227

227 is an American sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 1985 to May 1990. This comic gem has become a hallmark of 80s sitcoms and is prized for its nostalgic tone, relatable storytelling, diverse cast, and balanced blend of humor and warmth. The series is set in a predominantly middle-class African American community, centred on the lives of the residents of a Washington D.C. apartment building, 227.

Marla Gibbs, well-known for her role as Florence Johnston on "The Jeffersons", expertly portrays the central character Mary Jenkins, a no-nonsense, forthright and loving housewife known for her comical meddling in the lives of her neighbours and her keen observations about life, society, and the challenges of living in an urban setting. Gibbs offers a delightful, exuberant performance, shining through the sitcom with her comedic timing and creating a truly memorable character. Her interactions and relationships with the rest of the ensemble cast form the backbone of many of the show’s plots.

Another key character is the vivacious and loyal Rose Lee Holloway, played by Alaina Reed Hall, who serves as Mary’s best friend and often finds herself entangled in Mary's schemes, plans and community activities. They share American middle-class dilemmas, which revolve around their families, jobs, marriage, and the community at large.

Also residing in apartment 227 is Sandra Clark, a sassy, man-hungry woman who provides comic relief through her grand plans and unabashed ambition, played by the captivating Jackée Harry. Sandra is carried by her vivid sartorial display and flamboyant expressiveness, and she quickly became a breakout character due to her humorous interactions, especially with Mary.

There is also Calvin Dobbs, played by Curtis Baldwin, the loveable teenager, who frequently serves as the source of wisdom and insight, escaping his youth's typical stereotype.

The series also stars Helen Martin as Pearl Shay, the building's sharp-tongued and gossipy widow who provides long-range advice and scrutiny from her perch at the window.

The show’s focus on the lives and experiences of a black community makes it a solid platform for presenting and promoting African American culture and identity. Moving away from stereotypical portrayals, 227 serves up a slate of well-rounded characters, establishing it as a beacon of diversity in 80's American television.

While the show never shies away from the comedic aspects of the characters' lives, it also deals with real-world conflicts and dilemmas with honesty and insight, touching on themes such as love, friendship, family conflict, gender politics, and social issues. Whether with humor or heart, the residence of 227 homes in on the universal human experience. This adept mixture of comedy and the reality of everyday life is one of the show’s standout qualities, setting it apart from contemporaries.

The show also benefits from sharp, clever writing and quick witticism, delivering dialogue and situations that feel organic and true-to-life while simultaneously engaging and hilarious. The scripts balance humor with real-life situations, producing a series that is light-hearted yet grounded.

What sets 227 apart is its heart-warming depiction of community life. It bares a striking contrast to the prevailing perception of the tumultuous urban cityscape, offering instead a glance at the joys, struggles, and mutual caring of a close-knit neighborhood. The sense of camaraderie and support between the characters and their resolving of differences fosters a recurring theme of unity and connection, reinforcing the value of communal harmony.

Overall, 227 stands as a vintage comedic marathon of its era. Its practical depiction of relatable characters, tight-knit community dynamic, humor, and cultural significance make it a must-watch series for anyone interested in genuine, representative storytelling and humor. The timeless themes and engaging cast carry a charm that continues to resonate, curving a path for sitcoms to come in the portrayals of African American middle-class life.