Good Times on CBS

Question: Do you remember a show with, I think, the guy from Highway to Heaven and a black actor that was sort of a comedy version of In the Heat of the Night? It's driving me nuts.

Answer: Yes.

Aaaah, you didn't really think I was gonna stop at being a wiseacre and answer your question with one word, did you? You'll never so easily curb my urge to babble, Joon.

Funny you use the word "nuts," since the show in question, ABC's Carter Country, bore the name of former peanut farmer Jimmy Carter, who was president at the time it debuted in September 1977. As you say, it bore a strong resemblance to In the Heat of the Night, which 10 years later would be a hit TV series itself.

Question: I recently watched the Good Times marathon on TV Land and was wondering about these shows with no parents. J.J. seemed to be in charge — what happened to Florida and James? Were they on strike?

Answer: OK, let's make this another look back at my past gifts, shall we? I graced the screen with my wisdom on this issue a couple of years back, too.