This week’s episode kicks off with a visit from Junior’s father-in-law, JJ, who comes bearing great news—he’s got high-powered connections, including a billionaire named Gregory looking to invest in a film company. Damon is a filmmaker, so this could be his big break. The conversation takes a detour into a milli, billi, silly, a joke that doesn’t quite land, but the main takeaway? Gregory wants to see the commercial Junior directed for his father-in-law’s company. The only problem? Junior never directed a commercial. But no worries—he will now! And to top it off, the product is absolutely ridiculous, and JJ wants Poppa as the spokesperson. We can already guess how that will go.
At Poppa’s, Junior demonstrates the new product, a device meant to relieve carpal tunnel. Poppa gets right down to business—how much is he getting paid? Junior, ever the goofy optimist, comedicly whines that it’s pro bono. Poppa asks how much he is getting paid, to which Junior replies, “We can split the pro bono.” Okay, that was actually funny. But Poppa isn’t biting, and he says no. Naturally, Junior doesn’t listen.
Meanwhile, on Poppa’s podcast, he launches into a passionate rant about advertisers exploiting people—both their wallets and their trust. Ivy, ever in pure Ivy form of playing devil's advocate, challenges him, asking if he’s never once sold out. Poppa claims he hasn’t, and shockingly, Ivy lets it slide… for now.
Back at Junior’s, JJ drops by, eager to see if Poppa has been swayed. Junior is still waiting but he's not totally ill prepared—he’s got a script ready, a Shakespearean-inspired disaster based on King Lear. The enthusiasm is admirable, but when Junior performs a dramatic reading, it’s an absolute cringe fest. JJ, however, is all in. Not only does he love it, but he volunteers to take on the role of King Lear himself. That is, until Junior offers which he balks at deciding Junior would be better suited to play his jester.
Junior, livid, storms into Poppa’s house, demanding to know why he’s being talked about on Poppa's podcast. He tells Poppa he can talk about his own life, but Junior’s life is off limits. Turns out, Junior has become a meme, and now, he demands an on-air apology. Poppa refuses, prompting Junior to declare that they will never speak again.
On the next episode of the podcast, Poppa dances around the situation without directly naming names. But Ivy doesn’t let him off easy—she bluntly states that Junior has every right to be mad, especially since Poppa essentially called his own son a whore. That sparks a debate, leading Ivy to hit him with a what if I stop talking to you too? Poppa, ever the curmudgeonly cynic, calls it a vacation for his ears. Ivy, fully committed to Junior’s silent protest, goes mute. In response, Poppa challenges her by hilariously playing both roles in their usual banter. Ivy lasts exactly 30 seconds before breaking her silence—only to declare, yet again, that she will never speak to him again.
Meanwhile, Junior pushes forward with filming the commercial, but things quickly unravel. JJ constantly cuts the scene, takes over directing, and completely undermines Junior’s authority and vision. Frustrated beyond belief, Junior fires his own father-in-law. Nina, watching the power struggle unfold, wisely points out that Junior isn’t really mad at JJ—he’s mad at Poppa.
Later, after claiming Nina'a advice as his own idea, Junior storms into Poppa’s place. He's discovered his father’s Achilles heel—Poppa can dish it, but he cannot take it. To make sure Poppa truly gets a dose of his own medicine, Junior brings in reinforcements from the person who knows Poppa best, Catherine, his ex-wife. Catherine, breaks out the receipts which includes a portable TV with a VHS player. She plays an old commercial Poppa once did, and it is awful. The group guffaws at the show cringey it is, Poppa even floats down a toilet bowl. Junior reassures him that no one’s judging—well, maybe a little—but all they want is an apology. Poppa finally caves, apologizing to Catherine first, then Ivy, and finally, Junior.
In an unexpected moment of vulnerability, Poppa opens up about leaving home at 14 because his father tried to crush his dreams. It’s a rare glimpse into why he is the way he is, and for once, Junior truly understands. The tension eases, and they share a hug.
The episode wraps up with the finished commercial, which is just as cringeworthy as expected. But surprisingly, Gregory loves it, and the billionaire agrees to work with Junior. A win is a win.
Like previous episodes, this one balances humor with heart, maybe leaning a little more into the latter. However, I’m still struggling to fully connect with the show. One way to elevate it? Bring in the kids more often—they could add a stronger comedic punch. As it stands, the show would thrive with Damon Jr.’s family taking center stage, while Poppa remains the side-splitting comedic force. But overall, Poppa’s House continues to find its rhythm.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
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