Jimmy Kimmel Presents Norman Lear's "The Jeffersons" and "All in the Family" Live on ABC

[dragonflies]

Both were good. I wasn't expecting Kevin Bacon to be the AITF episode

[DramatistDreamer]

I missed both shows. This was the only thing I saw and honestly, I'm fine with that. 

 

 

Regarding the dearth of young black women in television at that time and in terms of an uplifting representation of young black womanhood, I don't think most people on this board would understand how important Thelma was.  Also, it's a mistake to cast for looks.  Fine, a good shortcut is sometimes to try to cast actors who bear a resemblance to the original portrayer but, as a general rule of thumb, this shouldn't be the first criteria.  Marisa Tomei, in reality, looks nothing like Jean Stapleton, yet, from what I've heard she captured the essence of Edith Bunker fairly well. 

BerNadette Stanis obviously had a dance background and it showed in her movement. Personally, I would've cast an actress who had a dance background as well as some acting experience, or at least someone more fluid in her movement.  From the few clips I've seen, this actress seems fairly stiff in her movements. 

 

Speaking of original recipe Thelma.

 

[DRW50]

I wish they hadn't tried to make Andre Braugher look like John Amos. Just wasn't going to work. 

 

I'm so glad John was there - his work on Good Times was some of the finest on any sitcom and is too often ignored because of all the backstage drama. 

 

From that clip, they seemed to just think Wilona made sassy quips. She had more layers, which unfortunately I don't think Tiffany Haddish could have conveyed.

[ReddFoxx]

Bernadette and Ja'net looks amazing in that picture.

 

Tiffany probably was not the right person to play Willona as I think someone who is not a comic would have worked better. I think Jennifer Hudson could have pulled it off, because when she sang Movin' On Up she was giving those 70s vibes that would have fit with Willona.

[Vee]

 

 

[DramatistDreamer]

Oh my! Was that intentional? Did they rehearse that? 

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  I know that Jimmy Walker's tomfoolery over the years would cause many to slam a door in his face if given the opportunity.

[dragonflies]

I didn't know if I should put this in this thread

 

 

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[Soaplovers]

Why are old men playing Arnold and Willis?

[dragonflies]

I know right? 

[DRW50]

I would guess to stave off criticism of a show about an old white man "saving" two black boys from the ghetto.

I loathe Kevin Hart. 

[dragonflies]

 

[Khan]

Well, if that casting doesn't put an end to the whole insane practice, nothing will.

 

[allmc2008]

The only thing that intrigues me is Ann Dowd as Edna.

Correction: The other casting choices DO intrigue me. But, not in a good way LOL.

[Soapsuds]

Did no one see it?

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I DVR it to see it later.

[Faulkner]

I watched some of it. Pretty boring, but neither Facts of Life or Diff’rent Strokes were great shows to begin with, aside from a few charismatic actors IMO. They also chose weak episodes to adapt.

Still, John Lithgow cradling and carrying Kevin Hart was a pretty funny sight gag.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Faulkner