Last night, the folks at TV LAND gave “Good Times” an impact award for its incredible contribution to television.

I was extremely excited to find this out (shout out to Keith Boykin!) because Good Times to me is one of the great shows in American television history. I would, however, divide Good Time into two periods: with James and without James.

When James (John Amos) was on the show, it was both funny and serious, realistic and transformative. While we laughed at J.J.’s cooning, we were able to appreciate the love and support that both parents provided their children and each other. This was no small feat for the 1970s, or even now! The show’s tragicomic sensibility, along with cutting edge story lines (remember the Black Jesus episode?), represented the best in Black arts.

Perhaps my favorite episode was when Michael is getting bullied. James makes him fight the kid but Michael decides to bring him home for the weekend instead. The kid starts to disrespect James. Of course James ain’t having it and takes a belt out and beats his ass! Afterward the kid says (all dramatic), “Did that make you feel good?” James replies “Didn’t make me feel bad!”. The episode ends as James and Florida explain to the kid that they beat their asses because they love them. THAT’S REALITY TV!!!

After James, the show nearly immediately jumped the shark and became far too focused on JJ’s antics and regurgitated story lines. Didn’t Michael’s gang episode seem like a pale imitation of JJ’s run-in with Mad Dog? There were a few post-James classics, like the “Damn Damn Damn” episode (my man Mark Anthony Neal breaks this down lovely) and the episodes with Penny and her mom (momma no!!!!), but it couldn’t compare to the beginning.

Anyway, Good Times offered America a strong, cohesive, and morally sound Black family at a moment when it was most critically needed.

I just want to say thanks, y’all. (even JJ)