A particularly buzzy ensemble cast recreated an episode of Good Times for ABC’s second installment of their live sitcom event series, Live in Front of a Studio Audience. The second event, which saw a recreation of All in the Family along with Good Times, followed the first event in May which recreated All in the Family and The Jeffersons. 

For the special, the Season 3 episode, “The Politician,” was recreated. The episode starred Viola Davis and Andre Braugher as Florida and James Evans, Jay Pharoah as J.J. Evans, Asante Blackk as Michael Evans, Corinne Foxx as Thelma Evans and Tiffany Haddish as Willona Woods. Jharrel Jerome portrayed a character that’s specific to this episode, Jimmie Pearson. In a surprise return, iconic actor and original star, John Amos, was Alderman Fred Davis, a long-running supporting character from the series.

In the episode, the Evans are divided in regards to who they are supporting in the upcoming alderman race. James and JJ are supportive of their current councilman, Davis, who seems to uphold the status quo. But Florida, Thelma, Michael and Willona are campaigning for Pearson, a newcomer on the political scene who wants to change things up. After attending a rally for Pearson, it turns out that Florida has invited Pearson over, which is much to James’ chagrin because he has invited Davis over. Arriving first, it’s clear that Davis is only concerned with getting the votes of the Evans family and isn’t really trying to change things in the community. When Thelma, Florida, Willona and Michael try to challenge him on things, it’s clear he’s a part of the establishment.

Photo: Eric McAndless / ABC
Photo: Eric McAndless / ABC

Then, Pearson arrives and, like the members of the family who are on his side, he wants Davis to debate him. All of them begin to challenge Davis on issues in their community that he doesn’t seem to care about. The visit then turns into teasing and fun trash-talking. However, Pearson doesn’t want to get involved, but Florida, Willona and the others have no problem jumping in for him. The family goes back and forth, speaking on behalf of their favorite candidate, but Pearson just won’t give in to trash-talking Davis. The alderman, claiming victory, heads out with James and JJ.

Next, Thelma, Willona, Michael and Florida are at the results party for Pearson. As the results come in, they learn that only three people from their precinct voted for Pearson while Davis has 74 votes. This causes many supporters to leave the party as it becomes clear that there is no way that Pearson could win.  James and J.J. arrive gloating after leaving Davis’ celebration party. James also uses this as a time to explain to Pearson what went wrong with his campaign. Despite the support of people like Florida, he still couldn’t connect to the community the way Davis could, and that was evident when he refused to join in on the fun back at the apartment. James tells him that there wasn’t enough justification of why people should choose him over Davis because he wanted to take the high road. While Florida disagrees, Pearson says that he actually agrees with James and that he was talking at the people and not to the people. He finally joins in on the trash-talking fun and leaves knowing what he needs to be better at next time.

The Good Times portion concluded with a surprise appearance from original stars Jimmie Walker, Ja’Net DuBois and Bern Nadette Stanis.

Unlike the hilarious breaking out of character and line flubs that took place during The Jeffersons episode from earlier this year, this Good Times episode moved mostly seamlessly. All in the Family took a holiday episode so it may have made more sense for Good Times to do that as well, but this episode was definitely a timely subject given the current impeachment situation.

It was clear from sentiments on social media that Viola Davis was the standout for fans, with many also noting how spot-on Jay Pharoah was at JJ. Tiffany Haddish’s interpretation of Willona also got some kudos. Amos’ return was a nice touch as well.

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Photo: ABC 

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Asante Blackkgood timesJay PharoahJharrel JeromeLive in Front of a Studio AudienceTiffany HAddishViola-Davis