans could not get over because it almost bordered on incest.

Bordered on incest? It was incest.

But getting back to GT, my guess (and it's only a guess) is that the writers probably did explain what Carl's status was in an early draft of the season six season premiere script, but for some reason, it was scuttled and ultimately rewritten out of the script.

But getting back to GT, my guess (and it's only a guess) is that the writers probably did explain what Carl's status was in an early draft of the season six season premiere script, but for some reason, it was scuttled and ultimately rewritten out of the script.
Exactly...we the viewers can only GUESS what happened to Carl. So the writing team gets a huge FAIL.

When she mentioned to Michael that her and Carl got the book from him that's when Michael was supposed to say

"By the way, where is Carl and how is doing?

When she mentioned to Michael that her and Carl got the book from him that's when Michael was supposed to say

"By the way, where is Carl and how is doing?

Not if he already knew. He could have talked to Florida before she returned home. Plus the writers weren't gonna have Flo talking about Carl in depth especially when he was written out the show.

^ The point is...if Michael would have asked about Carl, then us viewers would KNOW what was happening with Carl. Instead the writers let us just guess.

^ The point is...if Michael would have asked about Carl, then us viewers would KNOW what was happening with Carl. Instead the writers let us just guess.

And my point is that the writers wanted the views to forget about Carl. Everyone in the audience knew that Flo was in AZ with Carl so they had to bring his name up some kinda way when she returned home, and not make a big deal or a conversation out of it. After that episode Carl name was never brought up again and Florida was going by Evans and not Dixon. I think the writers had their hands tied, in order for Esther to come back they had to make it as if Carl never existed, and that is what they did. Also it was the last season, so who really cared about Carl? lol

And my point is that the writers wanted the views to forget about Carl. Everyone in the audience knew that Flo was in AZ with Carl so they had to bring his name up some kinda way when she returned home, and not make a big deal or a conversation out of it. After that episode Carl name was never brought up again and Florida was going by Evans and not Dixon. I think the writers had their hands tied, in order for Esther to come back they had to make it as if Carl never existed, and that is what they did. Also it was the last season, so who really cared about Carl? lol


I forgave the writers on that and understood. I overlooked it.

I care about accuracy. There was no accuracy with the story. Whether you like Carl or not, the writing team still FAILED miserably by not giving us any closure. Why "forget" a character that MARRIED the Evans matriarch? That is just SLOPPY and CARELESS writing. Again, it was a giant insult to the viewers to have us guessing. I'm not saying I cared about Carl. I care that the writers tried to fool us with their inconsistancy.

I care about accuracy. There was no accuracy with the story. Whether you like Carl or not, the writing team still FAILED miserably by not giving us any closure. Why "forget" a character that MARRIED the Evans matriarch? That is just SLOPPY and CARELESS writing. Again, it was a giant insult to the viewers to have us guessing. I'm not saying I cared about Carl. I care that the writers tried to fool us with their inconsistancy.

But GT was never accurate or consistent. There aren't many sitcoms that are and seeing how it was the last season, and everyone knew that it was the last season, Carl wasn't an factor, he was forgettable. And you have to understand that Esther Rolle did not want the Carl character name brought up ever again, and Esther wanted it to be as if Carl never existed in order for her to come back onto the show. So the writers had no other choice. It's not hard to grasp. That is the reason why I said that the writers hands were tied.

Which is why I didn't question it but went with it. LOLOLOL.

Which is why I didn't question it but went with it. LOLOLOL.

:lol: I'm right along with you. It wasn't a big deal to me. I didn't like Carl and was glad that he was gone.

Carl wasn't an factor, he was forgettable.
No, Carl was not forgettable. How could any Good Times fan "forget" that Carl married Florida?

And my point is that the writers wanted the views to forget about Carl. Everyone in the audience knew that Flo was in AZ with Carl so they had to bring his name up some kinda way when she returned home, and not make a big deal or a conversation out of it. After that episode Carl name was never brought up again and Florida was going by Evans and not Dixon. I think the writers had their hands tied, in order for Esther to come back they had to make it as if Carl never existed, and that is what they did. Also it was the last season, so who really cared about Carl? lol


Look like a lot of people cared about him since the ratings fell to #84 that season

Look like a lot of people cared about him since the ratings fell to #84 that season


IMO, that had nothing to with it. You are talking about season five?

Look like a lot of people cared about him since the ratings fell to #84 that season

Didn't we have this discussion before? Why must you keep bringing up past discussions?? :lol: Are you getting oldtimers disease? :lol:

Didn't we have this discussion before? Why must you keep bringing up past discussions?? :lol: Are you getting oldtimers disease? :lol:

:lol: OMG!

IMO, that had nothing to with it. You are talking about season five?

No Season 6, the viewers was looking forward to seeing Carl and Florida

Didn't we have this discussion before? Why must you keep bringing up past discussions?? :lol: Are you getting oldtimers disease? :lol:


I;m reminded you, since you seem to forget:lol: :lol:

No Season 6, the viewers was looking forward to seeing Carl and Florida


Really? You actually remember people clamouring for more Carl at age three? :lol:

No Season 6, the viewers was looking forward to seeing Carl and Florida
That's right...viewers did expect to see Carl again, but instead we were all left guessing about where he was. Only Florida returned alone. That makes NO sense. If there was an explanation like Carl died in Arizona, or they got seperated...but we were left with NOTHING except for lousy writing.

Really? You actually remember people clamouring for more Carl at age three? :lol:

This is a man who forgot that after Florida returned home Carl was never brought up again, and he also forgot that she was Florida Evans and not Dixon.

Now who's having the memory lapses? :lol:

Really? You actually remember people clamouring for more Carl at age three? :lol:


No I;m guessing LOL. I can't ask my mom because she stopped watching it by that time because it was no longer new.

No I;m guessing LOL. I can't ask my mom because she stopped watching it by that time because it was no longer new.

Ok. Now I'm going to borrow a chapter from your book. What proof do you have that people wanted Carl back?

Ok. Now I'm going to borrow a chapter from your book. What proof do you have that people wanted Carl back?


Not saying it as fact, just speculating why people lost interest.

No I;m guessing LOL. I can't ask my mom because she stopped watching it by that time because it was no longer new.
I remember. I was almost 7, and my older brother, mother and father all were expecting Carl and they were all pissed at the lack of story there. None of them even liked Carl. They were just pissed at the writing and the way a major character's new husband was just abandoned with no mention or closure.

Carl is living with Chuck Cunningham on Sitcom Limbo Island.