Reverend Sam, a flashy televangelist who instead of living the word who uses religion as a hustle, pays a call on his old army buddy James and offers him a job with his entourage that will pay him $700 a week(Sam told James "$100 a day, 7 days a week"). However, Florida, who sees right through Sam's act, is less than thrilled that her husband would want to work with him. James then has a clash of conscience when he sees how Sam's hustle really works and when JJ thinks about following in that path.

5Season 1

S1.E5 ∙ Michael Gets Suspended

Fri, Mar 8, 1974

Michael is suspended from school for disparaging George Washington to his teacher. Now he wants to drop out. Florida and James try to convince Michael to remain in school and to apologize to his teacher.

6Season 1

S1.E6 ∙ Sex and the Evans Family

Fri, Mar 15, 1974

While cleaning the apartment, Florida finds a notebook titled "Sexual Behavior in the Ghetto" and thinks that its a sex manual. She then accuses JJ of bringing it in the apartment and yells at him for doing so. JJ denies it and when she shows it to James he has a totally different reaction and laughs it off thinking that it is JJ's way of learning about the birds and the bees. However, when James finds out that the book belongs to Thelma, he blows a gasket. Complicating things even more is the fact that she is dating a 21 year old college student.

7Season 1

S1.E7 ∙ Junior Gets a Patron

Fri, Mar 22, 1974

J.J. begins coming home with new art supplies to the point that Florida accuses him of "finding" things. However, he soon reveals that he has a patron who was impressed by his work. However, when J.J. mentions that the man's name is LeRoy Jackson, James Sr. throws a fit because a man with the same name, who was James' best friend, lost all the money they were saving to buy a gas station on a horse. When Jackson arrives at the Evans' apartment, it proves to be the same man and James promptly throws him out. Unfortunately, this doesn't sit well with J.J., who runs away and moves in with Jackson. Now Florida must find a way to bring her son back and reconcile Junior and Senior.

8Season 1

S1.E8 ∙ Junior the Senior

Fri, Mar 29, 1974

It looks like J.J. will be held back a grade.

9Season 1

S1.E9 ∙ The Visitor

Fri, Apr 5, 1974

Michael writes a letter to the paper complaining about the conditions in their building. However, Florida and James aren't too happy due to the fact that it might get them kicked out of their apartment. To make matters worse, a representative from the housing authority is sent over to discuss the matter and things get really interesting when the man's cab driver runs off to avoid being caught in the middle of a rumble. Now he gets a first hand view of life in the ghetto by having dinner with the Evans family.

10Season 1

S1.E10 ∙ Springtime in the Ghetto

Fri, Apr 19, 1974

Florida tries to clean the apartment in order to win first prize for the nicest apartment in the ghetto. Unfortunately, Michael picks the wrong time to show how good a Christian he is by bringing home Ned the Wino. Now, they not only have to clean the apartment, but clean, and disinfect, Ned before the judging committee arrives.

11Season 1

S1.E11 ∙ The TV Commercial

Fri, Apr 26, 1974

While food shopping, Florida is chosen to become a spokesperson for Vita Brite, a new health tonic.

12Season 1

S1.E12 ∙ The Check Up

Fri, May 3, 1974

James does not want to go to the doctor for a physical checkup. Florida and the children tell him he needs to go because they depend on him.

13Season 1

S1.E13 ∙ My Son, the Lover

Fri, May 10, 1974

One of the most popular girls at school is interested in JJ. He starts making plans for going steady, buying her things, and proposing to her. No one in the family likes her because she is overly sweet. Of course, she has ulterior motives.

1Season 2

S2.E1 ∙ Florida Flips

Tue, Sep 10, 1974

Florida is in a bad mood and does not explain why. Everyone comes up with different reasons as to what is wrong. She goes to a woman's support group because she wants more than just taking care of the house and family.

2Season 2

S2.E2 ∙ J.J. Becomes a Man: Part 1

Tue, Sep 17, 1974

J.J. is turning 18 and Florida and James decide to give him some new art supplies as well as a fancy new case. Unfortunately, James is denied credit due to the fact that he was late on a few payments over the years and as a result they have to give J.J. a much cheaper present. Later that night after a small gathering in the Evans' apartment, J.J. gets arrested for allegedly holding up a liquor store. Now the family begin to worry that J.J.'s 18th birthday will wind up with him doing time in prison.

3Season 2

S2.E3 ∙ J.J. Becomes a Man: Part 2: J.J. Is Arrested

Tue, Sep 24, 1974

After hearing about J.J. getting arrested, the Evanses and Willona head for the police station to learn what happened and, hopefully, post bail. Unfortunately, they can't afford the bail and even consider accepting money from a loan shark. Meanwhile, in his cell, J.J. has a confrontation with a meaner, much larger guy, with very funny results.

4Season 2

S2.E4 ∙ Crosstown Buses Run All Day, Doodah, Doodah

Tue, Oct 1, 1974

Michael is selected to be bussed to a school in a more affluent and predominantly white section of Chicago. However, he is against it due to his strong views. James does convince him, in his own way, to get on the bus. However, Michael is nervous that he won't fit in and Florida is afraid that her youngest child might be a target of violence due to the color of his skin.

5Season 2

S2.E5 ∙ The Man I Most Admire

Tue, Oct 8, 1974

Michael has trouble deciding who to write his essay for school on. He ultimately chooses James who is in a less than festive mood after another unsuccessful job interview.

6Season 2

S2.E6 ∙ Thelma's Young Man

Tue, Oct 15, 1974

Thelma shocks the family when she brings home her much older boyfriend and announces their plans to marry.

7Season 2

S2.E7 ∙ The I.Q. Test

Tue, Oct 22, 1974

After getting a very low score on a school IQ test, Michael tries to explain that he didn't finish the test because it is unfair to Blacks.

8Season 2

S2.E8 ∙ The Encyclopedia Hustle

Tue, Oct 29, 1974

The Evans family realizes that they may have been scammed by a blind man selling encyclopedias.

9Season 2

S2.E9 ∙ The Gang: Part 1

Tue, Nov 12, 1974

JJ is forced into joining the Satan's Knights street gang. However, he is a less than active member, especially when it comes to getting involved in the gang's ongoing turf war with the Warlords. When he is threatened with physical harm if he doesn't participate in the next rumble, he must find a way to get Florida and James out of the house before the gang's leader, Mad Dog, comes and physically removes him from the house.

10Season 2

S2.E10 ∙ The Gang: Part 2

Tue, Nov 19, 1974

After getting shot by Mad Dog while trying to save James, JJ comes home and makes like he was critically injured even though it was just a flesh wound. However, on a more serious note, James threatens physical violence on Mad Dog for shooting his oldest son. However, after a court hearing, James has second thoughts on what he wants to do, especially after seeing an incident between Mad Dog and his mother.

11Season 2

S2.E11 ∙ Florida, the Matchmaker

Tue, Nov 26, 1974

Florida decides to play matchmaker for her friend and neighbor, Willona. Willona talks of being lonely, so when Florida, James, and Willona attend a wedding, Florida arranges her to go with a date.

12Season 2

S2.E12 ∙ The Windfall

Tue, Dec 3, 1974

James comes across a bag containing a claimed $27,000 in stolen money and turns it into the police. The Evanses are quickly hassled by ghetto neighbors, strangers and people they thought were their friends about James' good deed. However that's nothing compared to Florida's reaction when James reveals that the bag actually contained $29,000, and that he kept $2,000 to help his family get out of the slums once and for all.

13Season 2

S2.E13 ∙ Sometimes There's No Bottom in the Bottle

Tue, Dec 10, 1974

James & Florida's niece comes to visit and seems to always be happy. Soon they notice the liquor in the house is disappearing. Thelma does not know how to tell her parents that her cousin is an alcoholic.

14Season 2

S2.E14 ∙ Florida's Big Gig

Tue, Dec 31, 1974

Florida is excited about a possible job, then disappointed when she does not get it. James takes Florida with him to a job interview at a department store, but he is then disappointed when the store wants to hire Florida instead of him.

15Season 2

S2.E15 ∙ Florida Goes to School

Tue, Jan 7, 1975

Florida is excited about returning to school for her high school equivalency degree, but James thinks she is busy enough with work and family. He also worries about her having more education than him.

16Season 2

S2.E16 ∙ The Nude

Tue, Jan 14, 1975

One of the Evanses sexiest neighbors wants JJ to paint a very special picture of her to give to her husband for her birthday. However, Flo puts her foot down when she learns that the woman wants to be painted in the nude. The woman then suggests that instead of a nude that she would be glad to pose in her bathing suit. However, things really get complicated when the woman's husband thinks that she and JJ are having an affair. Now JJ must keep from getting his face pounded before he gets paid for his first commissioned portrait.

17Season 2

S2.E17 ∙ The Family Business

Tue, Jan 21, 1975

When James is rejected for a loan to open a repair shop, he sets up shop in the apartment ... well-aware of a clause in his lease prohibiting the operation of commercial activities inside rental units. Can the Evans family keep the business a secret from Bookman, the scheming building superintendent, knowing he might make the new venture very difficult for James if he finds out?

18Season 2

S2.E18 ∙ The Debutante Ball

Tue, Feb 4, 1975

J.J.'s new, well-to-do girlfriend Clarissa invites him to a débutante ball, and he is excited as he makes the plans. But Clarissa's parents object to her choice of escort.

19Season 2

S2.E19 ∙ The Dinner Party

Tue, Feb 11, 1975

The Evans family fears that neighbor Gertie's secret meatloaf ingredient may be canned dog food.

20Season 2

S2.E20 ∙ The Houseguest

Tue, Feb 18, 1975

A childhood friend of James comes to the house to visit, claiming to be a successful businessman.

21Season 2

S2.E21 ∙ My Girl Henrietta

Tue, Feb 25, 1975

After JJ has dating Henrietta for while, the family wants to meet her. Florida invites her to dinner, and everyone is surprised when she walks in and is obviously pregnant.

22Season 2

S2.E22 ∙ The Enlistment

Tue, Mar 4, 1975

James gets word that he is about to be "temporarily" laid off leaving JJ the only bread winner in the Evans household. Unfortunately, he finds out that the theater where he has been working is about to be shut down. He then takes drastic measures and decides to enlist in the army. However, James Sr. finds out that the rumors of his layoff were false and now must hurry to the induction center before JJ becomes Uncle Sam's latest recruit.

23Season 2

S2.E23 ∙ Thelma's Scholarship

Tue, Mar 11, 1975

An upscale boarding school in Michigan offers Thelma a scholarship to attend their school. She is excited until she learns they only want her because she is black, regardless of her grades and needs.

24Season 2

S2.E24 ∙ The Lunch Money Ripoff

Tue, Mar 18, 1975

After he gets picked on by the school bully, Michael decides to take a different approach and invite him over for the weekend.

1Season 3

S3.E1 ∙ A Real Cool Job

Tue, Sep 9, 1975

James is offered a high-paying job in Alaska.

2Season 3

S3.E2 ∙ The Family Gun

Tue, Sep 16, 1975

Florida objects to James having a gun in the house.

3Season 3

S3.E3 ∙ Operation Florida

Tue, Sep 23, 1975

Florida is in the hospital for a gall bladder operation, but the real pain is finding out how much everything costs.

4Season 3

S3.E4 ∙ Love in the Ghetto

Tue, Sep 30, 1975

Thelma gets engaged to Larry and is hesitant to tell her parents. When she does, Florida and James do not approve.

5Season 3

S3.E5 ∙ Florida's Rich Cousin

Tue, Oct 7, 1975

Florida is happy when her cousin visits. Edgar is doing well in life, and Florida plans on asking him for money to help with the bills. James refuses to accept his money. When Florida asks for money, she is surprised by Edgar's answer.

6Season 3

S3.E6 ∙ The Weekend

Tue, Oct 14, 1975

Florida and James celebrate their wedding with a weekend in a friend's snow covered cabin while their children, left alone with JJ in charge, are at war. James carries Florida over the threshold to recreate their honeymoon, but since Florida has put on a bit of weight since then, James struggles. Florida leaves the cabin to find a phone to call the kids while James starts a fire in the fireplace. Meanwhile a beautiful model (Miss December) walks in the door. She thought she was going to meet Charlie, the cabin's owner. James is turned on by her and Florida returns (ruining James' good times). Miss December leaves and Florida is jealous but James wins her back by telling her 'she may be Miss December but you're my calendar girl all year long'. James soon forgets Miss December and digs on Florida in her pretty night dress. He raises a toast to Florida.

7Season 3

S3.E7 ∙ The Baby

Tue, Oct 21, 1975

Willona and the Evans family are throwing a baby shower for their friend Loretta, but she delivers startling news when she arrives: she's putting the baby up for adoption.

8Season 3

S3.E8 ∙ Michael's Big Fall

Tue, Oct 28, 1975

Florida is worried about Michael when he starts cutting classes, not doing homework, and getting into fights. Florida talks to the teacher to determine the problem.

9Season 3

S3.E9 ∙ The Politicians

Tue, Nov 4, 1975

Florida and James are on opposite sides of the political fence, which causes problems and discussions within the family.

10Season 3

S3.E10 ∙ Willona's Dilemma

Tue, Nov 11, 1975

Willona is interested in a man who is deaf. While they have good times, she is not interested in marrying him. When Willona thinks the man is going to propose to her, she does not know how to turn him down.

11Season 3

S3.E11 ∙ Florida's Protest

Tue, Nov 25, 1975

Florida decides to splurge on groceries and buy roast beef for dinner. While everyone enjoys the meal, the next day they have food poisoning. She talks to the store who refuses to listen, and so Florida decides to start a boycott.

12Season 3

S3.E12 ∙ The Mural

Tue, Dec 2, 1975

Thelma remains short on tuition after receiving a scholarship but J.J. agrees to give her the money he is supposed to earn for painting a mural inside a bank.

13Season 3

S3.E13 ∙ A Loss of Confidence

Tue, Dec 9, 1975

When a pretty girl does not fall for JJ's charm, he thinks he is losing his touch and goes into a depression.

14Season 3

S3.E14 ∙ Cousin Cleatus

Tue, Dec 16, 1975

The Evans' get a visit from the FBI asking about Florida's nephew, Cleatus. Turns out he is wanted for bank robbery.

15Season 3

S3.E15 ∙ The Family Tree

Tue, Dec 23, 1975

Thelma asks her parents about her relatives as she has to write up the family tree for a school project. James says his father is dead, but Thelma finds out he is alive. Thelma invites him to visit, but James is not happy to see his father.

16Season 3

S3.E16 ∙ A Place to Die

Tue, Dec 30, 1975

An elderly man who knows Michael asks to spend New Years Eve at the Evans' house so that he can die surrounded by friends.

17Season 3

S3.E17 ∙ J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 1

Tue, Jan 6, 1976

J.J. and his new girlfriend, Diana, plan to do more than just go to the prom ... they plan to get married - over their parents strong objections. But there's a dark secret that Diana is hiding from her groom-to-be: She's hooked on heroin.

18Season 3

S3.E18 ∙ J.J.'s Fiancée: Part 2

Tue, Jan 13, 1976

Thelma finds out that Diana uses heroin when she finds her purse in her room (J.J. had taken Thelma's by mistake). After finding out that the supplier is only in elementary school, it soon becomes a race against time to make contact with J.J. and Diana - who have traveled to Indiana to elope - before it is too late.

19Season 3

S3.E19 ∙ Sweet Daddy Williams

Tue, Jan 20, 1976

The Evan's family sees a lot more than they want of Sweet Daddy when J.J. agrees to paint a picture of his girlfriend. In return, J.J. is offered a showcase for his art.

20Season 3

S3.E20 ∙ The Investigation

Tue, Jan 27, 1976

While cleaning the apartment, Florida finds a pamphlet extolling the virtues of Cuba and wonders where it came from. She then finds out that the pamphlet belongs to Michael, who was using it as research for a school project comparing the American Revolution to the Cuban Revolution. However, when both James and JJ lose their jobs, the Evanses begin to suspect that they became unemployed because of Michael writing to Cuba and things get even more tense when they find out that the FBI is snooping in the neighborhood and asking questions about them.

21Season 3

S3.E21 ∙ J.J. in Trouble

Tue, Feb 3, 1976

While Florida and James are away for the weekend, the kids are alone, which causes chaos when JJ thinks he is the boss and tries to get out of doing house work. However, the real trouble comes when an ex-girlfriend named Mary Ann confronts JJ with the news that she has VD and accuses JJ of giving it to her. JJ must now go the clinic to get an exam to confirm whether or not he has it before Flo and James come home.

22Season 3

S3.E22 ∙ Florida the Woman

Tue, Feb 17, 1976

Florida's attractive boss invites her out to lunch. Since Florida already had a morning filled with requests and demands from her family, she accepts the lunch invitation.

23Season 3

S3.E23 ∙ The Break Up

Tue, Feb 24, 1976

Thelma has mixed feelings when her boyfriend Larry accepts a job in California.

24Season 3

S3.E24 ∙ The Rent Party

Tue, Mar 2, 1976

When a neighbor in the building cannot pay her rent, Florida and James decide to throw a fund-raising party to help her.

1Season 4

S4.E1 ∙ The Big Move: Part 1

Wed, Sep 22, 1976

With James getting a better job in Mississippi, the Evans family begins to pack up their things in preparation for their big move. Michael falls in love for the first time and is reluctant to leave Chicago.

2Season 4

S4.E2 ∙ The Big Move: Part 2

Wed, Sep 29, 1976

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

3Season 4

S4.E3 ∙ J.J. and the Older Woman

Wed, Oct 6, 1976

Thelma invites her favorite teacher to the apartment and while she is there she is fascinated with JJ's artwork. She and JJ soon develop an instant attraction to each other, which disturbs Florida, who can't accept her oldest son carrying on with a woman who is fifteen years older.

4Season 4

S4.E4 ∙ Michael the Warlord

Wed, Oct 13, 1976

History repeats itself as one of the Evans boys is coerced into joining a gang, only this time it is Michael as he is forced into joining the Junior Warlords. After witnessing an assault where his best friend Tommy is beaten and suffers a fractured skull in the process, he runs home and hides his gang jacket in the oven. Unfortuantely Florida and the rest of the family find out that he is a member during an anti-gang meeting when his jacket nearly catches fire. Michael then vows to quit the gang even though he might suffer an even worse beating than Tommy.

5Season 4

S4.E5 ∙ Michael's Great Romance

Wed, Oct 20, 1976

Michael becomes tongue-tied when he falls for Yvonne, a girl at school. However, Yvonne falls for JJ. Michael and JJ compete for the girl.

6Season 4

S4.E6 ∙ Evans Versus Davis

Wed, Oct 27, 1976

A local politician wants JJs help for his campaign. Since JJ does not like the man, he refuses. The politician threatens to have them evicted from their apartment.

7Season 4

S4.E7 ∙ J.J.'s New Career: Part 1

Wed, Nov 10, 1976

When J.J. loses his job, the family is short on rent and threatened with eviction. J.J. cannot find work at the unemployment office, unemployment compensation is at least three weeks out, so he needs to make some tough decisions.

8Season 4

S4.E8 ∙ J.J.'s New Career: Part 2

Wed, Nov 17, 1976

Once J.J. accepts a job as a bookie, he begins making good money, and Thelma does not have to take a semester off from college to work. Florida eventually finds out though, and she does not approve at all.

9Season 4

S4.E9 ∙ Grandpa's Visit

Wed, Nov 24, 1976

Florida and the children are looking forward to James' father's visit. He arrives with a loud-talking woman, and he is not acting like a grandfather typically acts.

10Season 4

S4.E10 ∙ Rich Is Better Than Poor... Maybe

Wed, Dec 8, 1976

The Evans and Willona buy lottery tickets since the prize money is high. They are excited when JJs ticket is the winning number, and they win $2,500. Thelma tells her friends the good news, and the next day, school mates visit with guns.

11Season 4

S4.E11 ∙ Florida's Night Out

Wed, Dec 15, 1976

The Evans children forego their social outings to stay at home and keep their recently widowed mother company, but she shocks them by agreeing to join Willona for a night on the town, which includes a stop at a singles bar.

12Season 4

S4.E12 ∙ The Judy Cohen Story

Wed, Dec 22, 1976

JJ gets Michael's band a job at a tavern. While the pay is good, Florida does not want Michael to be playing in a bar. When JJ is at the tavern, he hears another singer (Judy Cohen) and knows that she has real talent to make it big.

13Season 4

S4.E13 ∙ The Comedian and the Loan Sharks

Wed, Jan 5, 1977

JJ borrows money from a loan shark, intending to pay it back as soon as his new find performs in a local comedian competition. When Tyrone gets cold feet, JJ goes on stage to perform in hopes of winning the money to pay the loan sharks.

14Season 4

S4.E14 ∙ The Hustle

Wed, Jan 12, 1977

Florida is always in a bad mood lately. The children are tired of her crankiness, so they decide she needs to get away for a vacation. JJ finds a way to earn money so they can afford a trip.

15Season 4

S4.E15 ∙ Thelma's African Romance: Part 1

Wed, Jan 19, 1977

The cafeteria at Thelma's college is in disrepair. Thelma and her friends picket the college. She meets Ibe, an African exchange student. They date, and he asks her to move in with him. Thelma is suspended from college because of the picket

16Season 4

S4.E16 ∙ Thelma's African Romance: Part 2

Wed, Jan 19, 1977

When Thelma announces she plans to move in with Ibe at college, Florida emphatically says no. Ibe then asks Thelma to marry him and move to Nigeria with him. She accepts, but then finds out that Ibe believes in polygamy.

17Season 4

S4.E17 ∙ Willona's Surprise

Wed, Jan 26, 1977

Willona's ex-husband returns to town to help celebrate her birthday. He says he has changed, and is ready to be with her again. She starts to accept him, but then Ray starts flirting with Thelma, proving he is still the same sleaze.

18Season 4

S4.E18 ∙ A Friend in Need

Wed, Feb 2, 1977

A house party at the Evans' apartment takes an unexpected turn when J.J.'s down-on-his-luck buddy tries to commit suicide.

19Season 4

S4.E19 ∙ A Stormy Relationship

Wed, Feb 9, 1977

Florida confronts Michael's boss at the hardware store after she learns that his atheist views are negatively influencing her son.

20Season 4

S4.E20 ∙ Florida and Carl

Wed, Feb 23, 1977

Florida reluctantly agrees to go on her first date since James died. She goes to a restaurant with Carl where they have a rude waiter. Florida does her best to be forgiving of the waiter, but this upsets Carl and he walks out.

21Season 4

S4.E21 ∙ My Son, the Father

Wed, Mar 2, 1977

Michael's school is holding a father/son dinner. JJ assumes he will go with Michael as a father figure. Micheal tells JJ that he has already asked Carl to be his stand-in-father.

22Season 4

S4.E22 ∙ J.J. in Business

Wed, Mar 9, 1977

JJ has another money-making idea. He starts a greeting card business and has the whole family involved in making up messages. He has the business plans are laid out, but does not have the financing.

23Season 4

S4.E23 ∙ Love Has a Spot On Its Lung: Part 1

Wed, Mar 23, 1977

Carl tells the children he plans to propose marriage to Florida, so they are surprised when he suddenly leaves town. Turns out Carl had an appointment with his doctor and received some bad news about his health.

24Season 4

S4.E24 ∙ Love Has a Spot On Its Lung: Part 2

Wed, Mar 30, 1977

Carl confesses to Florida he has been diagnosed with lung cancer but he still wants to marry her even though he does not know his future. Florida accepts his proposal.

1Season 5

S5.E1 ∙ The Evans Get Involved: Part 1

Wed, Sep 21, 1977

A new neighbor girl, 10-year-old Penny Gordon, becomes friends with Willona and the Evans family. Later, they discover a horrifying secret - that Penny is viciously abused by her mother.

2Season 5

S5.E2 ∙ The Evans Get Involved: Part 2

Wed, Sep 21, 1977

Willona becomes frustrated in her attempts to report her suspicions that Penny is being abused. Things become complicated when the Gordons suddenly move from their apartment.

3Season 5

S5.E3 ∙ The Evans Get Involved: Part 3

Wed, Sep 28, 1977

Willona becomes heartsick with worry about Penny's apparent fate ... when she turns up at the Evanses' apartment. She's run away from home, and this time, her mother doesn't want her back.

4Season 5

S5.E4 ∙ The Evans Get Involved: Part 4

Wed, Oct 5, 1977

Willona tries to adopt Penny, but learns she can't because she is single. So, Bookman offers to pose as Willona's husband.

5Season 5

S5.E5 ∙ Thelma Moves Out

Wed, Oct 12, 1977

After several arguments with JJ and Michael, Thelma decides she has had enough and moves to an apartment on campus. However, Thelma soon wishes she was back home when her roommates prove to be even more irritating than her brothers and soon they all wish that she was back home.

6Season 5

S5.E6 ∙ Willona, the Fuzz

Wed, Oct 19, 1977

After Penny calls her 'Momma' for the first time, Willona decides to make her happy by paying for her ice skating lessons. She takes an extra job at the store by watching women in the changing rooms through two-way mirrors to catch shoplifters; but her new job leads to a debate over the invasion of shoppers' privacy.

7Season 5

S5.E7 ∙ Wheels

Wed, Nov 2, 1977

JJ and his three friends buy Bookman's 1954 DeSoto.

8Season 5

S5.E8 ∙ Breaker, Breaker

Wed, Nov 9, 1977

Bookman hides a CB radio in the Evans' apartment and everybody uses it; Michael, pretending to be J.J., starts a conversation, with someone who identifies herself as Fun Girl. Michael goes to meet Fun Girl at her apartment but is shocked to find that she is handicapped.

9Season 5

S5.E9 ∙ Bye, Bye, Bookman

Wed, Nov 16, 1977

As always, Bookman is avoiding his job and the tenants are tired of his excuses, rusty water, no electricity, plumbing problems and more. Winona starts a petition and everyone signs it. Bookman gets fired.

10Season 5

S5.E10 ∙ Thelma's Brief Encounter

Wed, Dec 7, 1977

Michael and J.J. are curious about the new mystery man that Thelma is dating. J.J. goes undercover and discovers that her boyfriend is on parole.

11Season 5

S5.E11 ∙ Requiem for a Wino

Wed, Dec 14, 1977

A homeless man returns to the Evan's apartment building after having been away for awhile. Later, they hear he died in an accident and hold a wake. Turns out, Fishbone's wallet was stolen and another man died. Fishbone finds he has friends.

12Season 5

S5.E12 ∙ Penny's Christmas

Wed, Dec 21, 1977

Everybody's excited about Penny's first Christmas with Willona as the official adoption draws close; but when her money is stolen, Penny steals a necklace for Willona's Christmas present, is arrested, and her social worker starts to seriously reconsider allowing Willona to adopt her.

13Season 5

S5.E13 ∙ No More Mr. Nice Guy

Wed, Jan 4, 1978

Michael is falling behind on his homework and chores. J.J. is lenient on him. But when Michael and Penny are arrested for carjacking, J.J. puts his foot down.

14Season 5

S5.E14 ∙ Willona's Mr. Right

Wed, Jan 11, 1978

Willona's former boyfriend calls her. He is back in town from Alaska and wants to marry Willona. She turns him down because she now has Penny to consider. When Penny finds out, she runs away because she thinks she is ruining Willona's life.

15Season 5

S5.E15 ∙ J.J. and the Boss' Daughter

Wed, Jan 18, 1978

JJ has a new assistant at work, but does not realize the attractive woman is the daughter of his boss. JJ starts to brag how he has control of the office and the boss has no idea of what is going on.

16Season 5

S5.E16 ∙ Where There's Smoke

Wed, Jan 25, 1978

Willona visits the Evans while Florida is out, and she smells smoke. The couch cushion is almost thoroughly burnt. JJ, Michael, and Thelma each have different stories as to how the couch caught fire.

17Season 5

S5.E17 ∙ I Had a Dream

Mon, Jan 30, 1978

JJ feels like he is not going anywhere at his job with responsibilities or a promotion. He thinks it is because he is black. He dreams he is white and we see what he thinks can happen for him.

18Season 5

S5.E18 ∙ The Boarder

Mon, Feb 6, 1978

JJ decides to rent out a room in their apartment for the extra money. They then find out the man is a witness to a crime and a hit-man might be looking for him.

19Season 5

S5.E19 ∙ J.J.'s Condition

Mon, Feb 13, 1978

Willona tells JJ he might be getting an upset stomach all the time because of his relationship with Barbara. Barbara is still married, but tells JJ she is going to get a divorce. It just seems the divorce is never going to happen.

20Season 5

S5.E20 ∙ Willona, the Other Woman

Mon, Feb 27, 1978

Bookman's wife finds Bookman in Willona's apartment and they are caught in a compromising position. Is Willona a new girlfriend for Bookman?

21Season 5

S5.E21 ∙ Something Old, Something New

Mon, Mar 13, 1978

The Evan's grandfather visits and announces that he is postponing his marriage. His fiancée is not happy.

22Season 5

S5.E22 ∙ Willona's New Job

Mon, Mar 20, 1978

Willona gets a promotion to a buyer at work. It means better pay and more prestige. She is excited about the opportunity. But then Frank returns and wants to marry her - and she has to give up her job.

23Season 5

S5.E23 ∙ Write On, Thelma

Mon, Mar 27, 1978

Thelma writes a play, and the local theater is interested in producing the play. She is excited, until the owner tells her to change the characters, dialogue, and the setting. Also, Penny is going to play in the Easter pageant.

24Season 5

S5.E24 ∙ That's Entertainment, Evans Style

Mon, Apr 3, 1978

A child-care center in the neighborhood is scheduled to close due to lack of funds. To keep it open, the Evan's plan a show to raise money from the neighbors.

1Season 6

S6.E1 ∙ Florida's Homecoming: Part 1

Sat, Sep 16, 1978

Thelma comes home from a date and tells her family she is in love, and thinks Keith loves her too. She invites Keith to dinner at their home, and he proposes to her. Florida returns home from Arizona and gives her approval for the marriage.

2Season 6

S6.E2 ∙ Florida's Homecoming: Part 2

Sat, Sep 16, 1978

With Florida back in town, everyone is excited about her return and Thelma's upcoming wedding. However, Thelma gets nervous and is not sure if she wants to marry Keith. Also, JJ is let go from his job.

3Season 6

S6.E3 ∙ Florida's Homecoming: Part 3

Sat, Sep 23, 1978

To help pay for Thelma and Keith's wedding, JJ takes gets a loan from a loan shark. The wedding ceremony goes as planned, but as they walk from the church, Keith falls and breaks his leg. This will affect his job in sports.

4Season 6

S6.E4 ∙ Florida's Homecoming: Part 4

Sat, Sep 30, 1978

After a joyous wedding ceremony, things are anything but happy. Thelma and Keith cannot go on a honeymoon because Keith's leg is broken and it may end his sports career. Also, the loan sharks come to visit JJ to get their money back.

5Season 6

S6.E5 ∙ Florida Gets a Job

Sat, Oct 7, 1978

Jobs are scarce for Florida and JJ. An ad for a school bus driver catches Florida's eye, but she finds it has strings attached for JJ, and the strings are attached to Alderman Davis

6Season 6

S6.E6 ∙ Stomach Mumps

Sat, Oct 14, 1978

When Willona learns that one of Penny's friends is pregnant, she explains the situation to the 11-year-old - that her friend has a case of the 'stomach mumps'. Florida urges Willona to tell Penny the truth, putting a strain on the rekindled friendship.

7Season 6

S6.E7 ∙ J.J. the Teacher

Sat, Oct 21, 1978

JJ holds painting classes in the apartment and Thelma and Michael are tired of it. However, he wants to help one student is having problems at home. His father does not want him painting and is being abusive.

8Season 6

S6.E8 ∙ Michael's Decision

Wed, Nov 8, 1978

The Evan's apartment feels crowded with Thelma and Keith still living there after their marriage. In addition, things continue to fall apart. Michael decides he can help the situation by moving into his own apartment - with a white girl.

9Season 6

S6.E9 ∙ J.J. and the Plumber's Helper

Sat, Dec 2, 1978

JJ's former girlfriend Vanessa is back in town, and she still has expensive taste. JJ does not want to tell her that he is out of work and cannot afford to take her out all the time. Bookman's assistant is interested in JJ.

10Season 6

S6.E10 ∙ The Witness

Sat, Dec 9, 1978

J.J. could pay dearly for witnessing an auto accident.

11Season 6

S6.E11 ∙ The Snow Storm

Wed, Dec 13, 1978

Florida is called to work as substitute drive for the school bus because the regular drivers called off due to a snow storm. Florida makes the rounds & picks up children, but then everyone has to abandon the bus when it gets stuck in snow.

12Season 6

S6.E12 ∙ The Traveling Christmas

Wed, Dec 20, 1978

As the Evan's prepare for their Christmas Party, Keith comes home from work and reports that he has to work the night of the party. Florida decides everyone will have the party at his work.

13Season 6

S6.E13 ∙ House Hunting

Wed, Jan 3, 1979

Florida tells the family they are ready to move into their own house. After they find the house, they have trouble finding a loan.

14Season 6

S6.E14 ∙ Florida's Favorite Passenger: Part 1

Wed, May 23, 1979

JJ tries for a job in Indiana. Florida realizes one of the children on the school bus has difficulty hearing things, so she talks to the mother about having the boy tested. The mother does not believe there is a problem.

15Season 6

S6.E15 ∙ Florida's Favorite Passenger: Part 2

Wed, May 30, 1979

Florida tries to get Larry's mother to realize her son has a hearing loss. After Larry does not hear a warning, he almost falls down an elevator. Larry's mother finally realizes he has a problem. Florida takes the boy to the doctors.

16Season 6

S6.E16 ∙ Blood Will Tell

Wed, Jun 6, 1979

Thugs who work for Sweet Daddy come to get JJ by force. Sweet Daddy is very sick and needs a blood transfusion. Turns out JJ is the closest person who has the blood Sweet Daddy needs. In exchange, he promises to do something for JJ.

17Season 6

S6.E17 ∙ Where Have All the Doctor's Gone?

Wed, Jun 13, 1979

While Willona is out of town, Florida is taking care of Penny. Just about everyone in the apartment is sick with the flu. Florida takes Penny to the clinic, but doctors are scarce, and the remaining doctor has plans to close the practice.

18Season 6

S6.E18 ∙ J.J. and T.C.

Wed, Jun 20, 1979

Bookman's assistant TC is interested in going out with JJ. He does not think much of TC because he sees her only as one of the guys. With a dance event coming up, this seems like a good time for them to get together.

19Season 6

S6.E19 ∙ The Art Contest

Wed, Jun 27, 1979

With the art contest approaching, J.J. believes that he is shoo-in to win. However things don't go as planned after he trusts a distracted Bookman to deliver his painting to the judges.

20Season 6

S6.E20 ∙ The Physical

Wed, Jul 11, 1979

Florida has to pass an annual exam in order to keep her job as a school bus driver.

21Season 6

S6.E21 ∙ A Matter of Mothers

Wed, Jul 18, 1979

Willona's new boyfriend is trying to buy her and Penny's love by giving expensive gifts. Turns out it is Penny's birth mother who is paying the bills and getting the boyfriend to give the gifts. The birth mother wants Penny back.

22Season 6

S6.E22 ∙ The End of the Rainbow

Wed, Aug 1, 1979

The Evans Family, Wilona & daughter Penny, have life changing events that lead to their final day in the Chicago projects.

23Season 6

S6.E23 ∙ The Evans' Dilemma

1979

The family is puzzled by Keith's sudden mood swings until they find out that he is secretly hitting the bottle.

24Season 6

S6.E24 ∙ Cousin Raymond

1979

The family is happy to see Florida's cousin Raymond, especially when he has nice gifts for everyone. He seems to have a lot of money to spend, and he offers Florida a new apartment for the family. Then she learns how he earns his money.