Good Times (TV Series) The Judy Cohen Story (1976) User Reviews

Not the worst episode, but it's close

[kevinolzak · 2/10 · 20 December 2016]

"The Judy Cohen Story" opens with Michael's singing group rehearsing for a $150 prize in a talent contest at the newly opened Blue Cross. JJ's ambitions as a manager are motivated by greed and groupies, while Florida refuses to allow her 15 year old son to perform in an adult night club. The discouraged JJ finds himself in similar company with Judith Cohen (playing herself), a self deprecating comedienne and singer whose show business aspirations convince JJ that she has talent. Incredibly, her performance as a singing clown wins the $150, along with a new manager to replace the ousted JJ. Judith Cohen's career went no further than this lone showcase, her proposed series never getting off the ground. Many regard this as the worst episode, but the opening performance of 'Michael and the Dynomites' raises it above that, all downhill from there (Michael would sing again in "That's Entertainment, Evans Style," and at sister Thelma's wedding to kick off the sixth season). JJ's failures as a talent manager would continue in "The Comedian and the Loan Shark."

Send in the Clowns!!!

[Sylviastel · 9/10 · 8 September 2007]

I don't know why we haven't heard of Judy Cohen since this episode. She can break your heart singing Stephen Sondheim's Send in the Clowns. She plays herself as an aspiring singer who beats herself down very much because she is overweight and not the classic beauty. J.J. takes to her because he is need of a good act in the music business. His previous act fell apart and he takes on Judy as a client. They have a short working relationship because even though everybody loves Judy so does a powerful agent who forces J.J. to make a decision about Judy's career. The episode is powerful and quite interesting to see how Judy interacts and treats J.J. with the same respect and loyalty that he did for her. But for her career, J.J. had to make a difficult decision. Where are you Judy Cohen? I hope you're still singing your heart out.

Judy Cohen in an outstanding moment.

[gabriel_majere · 10/10 · 26 November 2011]

This was an amazing episode. Judy Cohen did an outstanding job. It was funny and heart touching at the same time. Judy Cohen plays herself as a young hopeful but lacks confidence in herself do to being overweight. But JJ sees through that and has the vision to see just how high she can soar. And in the end helps give her the confidence in herself. I don't know if I could say it's the best episode of all times, but it's close. She did a truly beautiful job in this episode. I just think it's sad that she never became as famous as she was capable of. Between her voice and acting skills she could have, and should have, become world famous.