I 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

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 inmpressive 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.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: None of the Above