Poppa’s House: Season 1 Episode 7 “Bareback” – Recap and Review

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Category	Details
Originally Aired	December 9, 2024
Network	CBS
Director(s)	Kim Wayans
Writer(s)	Michael Wayans
Character	ACTOR’S NAME
Nina	Tetona Jackson
Damon Jr.	Damon Wayans Jr.
Poppa Damon	Damon Wayans
Ivy Reed	Essence Atkins

Storyline Recap

The Missing Ring – Nina, Junior

Junior lost his wedding ring, in his mind, but in truth, Nina got it cleaned and came to realize the lengths Junior was willing to go to hide something from her. This wasn’t appreciated at all, and he got called out on it. An apology helps smooth things over, but it is difficult not to question how much Junior can say or do before Nina has them back in marriage counseling.

Getting Old Isn’t For Sissies – Poppa Damon, Ivy, Damon Jr.

Poppa Damon isn’t fond of doctors. Like his dad, he doesn’t go, and even with back spasms, because the last time he went led to him learning he has diabetes, he refuses. So, he calls on Damon Jr., using his lost ring situation to get him to help, promising to give him almost $1000 to replace it. However, there comes a point where Junior refuses.

This leads Ivy to step in, and because Poppa Damon and Ivy’s relationship is a bit weird, he is iffy on her help. For one, he is catching feelings, which complicates their working relationship. But add in his trauma from the divorce, her opening up about her brother who died, and all these feelings in the air, it seems to be just what Junior needed to coerce his dad to the doctor. For rather than deal with his fears and emotions, he’d rather see a man about his back.

Now, thankfully, he just needed an adjustment to feel better, but despite his new doctor seeming like a good guy who isn’t just trying to siphon money from him, Poppa Damon runs when there is talk of a prostate exam.

Other Noteworthy Information

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Review

Trajectory (76/100): Plateau

With the episode being the most screentime Poppa Damon has had since the beginning, there is a need to question if we have missed much? Ultimately, this leads to a more iffy episode that pushes the idea that maybe the shift towards Junior should be permanent.

On The Fence

Poppa Damon and Ivy Getting Together

As a fan of the Wayans for as long as I can remember, I’m realizing that romance isn’t one of their best topics. They are the kings and queens of comedy, but love isn’t something they have ever pursued in a realistic way, and with “Poppa’s House,” with the forebearers older and the next generation not necessarily spring chickens either, it seems there is a push and desire to get more serious.

The problem is that we’re watching the growing pains of seasoned writers and performers in real-time, and the push to give us a romantic comedy that isn’t geared strictly for laughs is an apparent challenge. One that may work out in the long run, as “Poppa’s House” tries to balance the pain with the jokes that come from masking or accepting what happened. However, knowing if the investment will pay dividends feels too soon.

Speaking specifically about the Ivy and Poppa Damon situation, the attempt to craft a slow burn is admirable, but it still feels off. While there is no need to take note of age and the usual hangups, like Poppa Damon isn’t Ivy’s boss, you cannot deny his discomfort. Yes, the ship is being steered that his fear of messing up their relationship and ending up with another like he has with Catherine is a source of his fear. However, framing the complications of the romance like this, so far, has made it so while you can potentially appreciate Poppa Damon working through his feelings and trauma, it leaves Ivy often doing the most in more ways than one.

Now, does this lead to funny moment? Yes, depending on your sense of humor. However, like with Junior’s relationship with Nina, there is a clear sign the man in the relationship is due to benefit far more than the woman, and the guy is willing to take advantage until, likely as we saw with Catherine, they get fed up and leave. So while seeing the pattern does make the situation far more interesting than given credit, being that I don’t think that’s the goal here, it does push you to wonder if we’re meant to really see this relationship, someday, as cute, or a setup for something else?

Does Nina Give Damon Jr. Too Much Grace?

When Ivy first pushed Nina to really consider her marriage and what she puts up with, I found myself not liking her. But now, I’d say it gives her credibility and perhaps the female friend or maternal figure Nina needs. For while the bumbling but lovable husband is a sitcom staple, there is the question of whether it can evolve.

Certain tropes and styles are maintained, for that’s what you do. However, there seems also to be some kind of demand to do and be more. With Nina, it seems parenting is where she is getting most of her lessons, but with Junior, it is being married. Which they could push with Junior’s parents divorcing; this is why he doesn’t understand relationships. But how long has he been with Nina? How many counseling sessions has he been in with her?

At this point, I feel like anything less than a separation happening between this season and next season means that the serious side that “Poppa’s House” has once or twice an episode is a waste of time. For surely, Nina can’t go on like this forever, where, even if Damon Jr. isn’t committing major issues, like cheating, she is expected to remain committed to a man-child who might be cute but whose luster constantly needs reapplying.

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