The series debuted on February 1, 1974 starring dramatic actress Esther Rolle. Rolle played the role of Florida Evans, a role that was originated on the show "Maude". "Good Times" was the first mainstream view of the African American household. The Evans world was essential bleak – nothing but the hard ghettos of Chicago. But the family did have just that – a family. Other actors that rounded out the Evans clan included veteran John Amos as the father James, Bernadette Stanis as sister Thelma, Ralph Carter as militant little brother Michael, and of course Jimmy Walker as the scene stealing oldest Evan's child J.J.

By the time the 3rd season came around, "Good Times" was already a TV hit. Fans and media were clamoring for more J.J. time and Jimmy Walker would forever be known as J.J. – Kid Dyn-O-Mite. Behind the scenes Esther Rolle and John Amos were upset with the direction of the show and negative images portrayed by J.J. Season 3 is actually the last season the Amos did, leaving in the fall of 1976.

"Good Times" would stay on the air until April 1979, but not without leaving us other memorable characters like the useless building superintendent Bookman, Ja'Net Dubois as Willona, and a young Janet Jackson as Penny. "Good Times" was historic for Black Americans in how they were portrayed on TV and opened the door to many other Black sitcoms.

Episode Guide:
Disc One :
1. The Family Gun - When James buys a gun to protect his family from a rash of crimes in the neighborhood, Florida fears it could do more harm than good.
2. A Real Cool Job - After James graduates from trade school, the family finds out the job he's been offered has one major drawback. James insists on accepting the job, regardless of the consequences.
3. Operation Florida - James insists Florida stay in a private hospital instead of the clinic for a minor operation. But it's James who's doing all the suffering when he comes face to face with the high cost of medical care.
4. Florida's Rich Cousin - James's pride fights borrowing money again from Florida's rich cousin Edgar, but what he doesn't know is that the state of the economy has struck even middle-class people like Edgar.
5. The Politicians - James runs into a family rebellion at election time when he and Florida support rival candidates: one a smooth-talking old pro, and the other a dedicated, intellectual political newcomer.
6. Love in the Ghetto - Thelma is engaged to "Mr. Right" and she is sure everyone will be overjoyed – but she's wrong! Florida and James aren't buying it, but Thelma picks up support from a surprise source.
7. The Weekend - For their wedding anniversary, Florida and James go off to a cabin that turns out to be full of surprises, and not all of them romantic. Back at home, the kids get into hassles of their own when they fight over who is in charge.
8. The Baby - Florida's giving a surprise baby shower, but it's Florida who gets the biggest surprise when the guest of honor makes a shocking announcement about her pending birth.
Disc Two:
9. Michael's Big Fall - A change in schools brings on a change in Michael, and Florida fears it's for the worst. Adding to Florida's problems is her brother, who insists on taking over as the man of the house while James is away.
10. Willona's Dilemma - The fact that the new man in Willona's life has a physical disability doesn't lessen her interest in him, but it does create a very awkward problem in their relationship.
11. Florida's Protest - Florida's dinner treat, an expensive roast beef from the neighborhood supermarket, puts everyone on sick call. Florida is angry enough to picket the market – and the store is angry enough to have her arrested!
12. The Mural - J.J. has an assignment to paint a mural at a bank, while Thelma wins a university scholarship. But J.J.'s job has an unexpected hitch to it, and Thelma's scholarship is also not all it seems.
13. A Loss of Confidence - J.J. can't get a date with Thelma's gorgeous classmate and he seems destroyed by the blow to his ego. The Evans's have trouble getting used to a subdued J.J. and worry about how to rebuild his self-confidence.
14. Cousin Cleatus - As the family celebrates Florida's winning of stereo, the FBI shows up with questions about Florida's nephew Cleatus. The stereo turns out to be less than they hoped for, and Cleatus is no bargain either!
15. The Family Tree - While researching the family tree, Thelma locates James's father and invites him home a surprise for her dad's birthday party. Although the family expects James to be bowled over, no one is ready for his strange reaction.
16. A Place to Die - As Florida and the kids get ready to celebrate New Year's Eve, Michael's elderly friend from a rest home asks to move in for a few days – and for a most unusual reason.
Disco Three:
17. J.J.'s Fiancée – Part 1 - J.J. astounds his family with the news that he plans to marry Diana Buchanan, "the weirdo of the neighborhood." Diana (Debbie Allen, TV's "Fame") is regarded as moody, but to J.J. that just means she's a deep thinker capable of loving him for his mind.
18. J.J.'s Fiancée – Part 2 - When James and Florida refuse to give permission for J.J. to get married, he impulsively decides to elope without learning some very important facts about his bride-to-be.
19. Sweet Daddy Williams - J.J. has found a patron: the numbers king of the neighborhood, Sweet Daddy Williams, who has commissioned J.J. to paint a portrait, much to the artist's delight and his parent's consternation.
20. The Investigation - Michael's research for a bicentennial report leads to strange happenings for the Evans family, including James losing his job and the family being put under careful scrutiny by the government.
21. J.J. in Trouble - An old girlfriend visits J.J. and brings with her some very upsetting news – she tells J.J. he has a venereal disease. J.J. tries to keep the news from the family, but Michael brings it all out in the open. Jay Leno of TV's "Tonight Show" guest stars.
22. Florida the Woman - Fed up with being treated like a servant, Florida accepts a cozy luncheon invitation from a man. Later when her luncheon companion visits the house, James goes through the roof.
23. The Break-Up - Thelma has a problem. She loves Larry, Larry loves her, yet they seem to be growing apart. Thelma's indecision turns to agony when Larry accepts a new job in California.
24. The Rent Party - Wanda, the project's favorite senior citizen, is about to be evicted but she is too proud to ask for help. So the Evans's put together an old-fashioned "rent party" to raise money without her knowledge. This episode marked the final appearance of actor John Amos.

How does it look? - Well it looks like a 30 year-old TV program! The episodes are presented in full frame original formatting. I wouldn't expect much, since the age of the print is older. The colors have a dated feel to them, but again that's to be expected.

How does it sound? - Like most situational comedies, the soundstage is in the front. This mix is a Dolby Surround mix, but again why would you need anything better than that for this? The mix is fine for the DVD.

Extras - There are three promo reels for other 70's sitcoms – "All in the Family", "The Jefferson's", etc. It would have been nice for some cast interviews or maybe an interview with Norman Lear, but things are pretty bare bones in this department.

Final Thoughts - "Good Times" was truly a groundbreaking television show. White America got to see a side of Black America that had never been shown. We watched these characters grow up and ultimately move on. "Good Times: Season 3" is a set that every TV lover should have in their collection. Recommended.