Poppa’s House: Season 1 Episode 4 “School Days” – Recap and Review

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Originally Aired	November 11, 2024
Network	CBS
Director(s)	Kim Wayans
Writer(s)	Leslie Schapira
Character	ACTOR’S NAME
Trey	Caleb R. Johnson
Catherine	Wendy Raquel Robinson
Nina	Tetona Jackson
Poppa Damon	Damon Wayans
Damon Jr.	Damon Wayans Jr.
JJ	Geoffrey Owens

Storyline Recap

A Cheap Man And A Manipulative Woman – Catherine, Trey, Nina, Poppa Damon, Damon Jr., JJ

We finally meet Catherine, Poppa Damon’s ex and Damon Jr.’s mother, alongside Trey, one of Damon and Nina’s kids. We also see their daughter, but the focus is on Trey and his education – specifically paying for it. JJ feels his contribution was giving Damon Jr. a house and getting him a job, so he’s done.

As for Poppa Damon, because Nina and Damon Jr. are trying to send Trey to a private school, which is expensive and doesn’t align with Poppa Damon’s values, he’s not for it. That is why Catherine is brought in: while Damon Jr. can make a little video to guilt-trip his dad, Catherine is a master manipulator, and between JJ and Poppa Damon, she gets Trey’s tuition covered without giving up a cent.

New Character Descriptions

Trey

Trey is Nina and Damon Jr.’s eldest son.

Catherine

Catherine is Poppa Damon’s ex-wife, Damon Jr.’s mom, who lives off the alimony she got from divorcing Poppa Damon.

Review

Low Points

Feeling Like Catherine’s Arrival Should Have Been A Bigger Deal

Catherine seems to have a big influence over who Poppa Damon has become, especially if you go by what Ivy has said. So it does feel odd, from the audience to the storyline; her showing up seemed like any old episode.

On The Fence

Poppa Damon’s Feelings On Private School

While it isn’t going as deep, nor seeking to be as controversial as “The Carmicheal Show,” I do feel like we’re getting to that zone where there is a deeper conversation that needs to take place, but because it is network television, a comedy, and 30 minutes, we don’t get the full discussion. Poppa Damon’s feelings about private school and how he thinks that affected his son, especially compared to his upbringing, seems like it could have been a more in-depth conversation.

I mean, considering the story of the Wayans, from all living together in the projects within one apartment to the ones who made it to Hollywood now being well off, that is a major generational shift. So, tapping into wanting better for your kids but also not liking the effects of their privilege hopefully isn’t going to be trapped to this one episode, for it is a far more compelling subject matter than anything presented on Poppa’s new podcast.

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