Good Time - How It Should Have Ended

[@edmciver]

The way she looks at him right before she closes the door....that's love.

[@2000Betelgeuse]

Well those flash baks we’re added by the dude that posted the video on youtube

[@Tonshmar]

Kam Mike We’re (I’m) PETTY 🤣 because I LITERALLY said the same thing as I clicked to see anyone else agreed with my opinion which was, “Naah, that was just great acting. 😌.”

[@cartooning0544]

Yeah "real" black love. Nowadays most females step over good blackmen who still love they women. Cause they want some freeloading bum, a liteskinned guy,or some goofy white guy they can have a mixed kid with.

[@portiamatthews9654]

@@cartooning0544 lol 😁😁 😁

[@MrJay197409]

@Marquis De Sade yeah to bad the rest of the cast didn't say fire him then you fire us all or Esther Rolle since she ended up leaving for a time demand James return or she would not return herself.

[@hotchyldnthecity]

Over 30 years later and that scene can still make a person cry

[@eagleeyeswentz2415]

Facts!

[@Ahlijah100]

Ain't that the truth..

[@DepDawg]

My gut clenches on that first Damn, and I have to look away. It’s so real and powerful. What an amazing actress.

[@maryhlad5277]

Esther Rolle should have gotten an Emmy award for that performance. It’s showed how angry Florida was at James for being killed in that horrible car accident.

[@pamdavis00]

it does me everytime :(

[@kbrandy1556]

James Evans Sr was a real man. HE stayed with his family and he did not cheat on his wife and have children with anyone else. THAT WAS AND IS GOOD TIMES. Everyone TODAY should strive to have a loving family like this were the father is a big part of his children's life.

[@wandasmith3202]

K Brandy He was the way I remember fathers in the 70 's working a blue collar job carrying a lunch box to work ...Showed he was head of the house ...

[@dustyflair]

K brandy, I was so sad when he died on the show. I actually thought he was dead.

[@maryhlad5277]

James was the love of Florida’s life, and when he was killed in the car accident, a part of her died with him.

[@maddoxtolliver]

*he was a **_"real man"_** to his family, because he had a **_"real woman",_** who didn't nag him, or take her past insecurities out on him. she never acted entitled because she **_"gave him kids."_** she never demeaned him when he failed. she consistently reinforced the narrative **_"time after time"_** that he was the best man she knew, and **_ALWAYS_** let him know that she and he **_WERE A TEAM._** see, so called **_"real men"_** are motivated to be so.*

[@maddoxtolliver]

@Joel Johnson *_WRONG._** real men may **_"like"_** real women, but **_neither needs_** the other to exist in their own state of **_"realness."_* _#grownTALK_

[@waynehilson4417]

I know Florida's "Damn, Damn, Damn" has become kinda of a joke over the years but seriously, what a well acted scene. Imagine the real-life devastation of losing your soulmate and Esther Rolle was excellent.

[@kbrandy1556]

MR. Hilson that is a very good point. Black people are our own worst critics. Everyone made fun of Florida saying Damn, damn, damn...but the role she portrayed was a CHRISTIAN woman. She lost her husband of thirty years, THE FATHER OF ALL HER CHILDREN ...even though this was television ,that alone was commendable. How many men and women are with their spouses today... even though this show was a comedy, their love for each other is admirable. The kind of family that stuck together no matter what. It is something to strive for TODAY. Her word choice for this scene was appropriate.

[@joehansell1331]

Esther Rolle was abominable in this series from the beginning, and managed to get worse once John Amos left. Considering the fact that GT is a situation comedy (not a documentary about ghetto life), she might have considered trying to be funny once in a while. (Although obviously not in this scene).

[@Rockhound6165]

Wayne Hilson not hard to see because Esther Rolle could act the phone book. I mean, this scene is over 40 years old and I am now in my 50's and no matter how many times I watch this scene it brings tears to my eyes.

[@sabrinaestrada3590]

Wayne Hilson It's that moment when it finally hits you that someone you love is gone.

[@tresfielder3148]

The feeling of utter devastation, hurt and loss is damn real when you lose your spouse who was THE love of your life. Shit hurts REAL BAD!!! I could literally feel Florida's pain (even though it was acting).

[@Spillers72]

Worst mistake they ever made was killing off James, why didn't they just have him working out of state sending money to the family, at least they would have had the option to bring him back.

[@crazysingingchick]

Jay Spillers I know. James and Florida should have grown old and gray together. 😭

[@davidcabral3805]

Jay Spillers I fully agree

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

Contract wars are nasty things. The network wanted nothing more to do with Mr. Amos. And they wanted a new love interest for Florida. Big mistake ...

[@cartooning0544]

Way better idea.💡

[@cartooning0544]

@@GALLEN-vf7uy The start and end of season 4 was like book ends, I'm surprised it wasn't on the tv tropes page. In episode one of season 4 everybody found out James Sr was killed in a car accident, and Florida loses one husband. In the last episode of season 4 Florida is getting ready to Marry another man which was Carl. See the bookends?

[@KevinETaylor]

The Death of James Evans was SOOOOO traumatic that the teachers had to talk about it and they even had the school counselor available to talk to students. WE WERE WRECKED. As young Black kids in the projects, James a MOUNTAIN OF A MAN and when he died, we were distraught and broken in SO many ways! DAMN. Indeed.

[@buicklincoln]

I remember watching it when the episode first aired and the one where she reads the telegram that he had died. Even watching it second time in reruns, as kid, I hoped some how at the good bye party they had, the telegram never comes and they moved away.

[@lunachickfringe5319]

Yes, piperkitty. The shows that pass as entertainment these days is empty fluff. The sitcoms in the 70s were a different breed because it was a much different time. The family units were still mostly intact, even in the inner cities. It was in the 70s that parents decided they didn't want to do that anymore, and divorce was all the rage. Never judge a situation you've never been in.

[@TheRockSnob1]

Born in 1996. piperkitty is too young to have an opinion.

[@andrewcrawford4635]

Wow, interesting. I can imagine some real conversations came out over it. I had to watch this episode 4 times to get all the significance. First time I watched I was interested in what Florida would say to Thelma and Michael because to me, at the time, I understood their anger and thought their feelings were more realistic than laughing and enjoyment after a funeral.

[@lwmson]

Your school called in the counselor? Uh, excuse me, and with all due respect, I don't believe that. This was, after all, just a TV show. Not real life.

[@doultonhill3158]

Show went downhill after James was killed off.

[@snootzie78]

It became the JJ show after that.

[@kh-sg3rd]

Then JJ took over and ruined it with his lame jokes how many times can you say dynomite or you no what can I say lol

[@trelljohnson9702]

Doulton Hill wasup

[@briscoejr1]

Pretty much what happens to families.... Unless you find a way to keep the family moving forward!!! A Herculean task for a single mother

[@guardianofthebeast1014]

No, the show became the "jj" show before James death which is why John Amos and Esther rolle complained to Norman Lear. John Amos was then fired via phone call from Norman himself after John Amos refused to reconsider and rethink his stance. Family matters had the same issue as good times. The strong structure of the family was put on the back burner in favor of the popular yet immature characters ( jj and urkel). Heck the shows even started the same as spinoffs of a previous show which started with the moms( Florida and Harriet).

[@april2615]

That woman was a phenomenon. God rest her soul . 😔

[@arethawhite3712]

Amen to that my friend 👋 👋, she was awesome in Driving Mrs. Daisy RIP Esther Rolle this is my favorite episode of Good Times, no doubt!!!! And I remember her in "The Serpent and The Rainbow" awesome acting by her she will be missed by all of her fans 😢😢😇😇👼👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Bravo to you Esther Rolle!!! Damn,Damn,Damn!!!!!! My favorite line in this episode of "Good Times" peace out for now my friend 👋 👋✌ ✌. From Aretha White from Bunn NC.

[@LS-hg8dv]

🖤

[@deandremoore8451]

This was a show that true love discipline and grief in good and bad..best clean drama show ever

[@judewilliams7468]

SHE THE ONE DEAD IN REAL LIFE DAM DAM DAM

[@scottdavidson7001]

James died. The show died. Great first 3 years of show.

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

So true

[@antdell8730]

Absolutely, it was never the same.

[@MzYoShow]

Yes, you are right.

[@shannoncane3774]

Soctt)... Good times didn't end after the death of James .... It continued themal. Got married with a foot ball player in the show and lived with them the mom left the show sometime before ... Good times just wasn't the same ... It got bored ...

[@TheTallMan50]

Nonsense. True it was a different show after James was killed off, but Good Times still had the power to make you laugh your ass off which is why it lasted for 3 more years. And that's the whole point of a sitcom...laughter.

[@omgmazin]

once they killed off the father they ruined the show, his role was significant it was pivotal.

[@snoopy64116]

That's probably why they hurried to have Florida remarry, which turned out to be so much of a flop that they had to pretend it never happened!

[@davidcabral3805]

maziin wendhu I agree

[@vanessadorahill292]

@Christopher Carlson it's ok it when down the drain after James went off.And he should have drop through the drain with.the show.

[@trelljohnson9702]

mogul mayz u think so

[@corneilmadison9436]

Exactly but can you imagine James telling a grown jj what to do think about it

[@TheVerbalVolley]

OMG! How could anyone denigrate Esther Rolle's performance in this episode, or any other episode of "Good Times" for that matter. She was one of the greatest actresses of her generation. I will never forget her gut wrenching performance in this particular episode of the television series. The acting world is severely diminished by Esther Rolle's passing. I will always consider her one of the greatest character actresses of her generation. Just watch her in "Driving Miss Daisy:" She never got the credit she deserved for what she contributed to both television and movie screens.

[@jacquezpatterson2609]

Just Watching This Really Makes You Emotional, Its So Hard To Say Goodbye to those we love

[@hotgritz4sho]

That scene was EVERYTHING! It said so much with so little. Your choice of music was spot on for amping up the drama and heartfelt emotions of it all. Well down.

[@cathyshorts2972]

No matter how many times I see this I always cry. Wow! Love the flash back scene it should have been aired this way. Florida and James along with George and Louise will always be the # mom and dad of the seventies

[@vxy357]

Best. Sitcom Scene. Ever. so powerful. I'm a guy who rarely cries, but after watching this clip........

[@holyexperience1976]

Please forgive Scott. Nothing wrong with crying over this.

[@seanjohnson4475]

What's up Lou Gossett jr.

[@seanjohnson4475]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@imim9054]

Naw...JJ getting shot was the tearjerker

[@RobertIsaacJr.]

I was 10yrs young watching this Episode and it taught me a lot about life for real when a Loved Suddenly Passes away 😢I asked my Late Momma about part 2 of Florida's Emotions and said Mom is that Normal?? She said she wanted to Express her Emotions just around the Children that James Left🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ThaKingizEye]

i don't think TV shows will ever be like this again and i remember tearing up at this part too man van dammit R.I.P James Sr.:(

[@daphnehayes5986]

😪Dang i havent cried over that scene in forever. Well this did it!

[@lesliemiros6743]

Daphne Hayes me too it touch for me to watch too.

[@lafonyagray7]

Daphne Hayes .me either

[@libbymills4432]

Ikr?!

[@ninni3848]

Good lawd,,,,I'm crying like it was just yesterday when I saw this. I was so pissesd. They needed their daddy..soul . They just wrote him off. Damn, Damn, Damn,..... I felt it in my soul

[@mikevanriel7573]

Let’s be honest: Good Times was never the same since John Amos left, got fired, whatever.

[@brettcolbert9756]

True.

[@mikelyn1035]

@Mz Thompsun we know he died but not in real life

[@SandyRed881]

Sure wasn't, but they tried though! It was cringe the way they had Micheal kissing that girl at a party too!

[@ursulasmith6402]

The elites tell them what to do next. The agenda was pushed. Divide and conquer. The elites put him in the movie .Roots, another agenda.

[@throwbackwild8969]

@Truth Speaks not so true the woman that played his wife had a damn good career to

[@J.EStokes]

I can't watch this scene without shedding a few tears..

[@KingD-light]

I ball Everytime

[@LuvTadnDixie]

This episode really broke my heart. Seeing her holding in her grief and not wanting to show it to the ones closest to her. So real. Brilliant acting. I was a kid when I saw this episode the first time.

[@sicfrynut]

esther rolle was an excellent actress. 2 great actors for the leads in this series.

[@susansmith4716]

LuvTadnDixie I was a kid too, and it really bothered me when they killed off James. He really helped to make the show.

[@Lonewolf9999-d9r]

I wholeheartedly agree! James Sr. really made the show more interesting and dramatic. The interactions between him and JJ were great.

[@tomfloriot8761]

I don't think she was holding in her grief from my experience's it was shock, your mind is not willing to accept it and it hasn't sunk it yet but when it does like it did when she slams the punch bowl to the floor. Sane thing happen to me when my mom died I was numb and just going through the motion's like in a trance but after the funeral it all became reality and it hurt very much

[@1Butterfly404]

LuvTadnDixie, speak truth to power and get milked off the show. That decision was bigger and far more reaching, than we could have imagined. Norman Lear knew EXACTLY what he was doing. This dates back to our days in bondage! It’s deep, people!

[@beautifulspring7210]

I swear this still makes me tear up when Florida scream damn! damn!! damn!!! this show brought real to tv sets all over the world.

[@kermitjones9531]

It was like james was my father. I grew up without a father. It hurt when he die on the show. Florida was just like my mother. Raised 3 kids on her own. Dont know where i would be without this show. Thank u Jesus

[@moveitsthen-y-s-s-a8202]

🥺❤️

[@destinychaney976]

The original ending made me bawl like a baby! But this one here...made me bawl even more! Great job!

[@martinbirdwell7986]

This one hurts the worst, you feel the pain more

[@Sunsetter678]

I still cry when I watch this! This is her most powerful scene, and she OWNED it! Now, Idk about you, but this makes me want to run to my Husband, give him a BIG hug, and tell him how VERY much I love and appreciate him....I hope you do the same...

[@deandremoore8451]

You do that..cause u never know

[@JamieKkos]

Bravo.. well done. One of the best scenes in the history of television. Still chokes me up every time..

[@milesbeckford9288]

Jamie Kakos I agree As someone who lived in the projects of East NY Brooklyn this series accurately depicted what life is really like as a black family in the hood. I will always love Good Times. Television will NEVER air a series such as this ever again

[@milesbeckford9288]

Loved it

[@lafonyagray7]

Jamie Kakos me to jamie

[@yolandagrady7232]

Florida weeping & crying in this scene in the arms of her children always tugs at my heartstrings. And also, another tearjerker for me is in "Florida's Homecoming" when she opens the apt door saying "I'm home" causing the audience to cheer uncontrollably & Michael & Thelma run to her. In that scene, she, Michael, & Thelma seemed like an authentic mother & kids thrilled to see each other after a long time being apart.

[@dr.heathcliffhuxtable9843]

Good times died after this episode. RIP!

[@over50andfantabulous59]

I am 59 now and grew up in the housing projects. I watched every episode when the show was new. This episode made me cry then and now as an old woman, I cried still. Esther Rolle, you are STILL a queen. Love and miss her still. Thank you David so much for uploading these episodes for all to enjoy. ~Sis Lynn

[@maryammure1723]

James evans was the best character on good times. it sux that he got fired cuz he wasn't a fan of jjs corny jokes how he was acting and yet when John Amos left they made the character of JJ smarter and tone down a bit and dress better. plus he was getting educated. so why fire John Amos for what he wanted JJ to accomplish and do the things that he asked for after. smdh

[@60wwediva]

Thats so true but I don't see whats wrong with that. Storyline wise JJ dressed better, grew up being more mature and got educated cause of James dying. That's life honey. Sometimes in order for you to get right and do everything you should have done or realized you have to lose someone or lose something for it to happen. JJ became the man of the house after James left in the story. JJ has admitted on different occasions that his personality was somewhat of a cover up to stay strong in such tough conditions in the ghetto. JJ admitted during the episode he dies that he didnt know if he cried so much cause he was gone or cause of the fact he would have to truly get it together and grow up faster becoming a man now and being the man in his fathers place. If good times was real life I could see JJ calming down. JJ was just a very bright kid with a bit of a fool's outlook. As long as he had james and flordia to protect him the sky was the limit but once james was gone he was snapped into the reality that nobody could bring him to when times were "good". The show would not have been what it was if JJ was the regular version of himself form the start, it'd be like any old show. Although JJ character was too much I loved his character. He was bright and I feel people can't stand or even try to understand how someone can be so happy and flamboyant. People dont truly want to see others be themselves or be different. He had a unique personality that no other character had. JJ growing up and becoming more chill is character development, it's no the producers going shit let's make him be normal now or lets give Amos what he wants.

[@maryammure1723]

60wwediva James evans best character on TV well one of the best characters I also loved desi arnaz as Ricky Ricardo as well. I'm a young in but I love old shows like I love Lucy and good times

[@bettywilliams8651]

right on

[@vantrelllewis943]

That true

[@rodney1279TheFlip]

maryam mure True.

[@patrickclose3960]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏to the world... Remember.. LOVE. Respect.. And LIFE.... Thanks Goodtimes.. Flashbacks. Of ME growing up..🎬

[@truevirgo2098]

Man for a 6'4" dude, i balled like a woman...Dam, Dam, Dam!

[@kerrajohnson3203]

*bawled

[@cdw440]

Lol

[@lwmson]

I'm 6'1 and I laughed like a hyena.

[@truevirgo2098]

@@kerrajohnson3203 I don't need a spelling lesson. It's a typo I chose to leave exactly as it is..DAM..DAM..DAM!

[@kimberlyt4361]

I'm sitting here crying like a baby. This was beautiful done. I love the flashback of James. What great actors.

[@edkeaton1085]

This ending of "The Big Move- Part 2" was extremely tough for a lot of people to watch with Florida finally realizing that the love of her life and the father of her children has suddenly died. It was a powerful and emotional scene that was acted with conviction by the great Esther Rolle. Her sadness and grief was masked throughout that entire episode and was built up to that point where her strong love for James over the years has become a sad and sudden reality now that he's gone. I experienced this myself when I had lost my mom when I was eight years old, which makes this ending almost unbearable for me to watch everytime I see it.

[@louisprescott5399]

Wow.....just like that....though just a sitcom it was a great reflection of life for black people especially during the time it was aired it's happening all around us,my the God of all comfort comfort our hearts as we in reality suffer loss,comfort one another,God bless you all

[@eugenemotes9921]

FOR GOODNESS SAKE PEOPLE! IT'S JUST A DAMN TV SHOW, GET OVER THE THEATRICS. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tekashikuti9692]

@@eugenemotes9921 Spoken like a bitter, attention-seeking rat.

[@tomfoley6718]

I lost my mom when I was 12 and this was the first sad scene I saw on a sitcom I had tears in my eyes

[@tomfoley6718]

I lost my mom when I was 12 and this was the first sad scene I saw l had tears in my eyes blew me away

[@reneerenee7564]

I loved this show. I met Esther Rolle once at a convention in Atlanta. She was Very nice and down to earth.

[@lakishaogletree6470]

Her acting in this scene was mind blowing, after all these years she still evokes emotions

[@ronaldgranville9760]

I AM A GROWN MAN. EVERY TIME I WATCH THIS SCENE I START TO CRY?????? DAGGGGONE MAN. DAGGGUMMMMITAHHH!!?!?

[@Michaelahol]

That was touching and sad at the same time. I don't know if people remember the storyline of this episode. James received a better paying job in Mississippi. and he was supposed to send for his family, unfortunately he died in the accident. Florida was trying to be strong for her family but she couldn't hold on anymore. James and Florida'd love was strong.

[@hotgritz4sho]

I was so mad when they killed James off. It was Esther Rolle who fought for Florida for her children to have a strong, on screen father. If Norman had just considered less clownish antics from J.J. and more real story telling about this family we could have been spared loosing the rock of the show. No one could replace John Amos as James. Ironically years later Lear gave Amos another lead role in a quasi spin-off of “All in The Family,” where he actually LIVED in Archie Bunker’s old house in Queens but it didn’t work. No one was really interested in that.

[@sexygirl7949]

When James died, that's when the show went to go downhill.

[@TheRenard10]

The show went unsalted when James (John Amos) left the series. Sorry it had to b like this, Florida.

[@loveyu2778]

+SexyGirl79 > But we still watched.. It was the only family of color that was on Tv

[@bettywilliams8651]

you better know it.

[@sheilasmith9646]

If u didn't know this was a tv show, you was think it was a real life family grieving. Phenomenal acting by the late Ms. Ester Rolle!!❤💛💝😍😍

[@jolietdave3750]

This episode aired almost a year to the day after we lost my Dad so it resonated hard with my Mom and I.

[@audreydoy4878]

How well I recall those words Damn, damn, damn. Sometimes we all have to cry, it's alright. Hold on, pray, you'll make it. Keep holding on. God will not let you fall, when you believe in him. Yes, I know this is only tv but tv shows hints of reality. Let the Church Say, Amen. God Bless us All.

[@sanr6816]

Amen indeed.....very encouraging words

[@laenav]

It was like someone you knew died.

[@rioboy13]

for real!

[@lafonyagray8031]

Remind. Me of my father when he died n my mother had to get a job to take over the house hold this brought tears to my eyes I miss my daddy so much my mother never remarrying she said she didn't won't to now I'm loosing her because she have all timers

[@waynehoxit752]

I felt bad for Florida

[@elliejackson597]

This really got me. My dad passed a year ago and the thing my mom says all the time is that she misses my dad winking at her. Awwww😭

[@mikex3578]

Both versions are good and I had never even seen this one. Thanks for posting!

[@leelee185]

We love you ester thank you so much for being a fantastic actress and entertaining us Rest In Peace

[@ChihuahuaboyDH]

This is how Part 2 of "The Big Move" should have ended. At the tail end, Esther Rolle might as well have said: "DAMN, DAMN, DAMN YOU NORMAN LEAR!!!". At this point of the series, "Good Times" had jumped the shark. R.I.P., Esther Rolle, Helen Martin, Ben Powers & James Evans, Sr..

[@antoinec822]

ChihuahuaboyDH James Evans Sr. (John Amos) is still alive today.

[@ChihuahuaboyDH]

I know Mr. Amos is still with us. I was referring to the fact that in my comment above that Norman Lear was foolish in letting John Amos go from the "Good Times" cast, & for killing off Amos's character. :-(

[@ChihuahuaboyDH]

I also said in my comments above "R.I.P., James Evans, Sr" NOT R.I.P., John Amos. :-O

[@antoinec822]

Ok

[@neondeon9949]

Maaaan James ain't dead!

[@carmenrenee5146]

Why am I tearing up like a damn fool. Done seen good times over and over and over again...I think it was the music 😂

[@lastone1759]

Good times was a show that showed how a strong black and caucasian fathers were back then. They loved their wives and kept their children in line and were very hard workers too. When that kind of pillar is removed from a family it can be devastating to both the wife and children . I've seen it happen too many times. This scene was so powerful and very true. They should've never taken John Amos off the show. God bless ESTHER Rolle and John Amos and thank you for the GOOD TIMES!!!

[@lucindniagalloway6935]

Yeah but,whites wasn't forced out if the homes like Black's were,Caucasian race can Benin government assistant and still not kick the white male out of the home.

[@dannyroybol225]

I remember this one in 77 it made me cry ,when I was a senior in high school.It hit too hard after James died This one was terribly sad to lose your DAD

[@darthrj826]

A powerful scene. When the reality hits you.that a loved one is really gone.you can be strong for so long.the Holidays are depressing.

[@ellenrichardson8701]

I remember this. Was very sad to watch. A real tearjerker. James was a cool guy!

[@tsktac]

Why in the hell did U add James' flashbacks in there?! Had me upset even more!😂

[@lhuntley4577]

All that pain, anger, sadness, grief, devastation and fear in three words. Esther Rolle was beyond amazing.

[@kapovellithapimp9722]

2019 an I strive to be a father like the character JAMES EVANS

[@lyndelljones5483]

The look on Willona's face when she tries to hug Florida when she jokes about the hams... Sad and priceless.

[@antoinecasey1573]

I've seen this scene time after time since the 70's......, & it still puts tears in my eyes everytime. Damn Damn Damn !!!!!

[@LovelyOnyx100]

OMG...40 years later and I can't handle this scene. This video was put together very well. I cried just like I did as a teen watching it for the first time. Someone mentioned that Florida's "Damn, Damn, Damn" scene was mocked and made into a running joke over the years, but for ME it was never funny or ever meant to be. THAT SCENE is one of the most powerful scenes in TV sitcom history. Esther Rolle was a powerhouse and a great talent. I miss her. She was one of my favorite actresses. I also agree that after killing off James, the show struggled to regain some balance, but his role was paramount and there was always a void in later episodes. I'm so glad to have the entire DVD collection in my library. Classic. Priceless...

[@sheilamccullough2616]

I remember this episode Florida say dam dam dam I still cry:-(:'(

[@DJRitty]

I've never seen this before...jesus, I don't think I can watch it... Best tv dad ever. Those with GREAT fathers know how good a man James Evans was. No wonder the final episode just 'ends'. It's always been silly to me...this is much BETTER. Why has this never aired? Brutal. THANKS ALOT FOR POSTING THIS.

[@shaynation2634]

Lawd my heart still drops every time I see this episode

[@testedtried1233]

Yeah still makes me cry. What a group of actors.

[@laminage]

It also reminds me of Miss Ellie when the Entire Family is at Dinner including Sue Ellen who is Divorced from JR. She looks across and sees Jock is not there and she runs into the kitchen and breaks down. Looking back she should have won an Emmy for this performance.

[@crazysingingchick]

laminage I remember that, too! So sad!!

[@laminage]

Oh you are so right on, but it showed that despite their backgrounds, they both loved their Husbands very much.

[@lucindniagalloway6935]

@Bernett Dews Amen;!

[@andrewjwheelerjr275]

this tears me up love this tv show in the days from the good old days we all miss so very much rip ester rolle the Queen of good times that's sister ester rolle 😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.

[@channelli4957]

James rest in peace 🕊🕊🕊

[@jessearmstead2237]

I knew I would shed a tear before I watched this and I’m proud to say I shed more than one.This was a reflection of mine and probably many here. No one should say they lack or are destitute if they have love of and for family. Love so outweighs the supposed shortcomings of not having. I’m wealthy, hope others can see that too.

[@happydadeury]

The most game changing real-life episode ever shown over the Television

[@dangelarocks7506]

As a kid growing up ...remembering this episode...I didn't really understand the loss of a father to a family...until 3 years ago when my father died....Now I understand Florida delayed reaction...because it was days after my father's funeral...that I finally broke down and said..Damn..the pain just hit me all at once.

[@horizontoday7874]

“They" weren't going to rest until they had Esther Rolle portrayed as a single mother. Norman Lear was destined to have it happen dating back to the sitcom’s premier. When the show first aired in '74, Lear wanted Rolle to be a single parent but she refused. So, he devised a plan to finally get what he wanted. To him, black children should be fatherless and he made it happen one way or another even if it did take him 2 years to get it done.

[@zz7007]

K Moore Amen

[@everett552]

That's why I don't watch any honorary shows about him...His talent for TV shows during those times has nothing to do with it

[@djleslie777]

People still assume black children are fathers or black women are single mothers

[@septiawoman2911]

Exactly. Rather than depict a BLACK family in a positive light, Lear chose to set the scenes in a poverty-stricken environment. I saw this from the onset and as I grew older, critiqued shows more often.

[@MicahD-i7q]

I love 💕 Good Times and it’s is my favorite tv show ever and Esther Rolls about to cussed Damn Damn Damn.

[@newdeep6086]

One of the most HEART BREAKING scenes in the history of television

[@davidcabral3805]

New Deep correct!!

[@atanasiosmith6408]

I don't care how many times i watch that episode, it still hurts to see Florida finally come to the realization that James died. But it shows that in the time of grief, it's good to have that support system called family. A very powerful performance by the great late Esther Rolle!!! 😢😢😢

[@DaPhilthyDog]

One of the most unforgettable moments in tv history!!!

[@robertfullerjr802]

After all these years this still hurts a big strong brotha like me....peace everybody ✌

[@dennishardy3869]

Yeah producers seem to think they know everything in making great comedy. They don't think they have to listen to anyone. Yes cutting John Amos really was a mistake. JJ's Dynomite was good sometimes but they allowed it too much.

[@msrain1235]

Dennis Hardy, what they allowed too much is when Thelma and Jj insulted each other. I was like you all are adults and need to start acting like it. Also the put downs to Bookman got old too. At least they did to me.

[@yagirlbrooklyn5144]

MsRain123 I see where you are on the bookman thing but Jj and Thelma were brother and sister and they were bringing brother and to portray them being brother and sister ofc they were going to insult each other all the times that's just siblings and as for dynamite thats his catchphrases and he uses it for right moments

[@msrain1235]

Brooklyn Nichols, after a certain age that should stop. They were grown adults not juveniles. When the show first started it was funny, but as it went on like the 5th and 6th season, it wasn't that funny to me. A lot of shows don't show siblings getting along. Which is weird because a lot of siblings are each other's best friends.

[@mkl62]

That's what John Amos got fed up with. Too many of the storylines revolved around JJ. Even Esther Rolle got fed up with him because too many kids looked up to him as an idol. She said that standing on the corner, clapping your hands and shouting DYNOMITE! would not make you rich. I personally feel that what really did it was the talking JJ doll that came out Christmas 1975. Anybody remember that?

[@NubianP6]

I *hate* that they let John Amos go in favor of continuing J.J.’s buffoonery! And then after James’ death, the writers didn’t know WHAT to do with Florida’s character. Y’all know good and well Florida Evans would *never* have married a cigar-smoking atheist, and then left her kids in the projects while she moved all the way to Arizona! 🙄

[@crystalkuvinka215]

No matter how many times I've seen this episode it always me cry.

[@Shy411]

Dang ole onions!!! All in my eye!!

[@vidhead85]

Yes! This it's perfect. Definitely sets the atmosphere a little better

[@SheilaRamseySoprano]

This scene still hurts after all these years, ... and even more so now it hits home after I just lost my father. 😢

[@thebaxman4459]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your father and I pray the Good Lord will comfort you. 🤗🙏

[@msnat61]

Thanks for sharing this unaired ending...when James died the show died too...they had a wonderful love of which the flashback of her memory said it all. ❤️ I just read this was a “created” ending but it’s still beautiful.

[@Shelikewoah]

yo man i dont usually cry but.....

[@the7legacy287]

YEAH!! I Don't Cry Either But, Every T.V. Show No Matter How Good It Was Will End. Good Times Had A Very Good Run 5 Or 6 Years. Some T.V. Shows Don't Last 1 Month.

[@altheaharris]

I know I felt the same way. The show was never the same without James.

[@vantrelllewis943]

It was six I know because I have all six season of good time on DVD

[@scenicbutterfly1537]

Vantrell Lewis I do too!

[@AvoidsPikes-]

Wow, I had a tear too. I thought that it was just me.

[@janelle505able]

This is beautiful. I didn't expect to cry like I just did.

[@tammyshaw9248]

That scene gets me everytime.it tugs your heartstrings.you feel what floridais feeling

[@kellyg8086]

Tears. Again. The flashbacks should've been included. THANK YOU for the memory

[@royaltee72]

This scene was always so deep to me. I never knew that one day I'd actually FEEL this scene right to my soul one day. R. I. P. to the love of my life, my dear husband. 💜😢

[@royaltee72]

@Richard Almeida Wow, thank you! That's very thoughtful. 😊 I'm doing better now. Gone, but never forgotten.

[@royaltee72]

@Richard Almeida I'm really sorry for your loss. It's so hard sometimes but we get through each day. 🥺 Sending lots of light and happiness, lots of joy and peace your way! 💫

[@318638pmful]

I wish they would have aired this whole scene. It was touching on Good Times. This reminds me of when my grandfather passed away and I can imagine breaking down in tears like Florida Evans.

[@jrewing73]

Is it proper for a 45 year old man to cry at a scene? It makes me think about losing my daddy when he had a heart attack and I was performing CPR on him. My mother was devastated and I was messed up for years after that. Florida couldn't have said it any better..."Damn, Damn, DAMN!" Rest in peace to my daddy and Ms. Esther Rolle.

[@nakitapalmer656]

jrewing73 I definitely understand this episode now. My daddy passed 6months ago and it's the worst feelng the world. I'm 43 yrs old and that man dotted on me like I was still 5yrs old. I miss him so much. This scene that sticks with you emotionally. 😔😢

[@holyexperience1976]

@@nakitapalmer656 I'm 43 this year! So sorry for you!

[@holyexperience1976]

You're not wrong at all!

[@belovedwoman3398]

I'm so very sorry about your dad. Losing a father is devastating in the best of circumstances. 💔

[@internationallyknown1962]

Man a very powerful moment.! I first saw this in the 90s because we really didn’t watch tv much for many reasons I can still remember going to school saying James died off good times

[@vanessajones7087]

This brings tears to my eyes.If u have a strong daddy n your life you're are really blessed especially black males.The show went down hill when James character got killed off.Love this show esp wilonia and her pretty smile.

[@joshuaparham88]

I've been binge watching this GREAT SHOW and the older i get..the more i realize how great it really was!!

[@cleocatra871]

Still makes me cry

[@iveywebb]

Ok even though I've seen the original so many times, THIS unaired version still made me cry

[@keonta81]

Its not unaired its fan made

[@cassandramccool2814]

This was the saddest part of this show! Always bring tears to my eyes

[@chriskeller8734]

This ending is so sad and so emotional... Florida was strong enough to hide her pain and sadness, then suddenly realized that the love of her life was gone which eventually brought many tears... That "damn damn damn" line meant so much and was so convincing. Esther Rolle was such a good actress... She'll be missed forever.

[@tarrylrosier8443]

Esther Rolle was a GREAT actress!

[@SpiritualAlkemist888]

That was a touching episode... TV executives wanted Florida Evans to be a single mother raising 3 kids.. Esther Rolle fought against it, and John Amos character was created.. Looks like the TV executives still ended up getting what they wanted in the end...

[@waynehoxit5566]

It felt different without James Evans on good times and it was not the same without him

[@bryantrodgers8712]

Good Times showed love that transcends to this very day.....