[.ca] Jeffersons: Comp First Season

Classic TV - How do I begin describing:
was ecstatic upon hearing that classic "The Jeffersons" episodes would be obtainable on DVD technology, as Nick At Nite reshuffled it's programming so that the the show runs at 2 or 3 in the morning. Such a shameful fate for a series that was so good. "The Jeffersons" was a classic show that lasted a full decade, and not without merit. The humor, acting and storylines were outstanding throughout, and so was the Gospel-influenced opening theme. If you're unaware it was a Spinoff of another hit Sitcom of the 70's "All in the Family". The Jefferson family were the nearby neighbors of Archie Bunker, they since "Move Up" to a Luxury apartment in New York City. It's a trip watching each episode of the first season in it's full glory, with no commercials, just brief pauses where you'd normally have seen 'em. If you're only familiar with the later part of the series, you owe it to yourself to check out the first season, if for nothing else just a primer. George Jefferson is a smart talking know-it-all. And a succesful Entrrepraer as well, owning a chain of Laundromats. some critics have pointed that his character is a bit stubborn, but to get as far as he did you would have to be. The only slight quibble I have is that the Jeffersons maid Florence, played by the underrated Marla Gibbs, has less of a presence in these episodes, Her nice voice and sassy, witty persona rolled up smoothly alongside George Jefferson's temper. George Jefferson's wife Louise (of course, whom he affectionately calls "Weezy") is played by Isabel Sanford, who won an Emmy for that role, and deservedly so. The slight tension between George and Weezy is executed to perfection comedically. Their bickering never fails to entertain. George Jefferson's mother is also brilliant, played by Zara Cully, whom upon researching I just learned was born in my home state of Massachusetts. she had quite a role in this early era before she passed away from cancer in 1978. Her and Weezy are always at each other's throats, partly because she couldn't be more proud of her son George. Living in the adjacent apartment complex is Mr. Bentley, played by Paul Benedict, employed by the United Nations, his character has a literal sense of humor and brings an added punch to the cast. In addition there's the Willises, the jeffersons upstairs neighbors Tom and Helen, played by Franklin Cover and Roxie Roker (Lenny Kravitz mom) respectively. It's my understanding that this pair was among the first Black/White couples on TV. They are constantly at verbal War with George Jefferson, who doesn't think so kindly of their marriage, but all the feuding is extremely humorous. The only real complaint I have is the Tom Willis' character can be a bit lame and corny, personally I find it hard to believe that Helen fell for him. Their daughter, Jenny, is the boyfriend of Lionel Jefferson, George and Weezy's son. Lionel, portrayed by Mike Evans, is a young playboy in College. There's some inner turmoil of Weezy wanting Lionel to avoid taking after his father's take-no-prisoners antics. "The Jeffersons first season" comes packaged as a 2 Disk Set, with episodes 1-8 being on the First Disk, and episodes 9-13 are on the Second Disk. There aren't many DVD "Extra goodies' To speak of besides subtitles in English and Espanol. Although it would be nitpicking to criticize that fact, as getting this Legendary Series and being able to watch it whenever you please is a Gift enough in itself. Theres been an impressive 3 decades of African-American sitcoms, and the 70's, with shows like "Sanford And Son" and "The Jeffersons" still stand as the best era - Bar None. If you're unfamiliar with it, pick up the Jeffersons first season, ahora.

i love the 70's:
Great show ! It was the first to show afro americans as rich, first to show multi cultural couple and family. This show is so funny. everyone should own this hilarious dvd.

The Black and White Show that's "not really black and white":
Before George Jefferson,I don't think anybody found prejudice humorous. Referring to caucasians as "honkies" and half-black and half-white people as "zebras" heavily tickles my funny bone. There was also little mention of the word that rhymes with "bigger" on this collection. Tom Willis and Harry Bentley are the "honkies" on the show. The children of Tom and his black wife Helen are the "zebras". Archie Bunker's prejudice is not as humorous as George's. George expresses his with mild anger. Archie often expresses his calmly. The Jeffersons have come a long way since they lived on Hauser Street in Queens. Since moving to Manhattan,Archie's daughter Gloria and her husband Mike went into the Jeffersons' home residentially. This is the first of eleven successful seasons. Unfortunately,NBC's "The Cosby Show" brought the Jeffersons' ratings down.

Just as Good Now As It Was Back Then!:
I was ten years old when The Jeffersons premeired on television and I watched this show with my family, it is a spin-off from All in the Family which is another good sitcom I watched. In All in The Family The Jeffersons were next door neighbors to The Bunkers and in this spinoff George Jefferson has expanded his chain of laundomat/dry cleaning stores and is pretty well off financially and he his wife Louise and son Lionel move into the city into a very nice 3 bedroom apartment and also living in the same building are Helen and Tom Willis (Helen is black and Tom is white) and their daughter Jenny who is Lionel's girlfriend. Other good characters include Mama Jefferson, George's mother who loves to criticise Louise and there is also wisecracking maid Florence and eccentric British neighbor Mr. Bentley. This classic sitcom is just as good as All in the Family and the top-notch cast includes Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson, Isobel Sanford as Louise (Weezy) Jefferson, Mike Evans as Lionel Jefferson, Roxie Roker as Helen Willis, Marla Gibbs as Florence and Zara Cully as Mama Jefferson. I love The Jeffersons and I highly recommend this show!

Can't Wait To Get The Second Season DVD!:
I absolutely love this DVD set! The first season of 'The Jeffersons' is great! I occasionally watch later episodes of the show on television and I don't really like those at all but The Complete First Season is one of my favorite DVDs. Disc One contains episodes 1-8 and Disc Two contains episodes 9-13. As you probably know, 'The Jeffersons' was one of the highest-rated and longest running sitcoms in TV history. Just as All In The family started to wear off in 1975, George Jefferson came along to take Archie Bunker's place and stayed around until 1985. This DVD is a must-have for fans of the show or television lovers in general!