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| Originally Aired | November 4, 2024 |
| Network | CBS |
| Director(s) | Robert Townsend |
| Writer(s) | Kim Wayans, Kevin Knotts |
| Character | ACTOR’S NAME |
| Nina | Tetona Jackson |
| Damon | Damon Wayans Jr. |
| Poppa Damon | Damon Wayans |
| Allen | Bryan Safi |
| Dr. Reed | Essence Atkins |
Storyline Recap
Icon: The Man Who Doesn’t Quit – Nina, Damon, Poppa Damon, Allen, Dr. Reed
With Damon Jr. wanting to break through, who better to use to get ahead than his dad through making a documentary about him? On it, he captures Allen noting that the radio station has used Poppa’s likeliness for promotions, including impotence, without his permission, and he gets upset by this.
He isn’t the only one getting mad though. As Damon’s assistant, Nina gets tired of him bossing her around like a servant while trying to juggle her own day job and support his dreams. Also, in case you are wondering what JJ thinks about Damon pursuing his dreams instead of sales, he isn’t in this episode to reveal such a thing.
The only thing revealed to us is that Allen has been trying to get rid of Poppa Damon for a while, and with him calling Dr. Reed a “Grand Canyon,” which doesn’t get defined, he goes to HR. Between the HR backstab and the AI situation, while “Icon: The Man Who Doesn’t Quit” was the documentary’s name, Poppa Damon defies it and quits.
The Pop and Doc Show – Dr. Reed, Poppa Damon, Nina, Damon
While Dr. Reed gets to inherit Poppa Damon’s timeslot and show, it crashes and burns quickly, especially after learning that, like Poppa Damon, her likeness was going to be used to promote products she doesn’t agree with. But, with her and Poppa Damon having yet another fight before he quit, neither wants to make the first move to apologize.
Thankfully, with Nina by his side, Damon Jr. is more than willing to trick both of them into the same room, and after getting over how they were tricked, they decide to go independent and do a podcast together.
Review
On The Fence
Poppa Damon Suddenly Being Okay With Podcasts
The plus and minus of comedies being half-hour is that almost all storylines get rushed, and Poppa Damon going from seeing podcasts from the lowest of the low to agreeing to make one, even having a name, is a leap. One that, likely, they aren’t going to backfill, so while we might be lucky to hear the business side of it, there are no guarantees.
The Mockumentry
I’m 80% sure we won’t see the interviews in a mockumentary style again, but it was kind of interesting. Granted, did it feel corny at times while being experimental? Yes. But, I would submit “Poppa’s House” is still in that phase many comedies are in their first season where they aren’t just finding their voice but how to be consistently funny to the audience without growing bored. And while, yes, the people behind the show are the legendary Wayans family, let’s not discount them working together in this capacity hasn’t happened in years, especially to the point of feeling like it is a show that isn’t just about one Wayans.
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