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Good Times
S1.E8
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IMDbPro

Junior the Senior

  • Episode aired Mar 29, 1974
  • TV-PG
  • 26m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
106
YOUR RATING
John Amos, Esther Rolle, and Jimmie 'JJ' Walker in Good Times (1974)
Comedy

It looks like J.J. will be held back a grade.It looks like J.J. will be held back a grade.It looks like J.J. will be held back a grade.

  • Director
    • Herbert Kenwith
  • Writers
    • Eric Monte
    • Mike Evans
    • Norman Lear
  • Stars
    • Esther Rolle
    • John Amos
    • Ja'net DuBois
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    106
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Herbert Kenwith
    • Writers
      • Eric Monte
      • Mike Evans
      • Norman Lear
    • Stars
      • Esther Rolle
      • John Amos
      • Ja'net DuBois
    • 1User review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Top cast7

    Edit
    Esther Rolle
    Esther Rolle
    • Florida Evans
    John Amos
    John Amos
    • James Evans, Sr.
    Ja'net DuBois
    Ja'net DuBois
    • Willona Woods
    • (as Ja'net Du Bois)
    Ralph Carter
    Ralph Carter
    • Michael Evans
    Jimmie 'JJ' Walker
    Jimmie 'JJ' Walker
    • James 'J.J.' Evans, Jr.
    • (as Jimmie Walker)
    BernNadette Stanis
    BernNadette Stanis
    • Thelma Evans
    Frank Campanella
    Frank Campanella
    • Mr. Kirkman
    • Director
      • Herbert Kenwith
    • Writers
      • Eric Monte
      • Mike Evans
      • Norman Lear
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1

    7.4106
    1
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    Featured reviews

    7kevinolzak

    Grading the system

    "Junior the Senior" finds the Evans children awaiting report card day, their parents anxious to see them advance to next term. As expected, Thelma and Michael are the acknowledged geniuses, while JJ remains a question mark, unquestionably an 'A' student in art but not much else. His long face has everyone convinced that the 11th grade will continue for another year, only to show a solid 'C' average. Delving deeper however, JJ's answers to his parents' questions only reveal an 'F' mentality. Principal Kirkman (Frank Campanella) explains how the system works, that in passing a certain percentage of students to meet their quota, they earn their percentage of the financial pie. Apparently, things haven't changed much in the 40-plus years since this episode.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      In the next episode "The Visitor" Thelma is wearing the same exact clothes as in this episode towards the end. (Same yellow shirt and jeans w/color patterns)
    • Goofs
      While the closing credits listed Frank Campanella's character as Mr. "Kirkwood", the name on his office door was Principal "Kirkman".
    • Quotes

      Mr. Kirkman: James it's up to you now. If you want to move along in the senior year with your classmates, our school is right behind you.

      James Evans, Sr.: Now they're just pushing you though here. Them grades you got, you didn't deserve them, Junior. They just gave them to you to get rid of you.

      Florida Evans: But we told Mr. Kirkman our son came to school to learn, not to just get pushed around.

      James Evans, Sr.: [smacking JJ on the cheek] 'Cause he's got pride.

      Florida Evans: Just like his Daddy, and nobody's gonna push him through school without putting something into his head.

      James Evans, Sr.: [smacking JJ on the cheek, looking at him sternly] 'Cause he's got *pride*.

      Florida Evans: So Mr. Kirkman is giving you a choice. Now either you do the smart thing and stay in the 11th grade, or let them push you through to the 12th grade like a big jackass. Now, make up your mind, son.

      James Evans, Sr.: And remember Junior,

      [smacking JJ on the cheek]

      James Evans, Sr.: you got *pride*!

      Mr. Kirkman: Well, what do you say, Junior?

      James Evans, Sr.: Go ahead.

      James 'J.J.' Evans, Jr.: [steps up to Mr. Kirkman. James and Florida look at JJ with pride, in anticipation of his answer] Well, Mr. Kirkman...

      [He looks back at his parents, nods, then addresses Mr. Kirkman]

      James 'J.J.' Evans, Jr.: I'm proud to go along with your quota system and take my place in the senior class!

      [James moves to hit JJ, Florida pulls him back]

    • Crazy credits
      Ralph Carter courtesy of the Broadway musical "Raisin". (Closing credits. This original Broadway production ran from October 1973 to December 1975.)
    • Connections
      References The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour (1971)
    • Soundtracks
      Good Times
      Music by Dave Grusin

      Lyrics by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman

      Performed by James Gilstrap and Blinky (as Blinky Williams)

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 29, 1974 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • CBS Television City - 7800 Beverly Boulevard, Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USA(Studio)
    • Production company
      • Tandem Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 26m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1
      • 4:3

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