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"The Big Move (aka "The Unhappy Move"): Part 2"
Season 4, Episode 2
Number (#63) in series (133 episodes)
Tape date July 22, 1976
Air date: September 29, 1976
Network/Country: CBS
Written by: Austin Kalish and Irma Kalish
Directed by: Gerren Keith
Production code: 402 (401b)
IMDb logo IMDB The Big Move (aka "The Unhappy Move"): Part 2
Cast Information
Starring: Esther Rolle
Jimmie Walker
Ja'net Dubois
Bern Nadette Stanis
Ralph Carter
Johnny Brown
Guest starring: Irwin C. Watson
Nick LaTour
Minnie Summers Lindsey
Raymond Allen
Henry Harris
Lee Weaver
Matthew "Stymie" Beard
Helen Martin
Episode guide
Episode chronology
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"The Big Move: Part 1"
(Season 4 premiere)
"J.J. and the Older Woman"
List of Good Times seasons/episodes


The Big Move: Part 2 is the second episode of Season 4 and the sixty-third episode overall. It is one-half of an episode. Co-written by Austin Kalish and Irma Kalish, the episode originally aired on CBS-TV on September 22, 1976.

Synopsis[]

Following the news of James' passing, everyone begins to worry about Florida who seems to be emotionally unaffected.

Episode summary[]

Florida hasn't cried once since the news of James' death. J.J., Thelma, and Michael are troubled and plan to confront her when they see her enjoying herself after his funeral.

Storyline[]

At a gathering at the apartment, following James' funeral, J.J., Thelma, and particularly Michael are in deep grief over their father's passing. Unable to control his anger, Michael lashes out at the guests, declaring that everyone is disrespecting his father's memory by laughing and carrying on; and is especially troubled that Florida is leading the laughter. Michael later storms out, with Thelma not too far behind. Florida goes to see about them as they angrily lash out at her over her festive, cherry attitude. J.J. on the other hand, is understanding, but worried as he remains by his mother's side while Thelma and Michael stay behind, refusing to come out.

However, after everyone else leaves, Florida opts to clean the mess as J. J. calls for Thelma and Michael to come out, which they do, offering to help Florida clean up but she angrily declines their assistance as they head back into Thelma's room. As she cleans, reality is finally beginning to hit home for Florida as she slowly but surely comes to grips with losing the love of her life, her rock and her soulmate as she smashes a glass bowl and cries out "DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!!!" as her children rush out from the back after hearing the glass shatter and Florida finally breaks down sobbing in deep grief as her children comfort and console her.

Recurring cast/Guest starring[]

  • Helen Martin as "Weeping" Wanda Williams
  • Irwin C. Watson as Calvin Ferguson
  • Nick LaTour as Rev. Gordon
  • Minnie Summers Lindsey as Mrs. Gordon (as Minnie Lindsey)
  • Raymond Allen as Ned the Wino (as Raymond G. Allen)
  • Henry Harris as Man #1
  • Lee Weaver as Man #2
  • Matthew "Stymie" Beard as Monty (as Stymie Beard)
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