Ep 13. Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle

In season 2 episode 13 of the classic sitcom Good Times, titled "Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle," the Evans family is faced with the harsh reality of alcoholism.

The episode opens with J.J. and Michael returning home from a night out with their friends. They are visibly drunk and causing a disturbance in the building. The noise wakes up their father James, who confronts them about their behavior. J.J. and Michael try to brush it off, but James knows that they have been drinking.

The next day, Florida, the matriarch of the family, receives a call from J.J.'s school. They inform her that J.J. has been absent from school for several days and they are concerned about his well-being. Florida is shocked and immediately confronts J.J., who tries to make excuses for his behavior.

As the episode progresses, the audience sees the toll that alcoholism is taking on the Evans family. James, who has struggled with drinking in the past, tries to give J.J. some tough love and set him straight. However, J.J. doesn't take his father's words seriously and continues to drink.

Meanwhile, Florida becomes increasingly worried about J.J.'s whereabouts and the effect that his drinking is having on the family. She confides in her neighbor, Willona, who offers her support and suggests that they try to get J.J. some help.

The climax of the episode comes when J.J. comes home drunk and causes a scene in the apartment. James is furious and tries to physically restrain his son. However, J.J. fights back and the situation quickly spirals out of control. In a moment of desperation, James turns to his wife for help.

The episode ends with the family coming together to deal with J.J.'s drinking. They realize that they cannot ignore the problem any longer and that they need to get J.J. some professional help. It is a sobering moment for the family, but they know that it is the first step towards healing and moving forward.

"Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle" is a powerful episode that deals with a serious issue in a sensitive and realistic manner. The performances from the cast are excellent, particularly John Amos as James and Ja'net Dubois as Willona. The writers handle the subject matter with care, avoiding any cliches or stereotypes and presenting a nuanced view of alcoholism and its effects on families. It is a poignant reminder that sometimes, in order to move forward, we must first confront the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface.