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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
*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.*
@Joel Johnson *_WRONG._** real men may **_"like"_** real women, but **_neither needs_** the other to exist in their own state of **_"realness."_* _#grownTALK_
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).
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. 😌.”
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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?
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.
a new thing too, major characters didnt seem to die off shows in the 70s, they would just find the "2nd james" and act as if the "new james" doesn't totally look different from the old one. Now they will kill a major character off season 1 of the series
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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
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...
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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..
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. :-(
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
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!!!
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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! 🙄
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
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.
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
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...
With this scene... All I can say is wow! But it was also the beginning of the end for Good Times too. The show was never the same again after James was gone. #AintWeLuckyWeGotEm
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.
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. 😔😢
😢so heartbreaking 😢😢 so sad All his life he wanted to get her and the kids out of the getto,..., in the end he's the Only one who left, leaving his family that were his Whole world.. behind ..😢😢😢
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. 💜😢
@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! 💫
UCity Resident Wrong. This was fan made. Where Willona leaves is after the WAKE they had for James. Flo was trying hard to put up a strong front but couldn't. The series finale " The Big Move " is the building they're living in get a condemned by the city and they get a notice. It was going to be torn down.
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.
WOW....I NEVER SEEN THIS, THAT DAMN CBS....THE ENDING OF THE SHOW SHOULD HAVE ENDED WITH THIS SCENE. ALL I CAN SAY IS THREE WORDS....POW-WER-FUL! that's it, i'm gone.
I like the idea of this, but I think the music, in this situation, actually takes away from the emotion. The silence in the aired ending just amps up the helplessness. You can tell that she is having a hard time, but you don't know how hard until she slams the bowl down.
once they killed off the father they ruined the show, his role was significant it was pivotal.
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!
maziin wendhu I agree
@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.
mogul mayz u think so
Exactly but can you imagine James telling a grown jj what to do think about it
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.
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.
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).
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.
Wayne Hilson It's that moment when it finally hits you that someone you love is gone.
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).
James died. The show died. Great first 3 years of show.
So true
Absolutely, it was never the same.
Yes, you are right.
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 ...
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.
Over 30 years later and that scene can still make a person cry
Facts!
Ain't that the truth..
My gut clenches on that first Damn, and I have to look away. It’s so real and powerful. What an amazing actress.
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.
it does me everytime :(
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.
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 ...
K brandy, I was so sad when he died on the show. I actually thought he was dead.
James was the love of Florida’s life, and when he was killed in the car accident, a part of her died with him.
*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.*
@Joel Johnson
*_WRONG._** real men may **_"like"_** real women, but **_neither needs_** the other to exist in their own state of **_"realness."_* _#grownTALK_
Show went downhill after James was killed off.
It became the JJ show after that.
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
Doulton Hill wasup
Pretty much what happens to families.... Unless you find a way to keep the family moving forward!!! A Herculean task for a single mother
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).
The way she looks at him right before she closes the door....that's love.
Well those flash baks we’re added by the dude that posted the video on youtube
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. 😌.”
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.
@@cartooning0544 lol 😁😁 😁
@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.
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.
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.
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.
Born in 1996. piperkitty is too young to have an opinion.
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.
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.
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.
Jay Spillers I know. James and Florida should have grown old and gray together. 😭
Jay Spillers I fully agree
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 ...
Way better idea.💡
@@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?
That woman was a phenomenon. God rest her soul . 😔
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.
🖤
This was a show that true love discipline and grief in good and bad..best clean drama show ever
SHE THE ONE DEAD IN REAL LIFE DAM DAM DAM
Let’s be honest: Good Times was never the same since John Amos left, got fired, whatever.
True.
@Mz Thompsun we know he died but not in real life
Sure wasn't, but they tried though! It was cringe the way they had Micheal kissing that girl at a party too!
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.
@Truth Speaks not so true the woman that played his wife had a damn good career to
That was probably one of the WORST tv deaths the viewing public had to endure. GT was never the same.
+loveloses And the death of lt.col henry blake from the last episode of season 3's M*A*S*H*.
a new thing too, major characters didnt seem to die off shows in the 70s, they would just find the "2nd james" and act as if the "new james" doesn't totally look different from the old one.
Now they will kill a major character off season 1 of the series
Good times died after this episode. RIP!
I can't watch this scene without shedding a few tears..
I ball Everytime
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.
Best. Sitcom Scene. Ever. so powerful. I'm a guy who rarely cries, but after watching this clip........
Please forgive Scott. Nothing wrong with crying over this.
What's up Lou Gossett jr.
🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
Naw...JJ getting shot was the tearjerker
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
Just Watching This Really Makes You Emotional, Its So Hard To Say Goodbye to those we love
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.
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.:(
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.
esther rolle was an excellent actress. 2 great actors for the leads in this series.
LuvTadnDixie I was a kid too, and it really bothered me when they killed off James. He really helped to make the show.
I wholeheartedly agree! James Sr. really made the show more interesting and dramatic. The interactions between him and JJ were great.
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
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!
I felt bad for Florida
😪Dang i havent cried over that scene in forever. Well this did it!
Daphne Hayes me too it touch for me to watch too.
Daphne Hayes .me either
Ikr?!
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
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
🥺❤️
It was like someone you knew died.
for real!
Man for a 6'4" dude, i balled like a woman...Dam, Dam, Dam!
*bawled
Lol
I'm 6'1 and I laughed like a hyena.
@@kerrajohnson3203 I don't need a spelling lesson. It's a typo I chose to leave exactly as it is..DAM..DAM..DAM!
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...
You do that..cause u never know
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
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.
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
right on
That true
maryam mure True.
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.
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.
The original ending made me bawl like a baby! But this one here...made me bawl even more! Great job!
This one hurts the worst, you feel the pain more
Her acting in this scene was mind blowing, after all these years she still evokes emotions
James rest in peace 🕊🕊🕊
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.
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.
When James died, that's when the show went to go downhill.
The show went unsalted when James (John Amos) left the series. Sorry it had to b like this, Florida.
+SexyGirl79 > But we still watched.. It was the only family of color that was on Tv
you better know it.
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.
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
FOR GOODNESS SAKE PEOPLE! IT'S JUST A DAMN TV SHOW, GET OVER THE THEATRICS. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@eugenemotes9921 Spoken like a bitter, attention-seeking rat.
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
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
2019 an I strive to be a father like the character JAMES EVANS
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..
ChihuahuaboyDH James Evans Sr. (John Amos) is still alive today.
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. :-(
I also said in my comments above "R.I.P., James Evans, Sr" NOT R.I.P., John Amos. :-O
Ok
Maaaan James ain't dead!
It felt different without James Evans on good times and it was not the same without him
One of the most HEART BREAKING scenes in the history of television
New Deep correct!!
Bravo.. well done. One of the best scenes in the history of television. Still chokes me up every time..
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
Loved it
Jamie Kakos me to jamie
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!!!
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.
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!!❤💛💝😍😍
The most game changing real-life episode ever shown over the Television
This episode aired almost a year to the day after we lost my Dad so it resonated hard with my Mom and I.
One of the most unforgettable moments in tv history!!!
Dang ole onions!!! All in my eye!!
Lawd my heart still drops every time I see this episode
As real as it gets when a loved one leaves you. Thank you for uploading.
Yep, especially when it happens so abruptly when you thought you and your loved one still had many years left together.
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.
laminage I remember that, too! So sad!!
Oh you are so right on, but it showed that despite their backgrounds, they both loved their Husbands very much.
@Bernett Dews Amen;!
Had me in tears!
The look on Willona's face when she tries to hug Florida when she jokes about the hams... Sad and priceless.
Now this is how this episode should've ended... It's much more endearing... Rest in paradise to Every cast member no longer with us ✌💗💗
IN JESUS CHRIST name
“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.
K Moore Amen
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
People still assume black children are fathers or black women are single mothers
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.
I remember this. Was very sad to watch. A real tearjerker. James was a cool guy!
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 😂
I'm sitting here crying like a baby. This was beautiful done. I love the flashback of James. What great actors.
Still makes me cry
All that pain, anger, sadness, grief, devastation and fear in three words. Esther Rolle was beyond amazing.
I remember this episode Florida say dam dam dam I still cry:-(:'(
Everybody remembers that !!! That was an excellent ending as well!!!✌✌✌✌✌
That scene gets me everytime.it tugs your heartstrings.you feel what floridais feeling
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.
yo man i dont usually cry but.....
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.
I know I felt the same way. The show was never the same without James.
It was six I know because I have all six season of good time on DVD
Vantrell Lewis I do too!
Wow, I had a tear too. I thought that it was just me.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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! 🙄
Esther Rolle was a GREAT actress!
No matter how many times I've seen this episode it always me cry.
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
Both versions are good and I had never even seen this one. Thanks for posting!
This was the saddest part of this show! Always bring tears to my eyes
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.
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😭
This scene still hurts after all these years, ... and even more so now it hits home after I just lost my father. 😢
I'm so sorry about the loss of your father and I pray the Good Lord will comfort you. 🤗🙏
I've seen this scene time after time since the 70's......, & it still puts tears in my eyes everytime. Damn Damn Damn !!!!!
Ok even though I've seen the original so many times, THIS unaired version still made me cry
Its not unaired its fan made
Why am I crying before church. I’ve seen this hundreds of times
still painful.....
Why would they edit this scene? James winking and that last look will make anyone cry! I watch this over and over.
Me too
Its fan made not real
@@keonta81 no duhhh
@@dat_rian_8955 some people actually think its real though..lol
@@keonta81 ever heard of edit an creative lmfao
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
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...
With this scene... All I can say is wow! But it was also the beginning of the end for Good Times too. The show was never the same again after James was gone. #AintWeLuckyWeGotEm
Reginald Griffin I totally agree with you.
They took the backbone off the show,black families need their black fathers.
Kids need Father's period! Color makes no difference.
Eugene Motes true but I’m pretty sure they are speaking from society’s viewpoint. More black homes are fatherless.
Wow she was a great actress and she is miss. R.I.P
Powerful.....RIP
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.
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. 😔😢
@@nakitapalmer656
I'm 43 this year! So sorry for you!
You're not wrong at all!
I'm so very sorry about your dad. Losing a father is devastating in the best of circumstances. 💔
Norman Lear killed the Evans family by killing off James as far as I am concerned!
I AM A GROWN MAN. EVERY TIME I WATCH THIS SCENE I START TO CRY?????? DAGGGGONE MAN. DAGGGUMMMMITAHHH!!?!?
😢so heartbreaking 😢😢 so sad All his life he wanted to get her and the kids out of the getto,..., in the end he's the Only one who left, leaving his family that were his Whole world.. behind ..😢😢😢
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. 💜😢
@Richard Almeida Wow, thank you! That's very thoughtful. 😊 I'm doing better now. Gone, but never forgotten.
@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! 💫
the best in television ever
What's happening,Sanford&Son,That's my mama, all that
A producer years later said he regretted them killing off James.
The flashback made it super sad.😢😢😢
I'm sure Jackie Kennedy Did the same thing in private on 11/25/63
1:03 to End: Very well done. I wish they had done this in the actual airing of this episode.
GeorgiaKev I'll bet Norman Lear had the final say in having this particular ending nixed. Damn you, Norman Lear!!!
No it's not, CBS Version from 1976
UCity Resident
Wrong.
This was fan made.
Where Willona leaves is after the WAKE they had for James. Flo was trying hard to put up a strong front but couldn't.
The series finale " The Big Move " is the building they're living in get a condemned by the city and they get a notice.
It was going to be torn down.
The emotions was real because she fought for james to be on the show,they didn't want a father on the show from the beginning
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.
WOW....I NEVER SEEN THIS, THAT DAMN CBS....THE ENDING OF THE SHOW SHOULD HAVE ENDED WITH THIS SCENE. ALL I CAN SAY IS THREE WORDS....POW-WER-FUL! that's it, i'm gone.
cedric carter It's fake. The poster made it with a video editor.
Its a fake. I
The show went down James should stay on the show
This scene gets me every time!
I like the idea of this, but I think the music, in this situation, actually takes away from the emotion. The silence in the aired ending just amps up the helplessness. You can tell that she is having a hard time, but you don't know how hard until she slams the bowl down.
Nathan Johnson very true, even though the flashbacks in this made me emotional too. There was something in that silence!
Disagree. Only this version made me cry. Original was sad but not like this.