The episode opens with the family gathered for dinner, including Ivy, setting the stage for another chaotic evening. Poppa, true to form, attempts to rush everyone out after dinner. However, Junior tries to lighten the mood with games, but Nina sees through his antics, calling him out for avoiding home. They’ve taken a vow of celibacy to deepen their connection beyond the physical, much to Junior’s frustration. Ivy chimes in with her own commentary, noting that celibacy can be good for couples to forge a deeper connection. Poppa jokes that he practiced celibacy once too—with his ex-wife, which he calls “marriage.” Cue the board game session, where old wounds resurface as they bicker about how cheap and mean Poppa was when Junior was growing up.
Ivy, ever the peacemaker, pulls Poppa aside. She points out that Junior’s feelings about celibacy are stirring up unresolved childhood issues. Her advice? A grand gesture to show Junior that he’s loved and appreciated. Poppa takes her advice to heart and buys Junior a puppy—a callback to a childhood argument when Junior was denied a dog. At the time, Poppa claimed Junior was allergic, though Junior didn’t buy it. Poppa had a motive for buying the puppy, causing household disharmony in Junior's house. As it turns out, Junior is allergic—something Poppa smugly confirms when Junior starts sneezing when he holds the puppy.
At Junior’s house, the allergic reaction is in full swing. His red eyes and constant sneezing are proof enough, but Junior refuses to give in. The kids have already fallen in love with the puppy, now named Popcorn, and Junior promises they can keep him. It’s less about the dog and more about not letting Poppa win this round.
Of course, chaos ensues when Popcorn escapes and bolts over to Poppa’s house. By now, it’s obvious where this is heading—the dog has found his true home. Junior storms over, desperate to reclaim Popcorn, but he’s clearly worse for wear. His face is swollen, and he looks like he’s lost a fight with a hive of bees. Left with no choice, Junior finally admits to his allergy.
The episode wraps on a heartfelt note. Poppa sits down with Popcorn, confessing the real reason he’s been reluctant to have a dog in his life. As a child, he witnessed his beloved dog getting hit by a car—a memory that’s haunted him ever since. The little pup has worked his way into Poppa’s grumpy heart despite this. Though they initially find another home for Popcorn, Poppa ultimately decides to keep him. The pup has softened the edges of his home—and his heart.
While the show continues to miss the comedic mark, it has a wholesome, touching feel about it reminiscent of some 90s family sitcoms. Think TGIF. The show handles family bonds well, and the episode served as a touching reminder that sometimes, a little heart can go a long way, even in Poppa’s house.
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