Ep 11. Florida's Protest

Florida's Protest is the eleventh episode of the third season of the classic 1970s sitcom Good Times. The show is set in Chicago's South Side and follows the misadventures of the Evans family, a working-class African American family. In this episode, the Evans family encounters social and political issues that are relevant to their community.

The episode starts with a heated debate at the Evans' dinner table. Florida, the matriarch of the family, is outraged at the tuition hike at the local college, and she insists that they should protest. However, her husband James, who is skeptical of protests, tells her that protesting is not the answer and that they should find another way to deal with the problem.

The next day, Florida goes to the college to talk to the dean about the tuition increase. While there, she meets other students and parents who are equally outraged about the hike. They discuss what they can do to force the college to reconsider the increase. Florida suggests that they organize a peaceful protest, and the group agrees.

As they plan the protest, the family faces a series of struggles that illustrate the challenges of organizing a demonstration. J.J., the artistic son, has a contract for a painting job, but the client cancels it because of the risk of violence. Michael, the politically inclined younger son, wants to participate in the protest, but his father is worried about his safety. Thelma, James and Florida's eldest daughter, is attending a concert with her boyfriend, who doesn't share the same sense of social responsibility. All these conflicts create a lot of tension in the family and make organizing the protest much more difficult.

Despite the challenges, the family manages to organize the protest, and Florida becomes the spokesperson for the group. The scene at the college is chaotic, as protestors clash with riot police, and the situation quickly spirals out of control. As news of the protest spreads, more and more people join the demonstration, and the situation becomes more dangerous.

The climax of the episode involves a powerful speech by Florida, who confronts the governor about his neglect of the needs of working-class families. Her speech is passionate and emotional, and she articulates the frustrations of people who have been marginalized and ignored by the government. The speech is a powerful call to action, and it inspires the protestors to redouble their efforts.

In the end, the protest succeeds, and the college agrees to reconsider the tuition increase. However, the victory comes at a cost, as the family must deal with the fallout of the protest. James is injured in the clash with the police, and the family realizes the risks that come with standing up for their rights. Nevertheless, they feel a sense of satisfaction and pride in what they have accomplished, and they realize that their voices can make a difference.

The episode is a compelling testament to the power of protest, and it explores the complex issues that underlie social and political unrest. It also showcases the talents of the show's cast, who bring depth and sincerity to their performances. Overall, Florida's Protest is a thought-provoking and engaging episode that remains relevant today, more than 40 years after it aired.