"When John Comes Marching Home" was the sixth and final appearance of Marlene Clark as Lamont's fiancée Janet Lawson, all set for a bridal shower given by Fred, who admits to being nervous when he married Elizabeth. How did Woody feel before marrying Esther: "nauseous!" Lamont's stag party features only Rollo to keep him company, with dependable Frank Nelson (last of six) as the smarmy waiter, who wants to know who the 'lucky man' is, shaking Rollo's hand! His advice: "do exactly what I did, don't be henpecked and be sure to marry for money!" "well if you married for money, how come you're waiting' tables?" "my wife owns the place!" Who should come knocking on Janet's door but her ex-husband John (James A. Watson Jr.), now a sergeant stationed at a nearby military base, getting a hug from son Roger (Edward Crawford, last of three). A heart to heart with Lamont brings up the reason why their relationship fell apart: "we got married!" The writers kept the relationship going for an entire year, but couldn't really break up Sanford and Son.
2 Reviews
Janet, you were gone too soon
70s_Connoisseur5 April 2024
'When John Comes Marching Home' features one of the most popular Black sitcom actors, James A. Watson Jr. Playing Janet's ex-husband John. John is stationed at a nearby army base and comes back to reclaim his wife Janet and son Roger. Lamont doesn't put up any resistance and steps back, and Janet is gone. Sad episode considering Lamont wanted to have a family of his own. Not many funny lines in this episode. Adding Janet and Roger could have given Sanford and Son new life, countless new storylines. Actor James A Watson has also appeared on Good Times, Whats Happening!, The Jeffersons, Amen, Gimme A Break! Diff'rent Strokes, and 227.
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