Man, do I even have fond reminiscences of the classic Seventies sitcom “Good Times.” It turned into this kind of groundbreaking display for its honest, relatable portrayal of an operating-class Black family looking to make ends meet inside the Chicago housing initiatives.
The Evanses struggled with cash woes and hard times but continually kept their dignity, warmth, and humor intact. The show became a trailblazer that paved the way for extra sensible depictions of Black lifestyles on TV. I’ll never overlook cathartically giggling and crying along with Florida, James, and the children every week.
Tarnishing a Treasured Legacy?
Imagine my shock after I fired up Netflix and noticed they had resurrected “Good Times”…As a raunchy, lively collection?! This new version appears to have ditched all the coronary heart, social statement, and fact that made the original so special. Instead, it’s long gone full-on crass, lively mayhem – with scenes of nodding off from tablets, over-the-top bloody violence, or even a plot line about the Evans baby becoming a pint-sized dope pusher! What must that do with the healthful spirit of the traditional “Good Times”?
Is it just a Cheap Attempt to Profit Off Nostalgia?
It reeks of a few Netflix executives saying, “You recognize that antique Black sitcom lots of human beings loved? Let’s slap that name on an edgy animated show to dupe the nostalgic enthusiasts into looking!”
Because virtually, besides the Evans family call and a few scattered reruns of the enduring theme tune, there is slightly any connection to the 1970s supply material. It’s nearly like fake advertising and marketing to exchange so ruthlessly on target audience goodwill towards “Good Times.”
It was given nothing in opposition to animated comedies pushing the envelope or getting a little raunchy occasionally. But it was using the name of a life-asserting, socially significant classic that looks like a reasonably-priced ploy to trick human beings into watching but another surprising-for-the-sake-of-it grownup excellent animated film. Instead of honoring “Good Times” groundbreaking legacy, this can tarnish it all the time. What a disappointing, cynical, overlooked possibility from Netflix.