Getting Up the Rent

In general I enjoyed watching Good Times. I didn't always agree with the liberal ideas or the political agenda of the series, but we overall I found it entertaining. However, one thing that bugged me was the constant arguments and the screaming and yelling. For some reason tv writers seems to think that yelling is funny. Good examples of these yelling shows, The Honeymooners, Sgt Bilko, All In The Family, etc. Maybe I am the weirdo, but yelling and screaming and arguing are not funny! Gives me a headache. Evidently the cast of this show had off screen issues, especially between the actors playing the parents and Jimmy Walker and sometimes you can notice the distain on the faces. Oh well, nothing earth shattering here.

"Getting Up the Rent" waited for the third broadcast but was actually the pilot, spun off from MAUDE, where Esther Rolle's Florida character was introduced. Florida's appendix has been removed, and thoughts of rest have to wait until the rent payment is made. At this early stage, J. J. is referred to as 'James Jr.' and is a specialist in 'finding things,' much to his mother's displeasure (he also has yet to find his hat). James insists that his friend Monty (Stymie Beard, first of five) figures they'll be all right, though they're still short $70. With eviction only hours away James brings out the old cue stick for a little hustle, no matter how loudly his bible quoting wife protests. J. J.'s petty thievery would soon be dropped for a more artistic lifestyle, though we learn that he has at least one finished painting, with Michael already in full 'militant midget' mode.