Right back at you? Sticks and stones, may break your bones, and in our culture, words can break your spirit – and tickle your funny bone.

Checking out The Jeffersons marathon this weekend as George and Florence went blow to blow, I wondered which black sitcom duo had the best one two punch. Here are choices. 1. George and Florence, The Jeffersons. 2. Fred and Ester, Sanford and Sons. 3. Rerun and Shirley, What’s Happening. 4. JJ and Thelma, Good Times.