November 03, 2005 @ 11:28 am

The Jeffersons: The Complete Fourth Season

by: Baria A. Razzaq

The three-disc set contains all 26 episodes of the fourth season. At the heart of each episode is George, the short-tempered dry cleaners owner who has a serious Napoleon complex. A two-part series opens the set, with George preparing for the grand opening of his corporate office and Weezy fretting about an engraved watch and wristband. When quick-witted housekeeper Florence (Marla Gibbs) is mistakenly taken for Louise and kidnapped, George and the gang find humor amidst a terrifying situation. From Florence’s rescue to the aftermath of her ordeal, the laughs are bountiful reinforcing why this ten-year series was such a huge success. left Originally a mid-season replacement, the All in The Family spin-off debuted in 1975. Chronicling the life of an African-American couple that moves from Queens to a penthouse on Park Avenue, the social satire is as uproarious today as it was 20 years ago. George directs his dander at interracial dating to neighbors Helen and Tom Willis (Roxie Roker and Franklin Cover), and grifting doorman Ralph Hart (Ned Wertimer) tries hard to curry favor with George. Gary Coleman makes a notable appearance as George’s mouthy nephew, Raymond. Although the laughs abound, the set is not without flaw. Previews of other shows (on disc 3) are unnecessary and a waste of space. Where are the DVD extras? Interviews with the cast or show bloopers would have been a great addition. It would have been interesting for viewers to find out why the role of Lionel was played by two different actors (Mike Evans and Damon Evans- no relation) at different times. How about the fact that Ja’Net Dubois (Willona Woods from Good Times) sang the theme song for The Jeffersons? Was there any truth to the rumors of a beef between the late Isabel Sanford and Marla Gibbs? DVD extras are a necessity for these nostalgic sets. Where is Mike Evans (the original Lionel and one of the creators of Good Times)? In spite of the missing extras, this is a must have for fans of the show.

Article tags: The Jeffersons The Complete Fourth Season Dvd Review