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The Big Move (1)

The Big Move (1)

Episode number: 1

Overview: The family is getting ready to move to Mississippi which is where James has gotten a promising new job. However, the family is waiting for the right time to tell Bookman the news. Later, Willona throws a going-away party but the happiness is interrupted by heartbreaking news that James has been killed in a car accident.

The Big Move (2)

The Big Move (2)

Episode number: 2

Overview: The death of James has J.J., Thelma and Michael overcome with grief and also leaves them wondering what is wrong with Florida, who hasn't cried once since she found out the news of James' death. During a get-together at the apartment after James' funeral, the kids plan to confront Florida, who is seen laughing and having a great time.

J.J. and the Older Woman

J.J. and the Older Woman

Episode number: 3

Overview: 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.

Michael the Warlord

Michael the Warlord

Episode number: 4

Overview: Widespread violence has been running rampant in the neighborhood and a large part of it is due to the street gang, the Warlords. While Florida and some concerned citizens discuss the problem, Michael does his best to conceal a secret from his mother, he himself is a member of the gang.

Michael's Great Romance

Michael's Great Romance

Episode number: 5

Overview: Michael is in love with Yvonne but every time he's around her he freezes. When Yvonne meets J.J. she instantly falls for him thus creating a sibling rivalry between Michael and J.J.

Evans Versus Davis

Evans Versus Davis

Episode number: 6

Overview: Alderman Davis makes a visit to the Evans' household wanting J.J. to speak at his re-election campaign. However, when J.J. refuses, an eviction notice is immediately handed to Florida.

J.J.'s New Career (1)

J.J.'s New Career (1)

Episode number: 7

Overview: After loosing his job, J.J. tries his best to find a job. However, when Bookman serves the Evans' family with an eviction notice due to late rent, J.J. decides to take a job offer from a couple of his shady friends. Meanwhile, Thelma contemplates dropping out of college to get a full time job and help the family out.

J.J.'s New Career (2)

J.J.'s New Career (2)

Episode number: 8

Overview: J.J. is in the money, now that he has a new job working with two friends in a gambling operation. However, little does he know, the gambling business also includes prostitution and drugs. Meanwhile, Florida demands some answers from J.J. and kicks him out when she learns what line of work he is now in.

Grandpa's Visit

Grandpa's Visit

Episode number: 9

Overview: Florida and the children are excitedly anticipating the arrival of Grandpa Evans. However, he arrives with a loud companion in tow.

Rich is Better Than Poor . . . Maybe

Rich is Better Than Poor . . . Maybe

Episode number: 10

Overview: Some good luck strikes the family when J.J. wins a lottery. However, the luck doesn't last long, that is until, Thelma's friend Edna shows up with her sister both wielding pistols and demanding the winning money.

Florida's Night Out

Florida's Night Out

Episode number: 11

Overview: The kids feel Florida has been spending too much time alone and they decide to cancel their plans and spend an evening with her. But Florida surprises them all and goes out with Willona. Willona takes her to a local night spot where they have an exciting evening.

The Judy Cohen Story

The Judy Cohen Story

Episode number: 12

Overview: J.J. is managing Michael's singing group and gets them a gig at a local tavern. While there, J.J. comes across Judith Cohen, an act whom he knows will hit it big, given the right exposure.

The Comedian and the Loan Sharks

The Comedian and the Loan Sharks

Episode number: 13

Overview: J.J. borrows money from a loan shark to back his talented new comedian. However, within days, two thugs come to collect their money, money that J.J. doesn't have.

The Hustle

The Hustle

Episode number: 14

Overview: Florida's bad mood prompts the kids to go into the underwear selling business in order to raise enough money to send Florida on a vacation to Lake Geneva.

Thelma's African Romance (1)

Thelma's African Romance (1)

Episode number: 15

Overview: 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.

Thelma's African Romance (2)

Thelma's African Romance (2)

Episode number: 16

Overview: Florida hits the roof when Thelma announces her plans of moving in with Ibe. However, things begin moving a little bit too fast when Ibe asks her to marry him and move to Nigeria.

Willona's Surprise

Willona's Surprise

Episode number: 17

Overview: Willona gets a surprise for her birthday, a visit from her womanizing ex-husband, Ray. Ray does his best at convincing Willona that he's changed and she decides to try to start over with him. However, quickly his old ways surface and he begins making passes at Thelma.

A Friend in Need

A Friend in Need

Episode number: 18

Overview: When Florida's away for the weekend, J.J., Thelma and Michael throw a wild party. However, it gets even wilder than they had dreamed of when one of the guests takes an overdose of pills and J.J. has to save his life.

A Stormy Relationship

A Stormy Relationship

Episode number: 19

Overview: Florida is horrified to learn that Michael is harboring atheist attitudes planted by his boss. This leads Florida to confront Michael's boss and get to the bottom of the situation.

Florida and Carl

Florida and Carl

Episode number: 20

Overview: A reluctant Florida agrees to go on a date with Carl. However, once at the restaurant, she gets into an argument with him ending with him walking out.

My Son, the Father

My Son, the Father

Episode number: 21

Overview: J.J. is all excited about taking Michael to a father-son dinner but when Michael breaks the news that he invited Carl to take him, J.J. storms out.

J.J. in Business

J.J. in Business

Episode number: 22

Overview: 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.

Love Has a Spot on His Lung (1)

Love Has a Spot on His Lung (1)

Episode number: 23

Overview: Florida and Carl's relationship has gotten quite serious and Carl breaks the news to J.J., Thelma and Michael that he's planning on proposing marriage to Florida. However, after a visit to his doctor, Carl decides to break off the relationship, since he's been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Love Has a Spot on His Lung (2)

Love Has a Spot on His Lung (2)

Episode number: 24

Overview: A furious J.J. confronts Carl, who makes up an excuse that a war injury in the groin is the reason why he's breaking up with Florida. However, later Carl reveals the truth to Florida and he proposes marriage and she readily accepts.