Ep 7. J.J. the Teacher
- TV-NR
- October 21, 1978
- 24 min
-
7.5 (55)
JJ has always been a bit of a character on Good Times. In season 6, episode 7, J.J. takes on a new role as a substitute teacher.
The premise of the episode is that the school is in need of substitute teachers, and J.J. gets the job. At first, he's excited to have some extra cash flowing in, but things quickly go awry. J.J. is a bit of a goofball, and he struggles to maintain control over the classroom.
Throughout the episode, we see J.J. trying to teach the students about black history, but it's clear that he doesn't have a firm grasp on the subject matter himself. He fumbles through the lessons, trying to make things fun and interesting for the kids, but his lack of discipline leads to chaos in the classroom.
As the episode progresses, we see J.J. struggling more and more. He starts to realize that teaching is not as easy as it looks. The students start to rebel against him, and J.J. doesn't quite know how to handle it. It's a tough lesson for him to learn, but eventually he comes around and realizes that he needs to take the job more seriously if he wants to be a successful teacher.
One of the interesting things about this episode is how it tackles the subject of education in black communities. Throughout the series, we've seen the Evans family struggle to make ends meet, and we know that they live in a low-income area. The episode makes it clear that the lack of resources and support for schools in these areas makes teaching a difficult job. J.J.'s own lack of education is a reflection of the system that failed him as a young person.
Overall, the episode is a fun and light-hearted take on a serious topic. It's enjoyable to see J.J. in a new role, and there are plenty of laughs to be had as he tries to navigate his way through the classroom. But at the same time, the episode doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of education in low-income communities. It's a poignant reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure that all children have access to a quality education.