Ep 22. The Enlistment

In the season 2 episode 22 of Good Times titled "The Enlistment," the family faces a tough decision when JJ receives his draft notice for the Vietnam War. JJ feels conflicted about serving his country while also being afraid of the dangers of war. He initially decides to dodge the draft and hide from the police, but after a conversation with his father, he decides to go through with it.

Florida, JJ's mother, is worried about her son's safety and tries to dissuade him from joining the army. She pleads with him to think about his future and what he wants to do with his life. She argues that the army is not the only way to serve his country and that going to college and becoming successful would also benefit his community.

Meanwhile, Michael is dealing with his own issues in school as he faces racism from his white classmates. He is angry and frustrated with the unfair treatment and lashes out at his family members. His father, James, tries to teach him to be calm and rational in the face of injustice.

The family also grapples with financial struggles as they try to make ends meet. James has trouble finding work and feels exhausted from the constant job search and rejection. He eventually finds a job in a factory, but it is dangerous and he faces discrimination from his boss.

The episode portrays the struggles that many families faced during the Vietnam War era. It shows the pain and anxiety of having loved ones enlist and the fear of potentially losing them. It also sheds light on the racial tensions and discrimination that many African Americans and other minorities faced during this time.

Overall, "The Enlistment" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking episode that highlights the challenges and complexities of life during the 1970s. It showcases the resilience and strength of the Evans family as they navigate tough times and stand by each other through thick and thin.