November 08, 2005 @ 11:47 am

Good Times: The Complete Fifth Season

by: Baria A. Razzaq

right Losing some of the sexpot image viewers grew to love, Willona keeps a watchful eye on the Evans kids and gains a daughter in abused neighbor Penny, played by a precocious Janet Jackson. Jackson delivers some of the most memorable lines of the season. "Please Mama, I promise I won't be a bad girl anymore. Please, I promise. Please. Oh no, Mama! Please! Please don't do it. Please!" Her plea to her abusive biological mother remains a popular line amongst fans.

Even with the seriousness of Penny's abuse, the family manages to keep their heads above water with good-natured humor. From J.J. selling Fo'Mosa punch to the sofa catching on fire, the Evans’ keep their humor in spite of daily trials and tribulations.

Season Five ends with a neighbor proudly ending her stint on welfare and Willona and the gang hosting a benefit to help raise money for a local day care. Good Times continues to tackle controversial and important subjects from the Black perspective.

DVD bonuses include previews of classic urban TV shows like Sanford and Son. Release information on movies like Hitch and Guess Who are sorely misplaced. More inviting would have been interviews with the cast and perhaps interesting factoids like the fact that Michael Evans, the original Lionel on All in the Family and The Jeffersons, was one of the creators of the show.

Nearly 30 years later watching the episodes makes you fall in love all over again with the Evans family.

(three-disc DVD set), $29.95

Article tags: Good Times 

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