Ep 17. The Family Business

The Family Business is the seventeenth episode of the second season of the classic sitcom Good Times. The show follows the lives of the Evans family, who live in the Cabrini-Green housing complex in Chicago during the 1970s. The episode begins with the family sitting around the kitchen table, discussing their financial situation. James, the father, has been struggling to find consistent work and they are all feeling the pinch. However, things begin to look up when James receives a job offer from his friend Ned.

Ned is a small business owner who runs a furniture restoration company and is looking for someone to help him expand his business. He offers James a job as a partner, promising that he will take care of all the financial aspects of the business while James will handle the actual restoration work. James is thrilled at the opportunity to have a steady income and the chance to be his own boss.

However, not everyone in the family is on board with the idea. Florida, the matriarch, is worried about the risks involved in starting a business and how it will affect the family's stability. JJ, the eldest son, is also skeptical, feeling that his father is being taken advantage of by Ned. Nevertheless, James is determined to make it work and convinces the family to support him.

As James begins to work with Ned, they encounter a number of challenges. They struggle to find clients, with many of their potential customers choosing to go with larger, more established companies. They also face setbacks in the form of damaged furniture and mistakes made during the restoration process. Despite these obstacles, James and Ned persevere, determined to make their business a success.

Meanwhile, the rest of the family is dealing with their own problems. Florida is worried about her job security, as she works for a company that is going through financial difficulties. JJ is struggling with school, feeling overwhelmed by his coursework and unsure of what he wants to do with his life. Michael, the younger son, is also having a tough time, feeling left out of the family's discussions and worried about the future.

In the end, The Family Business is a heartwarming episode that shows the resilience and strength of the Evans family. James and Ned's business may have its ups and downs, but they are committed to making it work and providing for their loved ones. The episode also touches on important themes around entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the importance of family support during times of crisis.