The episode starts with Poppa scoring tickets to a Mets game and extending the invite to Junior. But Junior has other plans—he and Nina are catching up with an old buddy in town. He casually suggests Poppa take a friend instead. The problem is that Poppa only had one real friend, Leon, who passed away in a previous episode. That leaves him scrambling to remember the name of a guy he once had great chemistry with… but whose name completely escapes him.
Later, Poppa runs the idea by Ivy, telling her he plans to track the guy down and see if they click. Understanding the feeling, Ivy shares how most of her friends ditched her once they married. Poppa wants to see if the friendship is worth exploring, so he sets off to reconnect. After their podcast, he heads to the guy’s workplace, and, in a hilarious elevator moment, the mystery man is revealed—played by Tommy Davidson! A nostalgic nod to In Living Color, and their comedic timing still works like a charm. Poppa asks if he wants to hang out, and while the guy—still a bit awkward—is hesitant, he eventually agrees.
Meanwhile, over at Junior and Nina’s place, Junior’s old film school buddy, Preston, makes an appearance. Nina immediately calls him by his government name—Todd—which sets the tone for their playful back-and-forth. Another fun reference: Damon Wayans Jr. previously starred in New Girl, and his friend is played by Lamorne Morris who also starred in New Girl. Preston hands Junior a script he once passed on, Loud Place—essentially a Black version of A Quiet Place. It is the sequel to the movie. They act out a scene, which quickly reveals itself to be an indirect jab at Nina (whom Preston clearly can’t stand). The script is awful, but oddly enough, Junior seems intrigued despite the shade thrown at his family.
Back at Poppa’s, things with his new-old friend are… painfully awkward. Their dynamic just isn’t clicking. That is until Poppa notices the guy’s class ring and realizes they went to the same high school. Just like that, the energy shifts—they find common ground, and Jarnold (yes, Jarnold) finally starts to warm up. His friends call him Jarny, but Poppa? He hasn’t earned that privilege yet. For now, he’s stuck with “J.” Their newly rekindled friendship takes an unexpected turn when they end up in a closet, then an even tighter crawl space, more awkwardness ensures and we can tell that the friendship will not work out.
Meanwhile, Preston and Junior have a heart-to-heart. Preston bluntly tells Junior that he’s given up on his dreams, trading ambition for what he sees as baggage. He extends an offer—a directing gig in L.A., starting next week. It’s the kind of opportunity that once would have been a no-brainer. But Junior doesn’t bite. Instead, he stands his ground, choosing his family over an uncertain future. He tells Preston that while he may have a flashy career, he doesn’t have a home—real happiness. Poppa overhears and is quietly proud.
As for the Mets game? Poppa bails on Jarnold, and Junior—feeling guilty—turns it down to make things right with Nina. That leaves Poppa taking Ivy, as expected. No shocker here: they end up on the Kiss Cam. But instead of going in for the smooch, Ivy chugs her beer in pure Ivy fashion.
Unfortunately, this episode doesn’t quite hit the usual sweet spot. While there are a few heartfelt moments, they don’t pack the same emotional punch that normally saves a weak script. Overall, this one’s a D—the show just hasn't managed to bring on the laughs.
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