This is the first appearance of crooked Alderman Fred Davis, as played by Albert Reed.
Recreated in a live version on December 18, 2019 - hosted by Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel. Original cast member John Amos played Fred Davis. The new cast includes Andre Braugher (James), Viola Davis (Florida), Jay Pharoah (JJ) and Tiffany Haddish (Winona). Original cast members Jimmie Walker, Bern Nadette Stanis and Ja'Net DuBois made cameo appearances as themselves.
After Jimmy Pearson loses the Alderman election to Fred Davis , he vows to run for the next election but his character is never seen again or mentioned while Fred Davis remains as Alderman through his 6 other appearances on the show .
Albert Reed first appeared as a family member in the episode about teenaged alcoholism