List of good Times episodes - wikipedia List of good Times episodes The sitcom series Good Times, which originally aired on CBS from February 8, 1974 to August 1, 1979, has 133 episodes, three of which were not shown during the original network run but turned up in the syndication package. Contents 1 Episodes 1.1 Season 1 ( 1974 ) 1.2 Season 2 ( 1974 -- 75 ) 1.3 Season 3 ( 1975 -- 76 ) 1.4 Season 4 ( 1976 -- 77 ) 1.5 Season 5 ( 1977 -- 78 ) 1.6 Season 6 ( 1978 -- 79 ) 2 References Episodes Season 1 ( 1974 ) No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Tape date `` Too Old Blues '' Bob LaHendro and Donald McKayle Bob Peete February 8, 1974 ( 1974 - 02 - 08 ) January 21, 1974 James ( John Amos ) is excited because he is sure that he is going to get a high paying job. However, at the interview, he learns that he is too old to join the company 's union. Meanwhile, Florida ( Esther Rolle ) and the children ( BernNadette Stanis, Jimmie Walker, and Ralph Carter ) get ahead of themselves and throw a celebration party for James unaware that he was rejected. Note : This episode was taped after the pilot to add additional characters and to provide background for those in the pilot episode. `` Black Jesus '' Bob LaHendro and John Rich Kurt Taylor and John Donley February 15, 1974 ( 1974 - 02 - 15 ) January 14, 1974 J.J. 's painting of a Black Jesus, becomes the family 's good luck charm after a string of success for each family member. However, Florida refuses to entertain the notion that the painting had anything to do with the recent string of `` good times ''. Creator Eric Monte appears as Numbers Runner. Note : This episode was taped after the pilot to add additional characters and to provide background for those in the pilot episode. In 2009, TV Guide ranked this episode # 83 on its list of the 100 Greatest Episodes. `` Getting Up the Rent ( The Pilot ) '' Donald McKayle and Perry Rosemond Eric Monte February 22, 1974 ( 1974 - 02 - 22 ) January 7, 1974 With an eviction notice over their heads, the Evans family scrambles to come up with $74 needed for their rent. Despite Florida 's opinion, James goes down to the pool hall to try to hustle some money ; J.J. comes up with a scheme of his own and Florida and Willona go down to the welfare office. Guest star : Matthew `` Stymie '' Beard ( former Our Gang child actor ) as Monty and Hal Williams as one of the movers `` God 's Business Is Good Business '' Bob LaHendro and Donald McKayle Roland Wolpert March 1, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 01 ) January 28, 1974 An old friend of James, who is now a shady televangelist ( Roscoe Lee Browne ), stops by the Evans apartment and offers James a job that would pay $100 a day. James is set to take it, but Florida is against James accepting the job, believing it goes against his morals and values. 5 5 `` Michael Gets Suspended '' `` The Midget Strikes Back '' Herbert Kenwith Eric Monte March 8, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 08 ) February 12, 1974 Michael comes home from school early one day with the announcement that he has been suspended as a result of telling his teacher that George Washington was a racist because he owned slaves. James and Florida become determined to prove to Michael that he is wrong. 6 6 `` Sex and the Evans Family '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Donald L. Stewart Teleplay by : Norman Paul and Jack Elinson March 15, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 15 ) February 26, 1974 Florida finds what she believes to be a dirty story called, `` Sexual Behavior in the Ghetto ''. Assuming it to be J.J. 's, Florida confronts him, but she is in for a surprise when Thelma claims it and has an even bigger surprise when she learns it belongs to Thelma 's latest boyfriend ( Philip Michael Thomas ). 7 7 `` Junior Gets a Patron '' Herbert Kenwith Larry Siegel March 22, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 22 ) February 19, 1974 J.J. is sure he is bound to make it big when he finds a patron in Leroy Jackson ( Ed Cambridge ), who begins providing him with all the supplies he needs. However, when James discovers who the patron is, he forbids J.J. to be associated with him and J.J. responds by moving out. This leads to a confrontation at J.J. 's new apartment between James and Leroy. 8 8 `` Junior the Senior '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Ken Hecht & Lloyd Garver Teleplay by : Ken Hecht & Lloyd Garver and Lou Derman & Bill Davenport March 29, 1974 ( 1974 - 03 - 29 ) March 6, 1974 Florida and James are worried that J.J. will not pass into the 12th grade but when he gets his report card he did indeed pass but the grades seem to be a far cry from what they should be. This leads James and Florida to do a little investigating. 9 9 `` The Visitor '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Bob Wolterstorf, Allessandro R. Veith and Thad Mumford Teleplay by : Norman Paul and Jack Elinson April 5, 1974 ( 1974 - 04 - 05 ) March 20, 1974 Michael submits an angry letter about the conditions in the Evans ' apartment to a newspaper and gets an immediate response from a housing commission official who quickly finds himself stranded in the ghetto and experiences the conditions first hand. 10 10 `` Springtime in the Ghetto '' Herbert Kenwith Norman Paul and Jack Elinson April 19, 1974 ( 1974 - 04 - 19 ) March 27, 1974 Florida is running in a cleanest apartment competition and is sure she will win. However, her chances are dashed when Michael tries to help someone in need and brings home Ned the Wino. 11 11 `` The TV Commercial '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Simon Muntner, Lou Derman and Bill Davenport Teleplay by : Lou Derman and Bill Davenport April 26, 1974 ( 1974 - 04 - 26 ) April 3, 1974 Florida comes home from the supermarket with great news -- she has been offered a role in a TV commercial. What is even better is the pay she will get -- $5,000. However, once she reads the script and tests the product, Florida has second thoughts. 12 12 `` The Checkup '' `` James Goes Down '' Herbert Kenwith Kurt Taylor and John Donley May 3, 1974 ( 1974 - 05 - 03 ) April 10, 1974 Florida and the children become concerned about James ' health after reading an article in a magazine about hypertension. When he learns about their concerns, he goes through the roof and refuses to go for a check up. 13 13 `` My Son, The Lover '' `` I Love Marcy '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Lou Derman & Bill Davenport Teleplay by : Lou Derman & Bill Davenport and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson May 10, 1974 ( 1974 - 05 - 10 ) April 17, 1974 A popular girl wants J.J. to paint her portrait and J.J. mistakenly assumes that they will become more serious when he makes plans to ask her to go steady. However, Florida and Thelma smell a rat. Season 2 ( 1974 -- 75 ) No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Tape date 14 `` Florida Flips '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Jack Elinson & Norman Paul and John Donley & Kurt Taylor Teleplay by : Jack Elinson & Norman Paul September 10, 1974 ( 1974 - 09 - 10 ) July 18, 1974 Florida 's strange behavior has the family and Willona wondering what is wrong with her. Michael thinks that she is beginning menopause, while Willona believes that she is fed up with the boredom that comes with being a housewife. 15 `` J.J. Becomes a Man : Part 1 '' `` J.J. Is Arrested : Part 1 '' Herbert Kenwith Jack Elinson & Norman Paul September 17, 1974 ( 1974 - 09 - 17 ) August 1, 1974 After his birthday party, J.J. is arrested on suspicion of robbing a liquor store. 16 `` J.J. Becomes a Man : Part 2 '' `` J.J. Is Arrested : Part 2 '' Herbert Kenwith Jack Elinson & Norman Paul September 24, 1974 ( 1974 - 09 - 24 ) August 15, 1974 Desperate to raise bail to free J.J., the family considers taking money from a loan shark. 17 `` Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah '' Herbert Kenwith Roger Shulman & John Baskin October 1, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 01 ) July 25, 1974 To avoid being bused to a white neighborhood, Michael forges his parents ' names on a questionnaire. His principal ( Ron Glass ) arrives to question Florida and James about their responses 18 5 `` The Man I Most Admire '' Herbert Kenwith Michael Morris October 8, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 08 ) August 8, 1974 Michael must write an essay on the person he most admires. He first picks Florida for her strength and effort in keeping the family together. However, Florida points out that James may be the best person. However, James ' recent actions in applying for a new job leave little to be admired. 19 6 `` Thelma 's Young Man '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Roland Wolpert Teleplay by : Roger Shulman & John Baskin October 15, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 15 ) September 12, 1974 Thelma has been seeing the same man ( Louis Gossett Jr. ) for two months and has not introduced him to the family yet. However, when she comes home with an engagement ring, Florida and James demand that they meet him and they are in for a surprise when they finally do. 20 7 `` The I.Q. Test '' Herbert Kenwith Jay Moriarty & Mike Milligan October 22, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 22 ) September 5, 1974 Michael, one of the brightest boys in his class, comes home with the news that he scored the lowest out of his whole class on an I.Q. test. Infuriated at first, Florida and James hear Michael out and realize that I.Q. tests are designed for certain demographics and in this case exclude white people. Meanwhile, J.J. prepares for a wild date with his latest girl, Henrietta. Guest star : Austin Pendleton as the I.Q. test creator 21 8 `` The Encyclopedia Hustle '' Herbert Kenwith Bob Shayne & Eric Cohen October 29, 1974 ( 1974 - 10 - 29 ) August 29, 1974 An encyclopedia salesman ( Ron Glass ) is the last person James wants to see when he comes home from work. However, he softens when he learns the man is blind. This leads James to sign a contract and he reads the fine print only after the man leaves. 22 9 `` The Gang : Part 1 '' `` J.J. and the Gang : Part 1 '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Eric Monte Teleplay by : Eric Monte & Allan Manings and Jack Elinson & Norman Paul November 12, 1974 ( 1974 - 11 - 12 ) October 17, 1974 J.J. has secretly become a member of the Satan 's Knights, a gang who are in the midst of a gang war with the Warlords. Two members and the leader of the Satan 's Knights arrive at the Evans ' home to escort a scared J.J. to a meeting place where the two gangs are to meet. However, on the way there they run into James and Florida and an altercation leaves J.J. shot. 23 10 `` The Gang : Part 2 '' `` J.J. and the Gang : Part 2 '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Eric Monte Teleplay by : Eric Monte and Jack Elinson & Norman Paul November 19, 1974 ( 1974 - 11 - 19 ) October 31, 1974 J.J. is recovering after being shot by Mad Dog, which turned out to be only a flesh wound. Meanwhile, a vengeful James presses charges against Mad Dog but a worried Florida is afraid that James 's anger will take over before the law does. 24 11 `` Florida, the Matchmaker '' Herbert Kenwith Norman Paul & Jack Elinson November 26, 1974 ( 1974 - 11 - 26 ) October 3, 1974 A wedding has Florida realizing that Willona is the only friend of hers left who is not married. This leads Florida to try her hand at matchmaking, and she matches Willona with Duane, a friend of James '. However, Florida is a little crestfallen, when Duane leaves the wedding early, claiming he does not feel well and she thinks her matchmaking plans have failed, until they arrive the next day at the Evans door, together. 25 12 `` The Windfall '' `` James Goes to Far... '' Herbert Kenwith Allan Manings December 3, 1974 ( 1974 - 12 - 03 ) October 10, 1974 James finds a bag of robbery loot adding up to $27,000. After some coaxing from Florida, James decides to turn it in. However, what Florida does not know is that there was $29,000 in the bag and James kept the other $2,000. James has no regrets especially after the only reward he was given was a $50 gift certificate for the supermarket. 26 13 `` Sometimes There 's No Bottom in the Bottle '' Herbert Kenwith Larry Markes & Norm Liebmann December 10, 1974 ( 1974 - 12 - 10 ) November 7, 1974 Cousin Naomi is visiting the Evans ' for the Christmas season and the whole time she has been there, has been time spent in the bathroom. However, her visit is not a happy one for Thelma, who discovers that Naomi is hiding a serious drinking problem. Meanwhile, the rest of the Evans family prepares for holiday festivities. 27 14 `` Florida 's Big Gig '' Herbert Kenwith Bob Peete December 31, 1974 ( 1974 - 12 - 31 ) November 21, 1974 James is sure that he is going to get a sales position at a department store but when he brings Florida along to the interview he is in for a big surprise -- the supervisor would rather hire Florida than him. It seems the supervisor would `` kill two birds with one stone '' hiring an African American woman. Guest star : Dick O'Neill and Charlotte Rae 28 15 `` Florida Goes to School '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Michael E. Coleman Teleplay by : Roger Shulman & John Baskin January 7, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 07 ) December 5, 1974 Florida comes home excited that she is going to night school hoping to achieve a High School Equivalency diploma, but working in the daytime and going to school at night puts a strain on her relationship with James, who is against her entertaining the notion of school. 29 16 `` The Nude '' `` Painting Naked Woman '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Barry E. Blitzer Teleplay by : Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant January 14, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 14 ) December 12, 1974 A woman, known in the projects as the `` Wiggler '', asks J.J. to paint a nude portrait of her as a birthday gift for her husband ( Carl Weathers ). However, Florida has a hard time understanding why a woman would pose in the nude and why she has to pose in the Evans ' apartment. Meanwhile, Florida is also not too happy that James is taking such a liking to `` the Wiggler ''. 30 17 `` The Family Business '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Alex Barris Teleplay by : Allan Manings and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson January 21, 1975 ( 1975 - 01 - 21 ) December 19, 1974 Realizing his mechanical skills, Florida suggests that James open a fix - it shop but when they go to the bank, they are turned down for a loan. This leads James to set up shop right in the apartment, despite a clause in the lease, and soon Bookman ( which is his first appearance on the show ) begins nosing around trying to put an end to the family business. 31 18 `` The Debutante Ball '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Patricia Edwards Teleplay by : Jack Elinson & Norman Paul February 4, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 04 ) January 16, 1975 J.J. is enchanted with his new girlfriend, Clarissa, and is all set to take her to a ritzy debutante ball. However, Clarissa has come to the Evans ' apartment with some bad news -- her parents will not let her go with J.J., saying that they think she is too good for him. 32 19 `` The Dinner Party '' `` Dog Food Lover '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Robert Fisher & Phil Naples Teleplay by : Robert Fisher & Phil Naples and Allan Manings February 11, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 11 ) January 23, 1975 An elderly resident of the projects appears to be living on pet food after Michael takes out her garbage. The Evans family 's attempt to do something for her is complicated when she brings a meat loaf to dinner and the kids suspect it is made from dog food. 33 20 `` The Houseguest '' Herbert Kenwith Elon Packard & John Fenton Murray and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson February 18, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 18 ) January 30, 1975 A childhood friend ( Thalmus Rasulala ) of James ' arrives for a visit and quickly his gambling problem becomes an Evans family problem when two criminals show up looking for him to pay off a $5,000 debt. Meanwhile, with a house guest, J.J., Michael and James must learn to share the pull - out couch in the living room. 34 21 `` My Girl Henrietta '' Herbert Kenwith Bob Peete February 25, 1975 ( 1975 - 02 - 25 ) February 13, 1975 Florida thinks it is strange that she has never met the often talked about Henrietta, J.J. 's girlfriend ( Tina Andrews ). So when she calls the Evans home, Florida invites her over for dinner. Meanwhile, J.J. announces that he has been thinking of asking Henrietta to marry him. This sends shock waves through the Evans household, but things really get touchy when Henrietta shows up at the door, pregnant. 35 22 `` The Enlistment '' Herbert Kenwith Ben Joelson & Art Baer March 4, 1975 ( 1975 - 03 - 04 ) February 20, 1975 While Florida is away in Cleveland for a family funeral, the Evans ' family is hit with a double dose of unemployment after both James and J.J. lose their jobs. James ' boss at Brady 's puts him on a temporary lay - off and the movie theater where J.J. works is closing down. Wanting to support his family, J.J. decides to join the U.S. Army. Guest star : William Christopher ( Father Mulcahey on M * A * S * H ) 36 23 `` Thelma 's Scholarship '' Herbert Kenwith Perry Grant & Dick Bensfield March 11, 1975 ( 1975 - 03 - 11 ) February 27, 1975 Thelma has a chance of winning a scholarship to an exclusive boarding school in Michigan. However, even before she knows she has won, a snobby girl from a sorority comes around wanting Thelma to join and quickly discovers they just want her because she is black. 37 24 `` The Lunch Money Ripoff '' Herbert Kenwith Roger Shulman & John Baskin March 18, 1975 ( 1975 - 03 - 18 ) March 6, 1975 A small - fry extortionist named Eddie ( Douglas Grant of The Electric Company ) bullies Michael into handing over his lunch and milk money on a daily basis. When the rest of the family finds out, turmoil erupts as they argue about how Michael should deal with his bully of a classmate. Season 3 ( 1975 -- 76 ) No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Tape date 38 `` A Real Cool Job '' Herbert Kenwith Bob Peete September 9, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 09 ) July 24, 1975 After taking some courses at a trade school, James has graduated and now has a chance at getting better paying jobs. However, James soon finds that he is still in the same old situation of having a hard time finding work. So, when he is finally offered a job, he accepts it despite the fact that there is one catch -- it is in Alaska. 39 `` The Family Gun '' `` James Goes Overboard '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Hubert Geiger Teleplay by : Roger Shulman & John Baskin and Hubert Geiger September 16, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 16 ) July 17, 1975 It seems crime has been at an all - time high in the neighborhood, causing the Evans family to take extra precautions, such as installing extra locks on their doors. However, James has taken a step that Florida and the children are not ready for -- he has bought a gun. Later, when the gun disappears, all hell breaks loose, as James tears the apartment apart, looking for it. 40 `` Operation Florida '' Herbert Kenwith Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant September 23, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 23 ) July 31, 1975 Florida has had a pain in her side for the last two weeks but does not want to see a doctor out of fear of the cost. However, when James learns of her dilemma he decides to pay any cost for Florida 's treatment, even after he learns she has to have a gallbladder operation. 41 `` Love in the Ghetto '' Herbert Kenwith Perry Grant & Dick Bensfield September 30, 1975 ( 1975 - 09 - 30 ) August 28, 1975 Thelma has great news -- she is engaged to her latest boyfriend, but she is nervous about breaking the news to James and Florida. Later, her opinion of great news differs greatly with her parents who hit the roof after learning this, and in a surprise move, J.J. is on Thelma 's side. 42 5 `` Florida 's Rich Cousin '' `` Cousin Edgar '' Herbert Kenwith Roger Shulman & John Baskin October 7, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 07 ) August 14, 1975 Florida plans on borrowing money from her cousin to help pay some unexpected bills. James 's pride stands in the way causing him to storm out to a bar, leaving Florida to learn about the shocking news about her seemingly wealthy cousin by herself. 43 6 `` The Weekend '' `` Happy Twentieth '' Herbert Kenwith Norman Paul & Jack Elinson October 14, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 14 ) September 4, 1975 A friend of James ' gives him permission to use his cabin to celebrate his and Florida 's 20th wedding anniversary. However, the trick is trying to get Florida to stop worrying about the children. While James and Florida are away, J.J. takes over the household by force and acts like a dictator. 44 7 `` The Baby '' `` Bye - Bye, Baby '' Herbert Kenwith Bruce Howard October 21, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 21 ) September 18, 1975 While James is out of town, Florida and the children throw a baby shower for a friend, Loretta ( Mary Alice ). However, the joyous occasion is dampened when Loretta announces her plans of giving the baby up for adoption. Meanwhile, while Florida, Thelma and Willona go out shopping, Loretta goes into labor, leaving J.J. and Michael panicking. 45 8 `` Michael 's Big Fall '' Herbert Kenwith Bob Peete October 28, 1975 ( 1975 - 10 - 28 ) September 25, 1975 While James is out of town, Florida and her brother Wilbert are left to deal with a troubled Michael. Cutting classes, getting into fights at school, and low grades are all warning signs that lead Florida to make an appointment to see Michael 's teacher. Guest star : Louis Gossett Jr. 46 9 `` The Politicians '' `` Young Verses Old '' Herbert Kenwith Jack Elinson & Norman Paul November 4, 1975 ( 1975 - 11 - 04 ) August 21, 1975 A feud erupts in the Evans ' household when James and J.J. take the side of Alderman Fred Davis during his attempt at re-election while Florida, Thelma and Willona take the side of his young opponent. It seems Davis is a shyster who gets nothing done in the neighborhood, which is why she can not believe James would back such a loser. 47 10 `` Willona 's Dilemma '' Herbert Kenwith Roger Shulman & John Baskin November 11, 1975 ( 1975 - 11 - 11 ) October 2, 1975 When J.J. brings home Walter, a man from his art class, he hits it off with Willona. Despite the fact that he is deaf, he and Willona begin a relationship one that Willona thinks is headed for the altar and she is unsure of how to tell him that she is not interested in marrying him without making him think that him being deaf is the reason. 48 11 `` Florida 's Protest '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Patricia Edwards Teleplay by : Allan Manings November 25, 1975 ( 1975 - 11 - 25 ) October 9, 1975 Florida and James become outraged when the kids get a touch of food poisoning after eating meat from the local supermarket. She organizes a group of concerned citizens and they boycott the market. The protest brings effective results, but not before Florida experiences her first trip to jail. 49 12 `` The Mural '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Thad Mumford and Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant Teleplay by : Dick Bensfield & Perry Grant December 2, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 02 ) October 30, 1975 Thelma comes home with news that she has won a college scholarship, but is short of funds by $200. Meanwhile, J.J. is commissioned by a bank to paint a mural and in return will receive $250 and agrees to give her the money she needs. However, the bank is reluctant to pay after seeing the finished product. 50 13 `` A Loss of Confidence '' Herbert Kenwith Norman Paul & Jack Elinson December 9, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 09 ) November 6, 1975 Thelma brings home a friend who she is tutoring in French and instantly J.J. is smitten. J.J. goes all out trying to impress her. However, when she rejects him he quickly loses all of his confidence and slips into a depression. 51 14 `` Cousin Cleatus '' `` Florida 's Nephew Goes Bad... '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Ron Allen Thompson Teleplay by : Ron Allen Thompson and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson December 16, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 16 ) November 13, 1975 A bank robbery in Atlanta has the FBI showing up at the Evans ' apartment to question Florida since her nephew, Cleatus is the suspect. Things get worse, when Cleatus arrives at the apartment with a briefcase full of money and wanting a place to stay. Meanwhile, a new stereo that Florida has won causes a power outage whenever the family uses it. 52 15 `` The Family Tree '' Herbert Kenwith Bob Peete December 23, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 23 ) November 20, 1975 Thelma researches her family tree for a school project and discovers that James 's father is alive and living in the Chicago area. However, when James learns that Thelma has invited him as a surprise for his birthday, he refuses to look at him. This leads Florida to discover why James lied about his father still being alive. 53 16 `` A Place to Die '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Norman Paul & Jack Elinson Teleplay by : Norman Paul & Jack Elinson and Roger Shulman & John Baskin December 30, 1975 ( 1975 - 12 - 30 ) December 4, 1975 An elderly man who Michael befriended stops by the Evans ' apartment just prior to the New Year 's celebration and knowing that he only has a little time left, decides that this would be the best place to die, surrounded by a loving family and friends. Meanwhile, James is out of town while taking a temporary job and becomes snowbound, causing him to miss the New Years festivities. 54 17 `` J.J. 's Fiancée : Part 1 '' `` I Pronounce You... : Part 1 '' Herbert Kenwith Roger Shulman & John Baskin January 6, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 06 ) December 11, 1975 J.J. and his girlfriend, Diana ( Debbie Allen ), are getting serious and the topic of marriage comes up, something which J.J. and Diana both want. However, both of their parents are totally against the notion. Meanwhile, Diana has been acting strange, she steals money from her mother and a ring from a jewelry store, but it turns out that this is just a means to support a hidden drug problem. 55 18 `` J.J. 's Fiancée : Part 2 '' `` I Pronounce You... : Part 2 '' Herbert Kenwith Story by : Roger Shulman & John Baskin Teleplay by : Roger Shulman & John Baskin and Norman Paul & Jack Elinson January 13, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 13 ) December 18, 1975 After their parents sternly refuse the notion of J.J. and Diana marrying, Diana decides to run off to Indiana and elope with J.J. Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Thelma makes two shocking discoveries. First, while at the prom she realizes that J.J. and Diana never showed up and, second, she somehow switched purses with Diana and discovers that she has a drug problem and number for the supplier. Guest star : Philip Baker Hall as the motel owner 56 19 `` Sweet Daddy Williams '' Herbert Kenwith James Ritz January 20, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 20 ) January 8, 1976 J.J. has been commissioned by a numbers runner, Sweet Daddy Williams, to paint the portrait of his girlfriend, Savannah. In return, J.J. will get his own `` one man show ''. However, Sweet Daddy 's influence soon becomes too much for Florida and James to take and try to encourage J.J. to turn Sweet Daddy 's offers down. But things take a turn, when Savannah sees J.J. 's painting of her. 57 20 `` The Investigation '' Herbert Kenwith Bruce Howard January 27, 1976 ( 1976 - 01 - 27 ) January 15, 1976 The family is being investigated by the FBI because they are suspected to be security risks due to Michael doing research about and communicating with a Communist country for a term paper. However, the investigation leads to James losing his job and J.J. suspects this is also the reason why he got fired from his job at the Chicken Shack. 58 21 `` J.J. In Trouble '' Herbert Kenwith Roger Shulman & John Baskin February 3, 1976 ( 1976 - 02 - 03 ) January 22, 1976 When James and Florida go out of town for a family wedding, the children are left at home alone and J.J. soon begins acting like a dictator. And Thelma and Michael argue at J.J and Wilona stop them for argue. However, J.J. is in for a shock when he receives bad news that he has given VD to an ex-girlfriend. This leads an embarrassed J.J. to debate whether or not to visit a free clinic for treatment. Guest star : Jay Leno as a clinic patron 59 22 `` Florida the Woman '' Herbert Kenwith Jay Sommers February 17, 1976 ( 1976 - 02 - 17 ) February 5, 1976 After a morning of being taken granted for by her children and her husband, Florida decides to take her boss ( Thalmus Rasulala ) up on a lunch invitation. This eventually leads to a confrontation with a jealous James. 60 23 `` The Breakup '' Herbert Kenwith Bob Peete February 24, 1976 ( 1976 - 02 - 24 ) February 12, 1976 Thelma 's fiance 's idea of romance is taking her to a basketball game but that is the least of her worries after he gets a big break in California leaving her with two options, stay with her family in Chicago or move to California with her fiancé. Florida tries to calm a furious James and insists that it is time to let Thelma make her own decisions. Guest star : Debbi Morgan as Samantha 61 24 `` The Rent Party '' Herbert Kenwith Roger Shulman & John Baskin March 2, 1976 ( 1976 - 03 - 02 ) February 19, 1976 While J.J. is in St. Louis at an art show, the Evans family decides to hold a rent party to help out Wanda ( Helen Martin ), a neighbor in the building, whose electricity has just been turned off. However, the party may come to a quick halt when the heartless building superintendent, Nathan Bookman, catches wind of it. Meanwhile, Michael, Thelma, Willona and Florida all prepare to provide entertainment during the party. Note : This is the final appearance of John Amos as James Evans, Sr. Season 4 ( 1976 -- 77 ) No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Tape date 62 `` The Big Move : Part 1 '' Gerren Keith Austin & Irma Kalish September 22, 1976 ( 1976 - 09 - 22 ) July 15, 1976 The family is getting ready to move to Mississippi where James has a promising new job. However, the family is waiting for the right time to tell Bookman the news. Later, Willona throws a going - away party, but the happiness is interrupted when a devastating telegram comes -- James had been killed in a car accident. 63 `` The Big Move : Part 2 '' Gerren Keith Lou Derman & Bill Davenport September 29, 1976 ( 1976 - 09 - 29 ) July 22, 1976 The death of James has J.J., Thelma, and Michael not only overcome with grief, but also wondering what is wrong with Florida, who has not grieved once since she heard news of James ' death. The kids become even more concerned during a get - together at the apartment after James ' funeral, where Florida appears to be laughing and having a great time, acting as if it was an ordinary party. After everyone leaves, the kids confront Florida as she cleans up the kitchen, but Florida keeps assuring the kids that she is fine. Finally, when she gets the punch bowl to put away, Florida smashes it to the floor and shouts, `` Damn, damn, DAMN ! '', breaking down in tears over the loss of her husband. The closing credits then appear, in silence rather than with the usual applause. Note : The `` Damn, damn, damn ! '' scene has been regarded as the most touching scene in TV sitcom history. 64 `` J.J. and the Older Woman '' Gerren Keith Story by : Bruce Howard Teleplay by : Bruce Howard and Sid Dorfman October 6, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 06 ) July 29, 1976 Thelma is trying to impress her new ballet teacher, Miss Jessica Bishop ( Rosalind Cash ), with guacamole. She seems to be more interested in J.J. 's paintings... and J.J. This relationship annoys Florida because she is 15 years older than him. Things really become serious when Jessica asks J.J. to move in with her. 65 `` Michael the Warlord '' Gerren Keith Bob Peete October 13, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 13 ) August 5, 1976 Widespread violence has been running rampant in the neighborhood and a large part of it is due to the street gang, the Warlords. While Florida and some concerned citizens discuss the problem, Michael does his best to conceal from his mother that he is a member of the gang. 66 5 `` Michael 's Great Romance '' Gerren Keith Kim Weiskopf & Michael Baser October 20, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 20 ) September 9, 1976 Michael is in love with Yvonne but every time he is around her he freezes. When Yvonne meets J.J. she instantly falls for him thus creating a sibling rivalry between Michael and J.J. Meanwhile, Florida must cope with the two fighting siblings and tries to explain to Michael what he is doing wrong. 67 6 `` Evans Versus Davis '' Gerren Keith Story by : Coslough Johnson Teleplay by : Coslough Johnson and Sid Dorfman October 27, 1976 ( 1976 - 10 - 27 ) October 14, 1976 Alderman Davis makes a visit to the Evans ' household wanting J.J. to speak at his re-election campaign. However, when J.J. refuses, an eviction notice is immediately handed to Florida. Soon, the Evans family is caught between a rock and a hard place when they must decide whether or not to stand up for their principles and be evicted or support a political shyster. 68 7 `` J.J. 's New Career : Part 1 '' Gerren Keith Roger Shulman & John Baskin November 10, 1976 ( 1976 - 11 - 10 ) August 19, 1976 After losing his job, J.J. tries his best to find another. However, when Bookman serves the Evans ' family with an eviction notice due to late rent, J.J. decides to take a job offer from a couple of his shady friends. Meanwhile, Thelma contemplates dropping out of college to get a full - time job and help the family out. 69 8 `` J.J. 's New Career : Part 2 '' Gerren Keith Roger Shulman & John Baskin November 17, 1976 ( 1976 - 11 - 17 ) August 26, 1976 J.J. is in the money, now that he has a new job working with two friends in a gambling operation. However, little does he know, the gambling business also includes prostitution and drugs. Meanwhile, Florida demands some answers from J.J. and kicks him out when she learns what line of work he is now in. 70 9 `` Grandpa 's Visit '' `` Thanksgiving in Paradise ? '' Gerren Keith Story by : Kurt Taylor & Booker Bradshaw Teleplay by : Roger Shulman & John Baskin November 24, 1976 ( 1976 - 11 - 24 ) November 4, 1976 The family is looking forward to Grandpa Evans visiting for Thanksgiving dinner, but he has a surprise for them : he has a woman ! And to make matters worse, she is staying with Grandpa ! When Florida discovers this, she hits the roof and it soon becomes a battle over morals and this leads Grandpa to decide that the best thing to do is leave. 71 10 `` Rich Is Better Than Poor... Maybe ? '' Gerren Keith Allan Manings & Norman Paul December 8, 1976 ( 1976 - 12 - 08 ) September 2, 1976 Florida, Willona, J.J., Thelma and Michael are all excited, having each purchased lottery tickets for the state lottery. Good luck strikes the family when J.J. wins the lottery, a total of $2500. However, the luck does not last long, as Thelma 's friend Edna shows up with her sister, Rozzie, both wielding pistols and demanding the winning money. 72 11 `` Florida 's Night Out '' Gerren Keith Norman & Harriet Belkin December 15, 1976 ( 1976 - 12 - 15 ) September 23, 1976 The kids feel Florida has been spending too much time alone and they decide to cancel their plans and spend an evening with her. But Florida surprises them all and goes out with Willona. Willona takes her to a local night spot where they have an exciting evening. 73 12 `` The Judy Cohen Story '' Gerren Keith Nance McCormick & John Donley December 22, 1976 ( 1976 - 12 - 22 ) October 14, 1976 J.J. is managing Michael 's singing group and gets them a gig at a local tavern. When Florida learns that Michael may be performing in a tavern, she hits the roof and storms down there to put a stop to it, thus breaking up the act. While there, J.J. comes across Judith Cohen, an act whom he knows will hit it big, given the right exposure. Note : Judith Cohen was the only celebrity ever to appear on Good Times as themselves. 74 13 `` The Comedian and the Loan Sharks '' Gerren Keith Hugh Wedlock, Jr. & Jack Matcha January 5, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 05 ) November 18, 1976 J.J. borrows money from a loan shark to back his talented new comedian, Tyrone. However, within days, two thugs come to collect their money, money that J.J. does not have. Time is running out as the pressure comes down on Tyrone, J.J. will get his money if Tyrone is good. However, at the last minute, Tyrone bails, leaving J.J. to do the show. 75 14 `` The Hustle '' Gerren Keith Levi Taylor January 12, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 12 ) December 23, 1976 Florida is in a terrible mood, and takes it out on the kids, yelling at them to get the chores done. A cheerful Willona stops in and makes the announcement that she is off for a relaxing weekend in Lake Geneva. After hearing this, the kids go into the underwear selling business in order to raise enough money to send Florida on a much needed vacation to Lake Geneva. 76 77 15 16 `` Thelma 's African Romance '' Gerren Keith Bob Peete January 19, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 19 ) December 9, 1976 December 16, 1976 Thelma and her college friends are having a meeting to decide what to do about the school cafeteria, but things come to a head when the African exchange student, Ibe, starts making sexist remarks about `` woman 's work ''. They finally agree to have a picket, but on the day of the picket, the assistant dean ends up then suspending Thelma. Meanwhile, Thelma and Ibe begin seeing each other, resulting in Ibe asking her to move in with him. Florida hits the roof when Thelma announces her plans of moving in with Ibe. However, things begin moving a little bit too fast when Ibe asks her to marry him and move to Nigeria. At first Thelma is all for it, despite Florida insisting that she take time and go slow, but when Thelma discovers she may become part of a harem, she has second thoughts. Guest Star : Vernee Watson - Johnson as Valerie 78 17 `` Willona 's Surprise '' `` Dinner with My Ex '' Gerren Keith Austin & Irma Kalish January 26, 1977 ( 1977 - 01 - 26 ) December 2, 1976 Willona gets a surprise for her birthday, a visit from her womanizing former husband, Ray. Ray does his best at convincing Willona that he has changed and she decides to try to start over with him. However, quickly his old ways surface and he begins making passes at Thelma. 79 18 `` A Friend In Need '' Gerren Keith Roger Shulman & John Baskin February 2, 1977 ( 1977 - 02 - 02 ) January 13, 1977 When Florida 's away for the weekend, J.J., Thelma and Michael throw a wild party and try to keep it from Willona, who is keeping an eye on them while their mother is away. However, the party gets even wilder than they had dreamed of when one of the guests takes an overdose of sleeping pills and J.J. has to keep him from falling asleep to save his life. 80 19 `` A Stormy Relationship '' Gerren Keith Bruce Kalish & Ron Sellz February 9, 1977 ( 1977 - 02 - 09 ) January 20, 1977 Michael has gotten a part - time job working for Carl Dixon at his repair shop. However, Florida is horrified to learn that Michael is harboring atheist attitudes planted by his boss. This leads Florida to confront Michael 's boss and get to the bottom of the situation. 81 20 `` Florida and Carl '' Gerren Keith John Baskin & Roger Shulman February 23, 1977 ( 1977 - 02 - 23 ) January 27, 1977 J.J., Thelma, Michael and Willona are all excited with the prospects of Florida beginning to date. However, Florida is reluctant to dive into the dating pool but agrees to go on a date with Carl Dixon. Once at the restaurant, she gets into an argument with him when they receive terrible service leading to him walking out. 82 21 `` My Son, The Father '' Gerren Keith Sid Dorfman March 2, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 02 ) February 10, 1977 A father son dinner is being planned at Michael 's school and J.J. is all excited about taking Michael to the dinner but when Michael breaks the news that he invited Carl to take him, J.J. storms out. Feeling as if the family no longer needs him, J.J. begins considering moving out on his own. 83 22 `` J.J. in Business '' Gerren Keith Bob Peete March 9, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 09 ) February 17, 1977 J.J., with the help of Carl, opens a greeting card business and has the entire family help with creating thoughtful greeting card sayings. However, when an accountant comes into look over the books, J.J. is in for a rude awakening, for he only has $68 in the bank. He finds this out just as he gets a huge order, which will cost him $2000. J.J. soon discovers that getting a loan is not going to be an easy task. Guest star : Alice Ghostley as Ms. Austin 84 23 `` Love Has a Spot On Its Lung : Part 1 '' Gerren Keith Austin & Irma Kalish and Allan Manings March 23, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 23 ) February 24, 1977 Florida and Carl 's relationship has gotten quite serious and Carl breaks the news to J.J., Thelma and Michael that he is planning on proposing marriage to Florida. However, after a visit to his doctor, Carl decides to break off the relationship, since he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. 85 24 `` Love Has a Spot On Its Lung : Part 2 '' Gerren Keith Roger Shulman & John Baskin March 30, 1977 ( 1977 - 03 - 30 ) March 3, 1977 After Carl calls off his relationship with Florida, a furious J.J. confronts Carl, who makes up an excuse that a war injury in the groin is the reason why he is breaking up with Florida. Later, a drunken J.J. stays out all night with a drunken Carl, worrying Florida to death. Later, Carl reveals the truth to Florida and he proposes marriage and she readily accepts. Meanwhile, Bookman tries his best to get the Evans apartment re-painted, with the not - so helpful assistance of two lazy painters. Season 5 ( 1977 -- 78 ) No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Tape date 86 87 `` The Evans Get Involved : Part 1 '' `` Meet Penny : Part 1 '' `` The Evans Get Involved : Part 2 '' `` Meet Penny : Part 2 '' Gerren Keith Austin & Irma Kalish Sid Dorfman September 21, 1977 ( 1977 - 09 - 21 ) August 11, 1977 When young Penny Gordon follows J.J. home, she tells the Evanses tall tales about her life without mentioning her abusive mother ( Chip Fields ). But when Penny changes into a dress, a stunned Willona and Thelma discover the girl 's badly bruised back. Willona and the Evans children are convinced that Penny is being abused and discover that she has an injured arm, caused by her abusive mother, but the doctor who treats Penny refuses to believe that she is a victim of child abuse. Note : This is the first appearance of Penny, played by Janet Jackson. 88 `` The Evans Get Involved : Part 3 '' `` The Solution '' Gerren Keith Lloyd Turner & Gordon Mitchell September 28, 1977 ( 1977 - 09 - 28 ) August 18, 1977 Willona and the Evanses are stunned to discover that Penny and her mother have moved, but soon find the girl hiding in the Evans apartment. Later, Penny 's abusive mother abandons her, leaving Willona to ponder adopting the battered youth. 89 `` The Evans Get Involved : Part 4 '' `` The Final Final '' Gerren Keith Austin & Irma Kalish October 5, 1977 ( 1977 - 10 - 05 ) August 25, 1977 While Willona worries about the adoption, Bookman tries to help by telling the social worker ( Alice Ghostley ) that he is Willona 's husband. 90 5 `` Thelma Moves Out '' Gerren Keith Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf October 12, 1977 ( 1977 - 10 - 12 ) September 8, 1977 Fed up with her brothers and her lack of privacy, Thelma moves in with three roommates. 91 6 `` Willona, The Fuzz '' Gerren Keith Story by : Richard Freiman Teleplay by : Richard Freiman and Sid Dorfman October 19, 1977 ( 1977 - 10 - 19 ) September 15, 1977 Willona 's new job in department - store security requires that she spy on changing rooms through a one - way mirror. Guest stars : Conchata Ferrell and Gordon Jump 92 7 `` Wheels '' `` J.J. and the Car '' Gerren Keith Story by : Bill Freedman & Al Schwartz Teleplay by : Bill Freedman & Al Schwartz and Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf November 2, 1977 ( 1977 - 11 - 02 ) September 29, 1977 J.J. and his friends buy Bookman 's beat - up old car and argue over who gets to drive it. 93 8 `` Breaker, Breaker '' Gerren Keith Elroy Schwartz November 9, 1977 ( 1977 - 11 - 09 ) July 28, 1977 While using a CB radio, Michael makes a connection with a teenage paraplegic girl. 94 9 `` Bye - Bye Bookman '' Gerren Keith Robert Wolterstorff & Paul Belous November 16, 1977 ( 1977 - 11 - 16 ) October 6, 1977 Fed up with Bookman 's incompetence, Willona, Penny and the Evans kids start a petition that gets him fired. 95 10 `` Thelma 's Brief Encounter '' Gerren Keith Bruce Kalish & Phillip Wickham Taylor December 7, 1977 ( 1977 - 12 - 07 ) October 13, 1977 J.J., Willona and Michael suspect that Thelma 's new boyfriend is married, but find that he is a former bigamist doing time in a halfway house. 96 11 `` Requiem for a Wino '' Gerren Keith Lloyd Turner & Gordon Mitchell December 14, 1977 ( 1977 - 12 - 14 ) October 20, 1977 When local wino Fishbone ( Robert Guillaume ) is mistakenly believed to have been killed, he attends his own wake dressed in drag as a mourner. 97 12 `` Penny 's Christmas '' Gerren Keith Robert & Rosalind Stevenson December 21, 1977 ( 1977 - 12 - 21 ) December 1, 1977 When Penny steals a necklace from a department store, Willona faces the possibility of losing custody of the girl. Guest star : Alice Ghostley 98 13 `` No More Mr. Nice Guy '' Gerren Keith Tom Dunsmuir & Dan Wilcox January 4, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 04 ) November 17, 1977 J.J. assumes the role of father figure when Michael starts to slack off, prohibiting his brother from attending an awards dinner. 99 14 `` Willona 's Mr. Right '' Gerren Keith Laura Levine January 11, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 11 ) November 10, 1977 When Willona rejects an old boyfriend 's proposal, Penny thinks she 's holding Willona back and tries to run away. 100 15 `` J.J. and the Boss ' Daughter '' Gerren Keith Story by : Kevin Hopps & Bob Baublitz Teleplay by : Kevin Hopps & Bob Baublitz and Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf January 18, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 18 ) December 8, 1977 J.J. dates his sexy new assistant, who is also the boss 's daughter. 101 16 `` Where There 's Smoke '' Gerren Keith Bruce Kalish & Phillip Wickham Taylor January 25, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 25 ) December 15, 1977 With a hole burned into a couch cushion, the Evans kids each flash back to their versions of how it happened. 102 17 `` I Had a Dream '' Gerren Keith Jim Rogers January 30, 1978 ( 1978 - 01 - 30 ) November 3, 1977 Afraid he will be passed over for a promotion in favor of a white man, J.J. has a crazy dream in which he experiences being white. Guest star : Sorrell Booke 103 18 `` The Boarder '' Gerren Keith Don Segall February 6, 1978 ( 1978 - 02 - 06 ) December 22, 1977 The Evans fear that their new boarder may become the target of a hitman. 104 19 `` J.J. 's Condition '' Gerren Keith Dusty Kay & Bill Nuss February 13, 1978 ( 1978 - 02 - 13 ) January 19, 1978 J.J. 's relationship with a married woman gives him an ulcer. 105 20 `` Willona, The Other Woman '' Gerren Keith Michael G. Moye February 27, 1978 ( 1978 - 02 - 27 ) January 26, 1978 Already suspected of infidelity by his wife, Bookman is caught with Willona in a compromising situation. 106 21 `` Something Old, Something New '' Gerren Keith Sid Dorfman March 13, 1978 ( 1978 - 03 - 13 ) January 12, 1978 James ' father visits and proposes marriage to his neglected girlfriend. 107 22 `` Willona 's New Job '' Gerren Keith Michael G. Moye March 20, 1978 ( 1978 - 03 - 20 ) February 16, 1978 Willona reconsiders her marriage plans when she hears her boyfriend 's old - fashioned views on marriage and women in the workplace. 108 23 `` Write On Thelma '' Gerren Keith Judi Ann Mason March 27, 1978 ( 1978 - 03 - 27 ) February 9, 1978 Thelma 's play is selected as a local theater 's latest production, but not without a flurry of changes demanded by the theater 's owner ( Jane Connell ). 109 24 `` That 's Entertainment, Evans Style '' Gerren Keith Kim Weiskopf & Michael S. Baser April 3, 1978 ( 1978 - 04 - 03 ) February 23, 1978 With J.J. out of town, the Evanses put on a talent show to save a local daycare center. Guest star : Gary Coleman Season 6 ( 1978 -- 79 ) No. in series No. in season Title Directed by Written by Original air date Tape date 110 111 `` Florida 's Homecoming : Part 1 '' `` Florida 's Homecoming : Part 2 '' Gerren Keith Story by : Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf and Norman Paul Teleplay : Michael S. Baser & Kim Weiskopf Story : Joe Bonaduce and Norman Paul Teleplay by : Sid Dorfman and Joe Bonaduce September 16, 1978 ( 1978 - 09 - 16 ) July 27, 1978 Thelma accepts a marriage proposal from college football star Keith Anderson, who is negotiating a lucrative NFL contract. Florida arrives home after hearing of Thelma 's engagement, but J.J. loses his job. 112 `` Florida 's Homecoming : Part 3 '' `` The Wedding '' Gerren Keith Story by : Norman Paul Teleplay by : Wayne Kline & Sid Dorfman September 23, 1978 ( 1978 - 09 - 23 ) August 3, 1978 To pay for the wedding, J.J. takes a loan from Sweet Daddy Williams. But while walking down the aisle, Keith injures his knee. 113 `` Florida 's Homecoming : Part 4 '' `` United We Stand '' Gerren Keith Story by : Norman Paul and Bruce Howard & Joe Bonaduce Teleplay by : Bruce Howard & Joe Bonaduce September 30, 1978 ( 1978 - 09 - 30 ) August 10, 1978 The day after the wedding tragedy, Florida rallies the family together while Sweet Daddy Williams comes calling for his payment. Guest star : Bubba Smith as Claude 114 5 `` Florida Gets a Job '' Gerren Keith Michael G. Moye October 7, 1978 ( 1978 - 10 - 07 ) August 31, 1978 Florida competes with a relative of Alderman Davis for a job as a school - bus driver. Guest star : Gary Coleman 115 6 `` Stomach Mumps '' `` Penny and the Facts of Life '' Gerren Keith Michael G. Moye October 14, 1978 ( 1978 - 10 - 14 ) August 24, 1978 When Penny 's 13 - year - old friend becomes pregnant, Willona tells Penny that the friend has `` stomach mumps ''. 116 7 `` J.J. The Teacher '' `` J.J. 's Favorite Student '' Gerren Keith Mark Fink October 21, 1978 ( 1978 - 10 - 21 ) September 14, 1978 J.J. 's art student has a violent father ( Hal Williams ) who refuses to allow his son to take the lessons. 117 8 `` Michael 's Decision '' Gerren Keith Story by : Norman Paul Teleplay by : Gene Farmer November 18, 1978 ( 1978 - 11 - 18 ) September 21, 1978 Michael plans to move in with a white female roommate whose parents ' attitudes make him reconsider. Note : In this episode, Florida makes a quick reference to John Amos playing Kunta Kinte on Roots. 118 9 `` J.J. and the Plumber 's Helper '' Gerren Keith Michael G. Moye December 2, 1978 ( 1978 - 12 - 02 ) October 12, 1978 Vanessa Blake ( Sheryl Lee Ralph ) is back in town. She and J.J. used to be an item, and he ca n't seem to break the news to Vanessa that he lost his job. Meanwhile, Bookman has a new assistant named Teresa a / k / a T.C. ( Bever - Leigh Banfield ), who he constantly mistreats. She falls for J.J., but he only has Vanessa on his mind. 119 10 `` The Witness '' Gerren Keith Story by : Bruce Howard Teleplay by : Bruce Howard and Joe Bonaduce December 9, 1978 ( 1978 - 12 - 09 ) September 28, 1978 J.J. is the only witness to a terrible car accident involving a taxi cab and Savannah Morgan, Sweet Daddy Williams ' girlfriend. Sweet Daddy shows up and pressures J.J. into saying that the accident was the taxi cab 's fault. Things take a very serious turn when he finds out that Keith was the driver of the taxi cab and Savannah hit the cab. 120 11 `` The Snow Storm '' Gerren Keith Bud Slocomb & Len Riley December 13, 1978 ( 1978 - 12 - 13 ) November 16, 1978 A snowstorm hits Chicago and Florida gets stuck in it with her school bus. This leads her and the kids on the bus to take refuge in an abandoned building to keep warm. Guest star : Kim Fields 121 12 `` The Traveling Christmas '' `` Christmas in a Cab '' Gerren Keith Story by : Sid Dorfman Teleplay by : Norman Paul and Wayne Kline December 20, 1978 ( 1978 - 12 - 20 ) November 30, 1978 When Keith 's Scrooge - like boss at the taxi - cab company will not give him Christmas off, the Evans family brings their Christmas party to Keith and holds at the company. J.J. hosts the festivities and it features Michael singing, Bookman ( dressed as Santa ) dancing, Keith doing impersonations & the girls ( Florida, Penny, Willona & Thelma ) portraying `` The Pointless Sisters '' doing `` Steam Heat ''. 122 13 `` House Hunting '' Gerren Keith Gene Farmer January 3, 1979 ( 1979 - 01 - 03 ) October 19, 1978 The Evans family has found the perfect home to move into and plan on taking out a loan to pay for it. However, they quickly find, as usual, that that 's easier said than done, when they run into trouble trying to persuade the banker. 123 14 `` Florida 's Favorite Passenger : Part 1 '' Gerren Keith Michael G. Moye May 23, 1979 ( 1979 - 05 - 23 ) October 26, 1978 A student whom Florida drives to school on her bus becomes the center of attention when Florida discovers he has a hearing problem and his mother refuses to believe Florida 's suspicions. 124 15 `` Florida 's Favorite Passenger : Part 2 '' Gerren Keith Michael G. Moye May 30, 1979 ( 1979 - 05 - 30 ) November 9, 1978 After a near fatal accident, Larry 's mother finally realizes that Larry has a hearing problem. Unable to take him to the doctor because she has to work, Mrs. Baker allows Florida to take him to the doctor, which is where Larry makes the announcement that he plans on running away from home. 125 16 `` Blood Will Tell '' Gerren Keith Anthony and Celia Bonaduce June 6, 1979 ( 1979 - 06 - 06 ) January 18, 1979 Sweet Daddy Williams sends his hoods to snatch J.J. from his home and bring him to the hospital. His reasons : J.J. is the only person they could find that matches Sweet Daddy 's blood type and Sweet Daddy is in dire need of a blood transfusion. 126 17 `` Where Have All the Doctors Gone ? '' Gerren Keith Story by : Carmen Finestra Teleplay by : Mark Fink and J.A. Mason June 13, 1979 ( 1979 - 06 - 13 ) February 15, 1979 When Willona goes out of town, she leaves Penny in Florida 's care. Shortly after, Penny comes down with a virus and Florida takes her down to the free clinic to be examined. Florida quickly comes face to face with the hard - nosed doctor ( Paula Kelly ) who is out of touch with the people in the ghetto and also planning to leave, right in the middle of what seems to be an epidemic. 127 18 `` J.J. and T.C. '' Gerren Keith Wayne Kline & Mark Fink June 20, 1979 ( 1979 - 06 - 20 ) March 8, 1979 A tomboy who has been helping out Bookman, wants J.J. to ask her to a dance. However, J.J. thinks of her as just one of the guys, that is until he has an encounter with her at a seedy pick - up bar. Guest star : Paul Mooney 128 19 `` The Art Contest '' Gerren Keith Joe Bonaduce June 27, 1979 ( 1979 - 06 - 27 ) December 21, 1978 J.J. is teaching art classes and one of his students, Emily, has great promise and skill with her paintings. It seems that J.J. 's painting is selected for a contest, and J.J. makes this mistake of asking Bookman to take it downtown for him but he takes Emily 's painting to the contest by mistake ! J.J. wins first prize for the painting and soon must decide whether or not to take credit for something he did not do. 129 20 `` The Physical '' `` Florida 's Physical '' Gerren Keith Bud Slocomb & Len Riley July 11, 1979 ( 1979 - 07 - 11 ) January 25, 1979 Florida discovers she must take and pass a physical examination to keep her bus driving job. However, the night before her physical is utter chaos ending with Michael landing in jail. 130 21 `` A Matter of Mothers '' Gerren Keith Story by : Jacqueline Henken Teleplay by : Michael G. Moye July 18, 1979 ( 1979 - 07 - 18 ) February 1, 1979 Willona 's latest boyfriend, Jeffrey, has been showering her and Penny with extravagant gifts even though they 've only been seeing one another for a couple months. Little does Willona know, that he is part of a plan to make Willona look like an unfit mother, a plan engineered by Penny 's scheming birth mother. Mrs. Gordon, who had married into a wealthy family, supposedly busts Willona in giving a disorderly party in front of a minor, but she herself gets busted when Penny accidentally records Mrs. Gordon 's voice admitting that it was all a set up to take Penny back. However, a tearful Penny outright rejects her birth mother and remains with her real mother, Willona. 131 22 `` The End of the Rainbow '' Gerren Keith Wayne Kline & Mark Fink August 1, 1979 ( 1979 - 08 - 01 ) March 1, 1979 This final episode brings all too good news for the Evans family. J.J. gets an offer from a comic company, Keith 's bad knee is miraculously healed and he is offered another football contract. Florida is asked if she wants to move in with Keith and Thelma in the fancy apartment building across town where Willona happens to be moving and she just so happens to be her future next door neighbor. Meanwhile Thelma learns she is pregnant and she reveals it to Keith and the family. ( Final episode of the series ). 132 23 `` The Evans ' Dilemma '' Gerren Keith Story by : Cecil M. Brown Teleplay by : Cecil M. Brown and Michael G. Moye September 18, 1979 ( 1979 - 09 - 18 ) December 14, 1978 Keith 's search for a job results in strange behavior that everyone plainly points out is not just frustration, but rather a bigger problem. Little does anyone know, Keith has developed a serious drinking problem. Note : This episode appeared only in syndication after the show 's original run ended. 133 24 `` Cousin Raymond '' Gerren Keith Walter Smith & Bill Duke January 30, 1980 ( 1980 - 01 - 30 ) February 22, 1979 Florida has a surprise visit from her cousin, Raymond ( Calvin Lockhart ), who has hit it big and gives each member of the family an expensive gift. However, Florida is reluctant to accept her gift of an expensive three room apartment, when she learns just how Raymond makes his money. Note : This episode appeared only in syndication after the show 's original run ended. References Jump up ^ `` TV Guide 's Top 100 Episodes ''. Rev / Views. Retrieved July 4, 2016. All in the Family Main characters Archie Bunker Edith Bunker Gloria Stivic Michael Stivic Stephanie Mills Recurring characters Joey Stivic George Jefferson Louise Jefferson Lionel Jefferson Henry Jefferson Episodes `` Maude '' `` Cousin Liz '' `` Edith 's 50th Birthday '' `` Edith 's Crisis of Faith '' `` The 200th Episode Celebration of All in the Family '' Related series Based on Till Death Us Do Part Spin - offs Maude ( 1972 -- 1978 ) ( episodes ) Good Times ( 1974 -- 1979 ) ( episodes ) The Jeffersons ( 1975 -- 1985 ) ( episodes ) Checking In ( 1981 ) Gloria ( 1982 -- 1983 ) Sequels Archie Bunker 's Place ( 1979 -- 1983 ) ( episodes ) 704 Hauser ( 1994 ) Maude Characters Maude Findlay Episodes `` Maude '' ( pilot ) Spin - offs Good Times ( 1974 -- 1979 ) Episodes Mr. Dugan ( 1979 ; unaired ) Hanging In ( 1979 ) Related All in the Family ( 1971 -- 1979 ) Episodes `` And Then There 's Maude '' ( theme song ) Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Good_Times_episodes&oldid=849610265 '' Categories : Lists of American sitcom television series episodes Talk Contents About Wikipedia Add links This page was last edited on 10 July 2018, at 04 : 52 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: what was the first episode of good times
Answer: "Too Old Blues"