In the earlier seasons of Goodtimes, it seem the family always struggling financially with James not making enough money support his family. I was thinking the show is intentionally try to keep James from better himself financially and keep him at low poverty level.

In the real world, James probably could have done much better job wise and being a better bread winner. As a veteran with muscular build and dominating personality, he probably could have landed a better job with security related jobs such as police officer, paroling officer, Fire fighter or other government security jobs. Or even construction.

But the show had him as a high school drop out and going from one low paying job to another such a dish washer to car washer and window cleaner, and always struggling financially.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/10/b6/04/10b6044c6cafa709757768c7b11b9b29.jpg

There was a recession in 1974. The economy was not great especially for inner city people. I think it was realistic to see the family struggle in the projects. I think James was a terrific TV dad who always looked after his family no matter what. If he needed money for rent, he would go shoot pool and win money. He even started fixing appliances for people to help pay the rent. Never too proud. There were never any rent parties for the Evans. The struggle was real and that is what made him better IMHO.

Yes, James was a terrific TV dad, but he surely did have quite a temper.

In the real world, James probably could have done much better job wise and being a better bread winner. As a veteran with muscular build and dominating personality, he probably could have landed a better job with security related jobs such as police officer, paroling officer, Fire fighter or other government security jobs. Or even construction.

If he had finished out the series, maybe there would have been scripts where he did go on to some of those better jobs.

There was a recession in 1974. The economy was not great especially for inner city people. I think it was realistic to see the family struggle in the projects. I think James was a terrific TV dad who always looked after his family no matter what. If he needed money for rent, he would go shoot pool and win money. He even started fixing appliances for people to help pay the rent. Never too proud. There were never any rent parties for the Evans. The struggle was real and that is what made him better IMHO.

There was no denying that James was pretty good dad and cared for his family. But the show had bad habit of setting up of scenarios where he would apply for a good job and family get exited, and it was sure a bet that he would not get the job at the end. At least it happened four times that I can remember.

If he had finished out the series, maybe there would have been scripts where he did go on to some of those better jobs.

Florida did find a better job as a school bus driver with help of Alderman Davis in the 6th season, so show probably would done the same thing with James character.

There was no denying that James was pretty good dad and cared for his family. But the show had bad habit of setting up of scenarios where he would apply for a good job and family get exited, and it was sure a bet that he would not get the job at the end. At least it happened four times that I can remember.
That was purposely done to show the struggles of a hard working family man looking for his big break. Look at Roseanne. She had at least 5 jobs in the first few seasons. She worked at the plastic factory, then the beauty shop, the fast food place, applied at the meat packing place, and then a waitress. I think the story of James looking for stable, good work was realistic. His persistence was what made him a great father figure. He was always looking for opportunities big or small. He did not just sit back and complain. He had a family to take care of.

That was purposely done to show the struggles of a hard working family man looking for his big break.

The first two seasons of the show had many episodes that showed family struggling financially and James looking to find a better job. But in the 3th seasons it looks like family finances was improving and even showed in one episode that Florida was working (where she went to lunch with her boss). And JJ working too as fast food chicken delivery. So we can only imagine what was in store for the family in the next season if they hadn't cut out the James character.

Makes u wonder why did they even get married and have more than one since james was not financially stable

Makes u wonder why did they even get married and have more than one since james was not financially stable
The show came on the air during the recession of 1974. Lots of people were unemployed and had better jobs in years earlier.

The show came on the air during the recession of 1974. Lots of people were unemployed and had better jobs in years earlier.

speaking about the characters. one would ask if they was already poor why did they have more kids after JJ? Why didnt florida get her tubes tied?

Makes u wonder why did they even get married and have more than one since james was not financially stable

If they didn't get married, JJ would have been born out of wedlock. In one episode it was mentioned that Florida was pregnant before they got married.