The acting

[bgppapmp]

I just recently started watching "Good Times" due to the launch of the TVOne Network. As a fan of a lot of these race-based shows from the 1970s ("The Jeffersons", "Sanford and Son", "All in the Family"), I was expecting a show much in the same vein. A show with constant racially charged jokes that really question stereotypes. Instead I was pleasantly suprised by a show that was completely different from this ever-growing norm. It really does focus on more of the social issues of the ghetto and unlike the other shows, "Good Times" had predominately african-american cast members and guest stars. I guess what struck me the most was how good the acting was, especially in a lot of the dramatic scenes. Typically dramatic scenes in a sitcom are rather hokey and overly melodramatic. Here though, everything was dealt with very seriously and the top notch work of Esther Rolle and John Amos really made the show for me. Esther Rolle especially, I was struck by how good of an actress she truly was. I'm not sure what happened to the show in the later years, since I never really knew much about it, but I'd have to say that these early episodes indicate that this was a truly unique show. Very well done, color me suprised.

[Jrnygrl]

Originally posted by bgppapmp
I just recently started watching "Good Times" due to the launch of the TVOne Network. As a fan of a lot of these race-based shows from the 1970s ("The Jeffersons", "Sanford and Son", "All in the Family"), I was expecting a show much in the same vein. A show with constant racially charged jokes that really question stereotypes. Instead I was pleasantly suprised by a show that was completely different from this ever-growing norm. It really does focus on more of the social issues of the ghetto and unlike the other shows, "Good Times" had predominately african-american cast members and guest stars. I guess what struck me the most was how good the acting was, especially in a lot of the dramatic scenes. Typically dramatic scenes in a sitcom are rather hokey and overly melodramatic. Here though, everything was dealt with very seriously and the top notch work of Esther Rolle and John Amos really made the show for me. Esther Rolle especially, I was struck by how good of an actress she truly was. I'm not sure what happened to the show in the later years, since I never really knew much about it, but I'd have to say that these early episodes indicate that this was a truly unique show. Very well done, color me suprised.

The characters in the came from serious acting venues such as stage plays and broadway, all except Jimmy Walker, who if you see him in some of the more serious scenes either always had a joke or looked completely uncomfortable. But your right great acting, issue oriented of the times and story lines.

[Fall Back Doggie]

Thelma and Wilona were horrible actresses IMO...Thelma pronounced every sylable in her words, it sounded like she was reading off a cue card...and willona, goodness, to me, her jokes were stale and she just wasn't as natural as Florida and James...

[TVFactFan]

Originally posted by Fall Back Doggie
Thelma and Wilona were horrible actresses IMO...Thelma pronounced every sylable in her words, it sounded like she was reading off a cue card...and willona, goodness, to me, her jokes were stale and she just wasn't as natural as Florida and James...

They both looked good but not very good actors. i agree

[Fall Back Doggie]

Originally posted by Sitcom Analyzer
They both looked good but not very good actors. i agree

true, I would have given Thelma something awful in the bed, hell, even Willona was attractive, minus her ridiculous wigs...

[ThomasE]

Both Thelma and Wilona were good actresses. Thelma was intelligent. I noticed the pronounication of the syllables as well, but that was apart of her character. Heck, I even do it sometimes myself. She was really good in the episode when Keith slapped her and she was taking that mess from Keith. Wilona had it going on.

[Lady T]

Originally posted by Fall Back Doggie
Thelma and Wilona were horrible actresses IMO...Thelma pronounced every sylable in her words, it sounded like she was reading off a cue card...and willona, goodness, to me, her jokes were stale and she just wasn't as natural as Florida and James...

I disagree about Jan'et DuBois..I thought she was a terrific actress..I loved her character Willona on Good Times and I thought she brought a lot to the show with her somewhat upbeat personality and unconventioanl attire and wigs...She is one of my favorite characters on Good Times...

[marvin g]

I loved Willona she was sexy and sassy and a smart dresser!

[Lady T]

Originally posted by marvin g
I loved Willona she was sexy and sassy and a smart dresser!

Sometimes her wardrobe was the best thing on Good Times

[Cool Black]

I thought everyone was good except Jimmie Walker who did his best. He did the best in comedic improv scenes. I actually thought he was a little more than ok in his "standout episode" where Superstar Simpson tried to commit suicide.
Thelma's overpronunciation was a part of her character. In the episode of Florida's commercial she seemed very ashamed of "ebonics" so I can see her making sure she pro-nounc-ed every-thing. :lol
I'm the most surprised at the chemistry between James and Florida. It was the best black chemistry I've seen since The Huxtables. I can see where veteran actors such as Amos and Rolle might have been upset at Walker, but every show has the standout. Look at Seinfeld's Kramer.

[laneyday]

Every last one of them had chemistry. I have my reserves about jimmie walker though. He started out a comic and forever stayed that way. The rest of the cast were extremely versatile...can make you laugh and cry and think about things on a social and political level.