Poppa’s House | Season 1 Episode 4 Review: School Days

We’re back with another Papa’s House review, diving into Episode 4, “School Days.” This episode brings an engaging mix of family dynamics, life decisions, and laugh-out-loud moments.

The focus here is on Trey, the son of Junior and Nina, who’s been accepted to a prestigious private school. However, there’s a twist: the cost of his education is steep—over $22,000! So, naturally, Papa’s asked to pitch in for Trey’s tuition, stirring up family tension.

We kick off with a classic family dinner scene, where Papa and his father, JJ (played by Jeffrey Owens), are hit with the request. Papa’s reluctant to fund private schooling, citing his own values and experience. His stance gets underlined when we find out that it was his ex-wife, Katherine (the fabulous Wendy Raquel Robinson), who originally convinced him to put Junior in private school years ago. This history stirs up some old feelings, and Katherine’s classy confidence keeps things lively.

To complicate matters, JJ refuses to fund the tuition as well. Meanwhile, Papa holds firm in his belief that public school teaches life skills that a private education lacks. As they tour the private school, tensions rise, and Papa is vocal about his disdain for the institution’s “stuffy” environment, drawing laughs from the family.

The episode takes an unexpected emotional turn when Junior confronts his father about his attitude toward private school. Junior points out that Papa’s reluctance to support Trey’s education could stem from lingering disappointment in him. It’s a heartfelt moment that brings depth to Papa’s character, highlighting the clash between pride and parental expectations. Junior stands his ground, asserting his identity and values, even if they differ from his dad’s.

One fun twist in this episode is Trey’s entrepreneurial spirit. He surprises his grandpa with a T-shirt he designed, featuring a QR code linking to Papa’s podcast. It’s a charming touch that wins over Papa, softening his stance and ultimately prompting him to help finance Trey’s education.

What follows is a humorous bidding war between Papa and JJ, with Papa’s pride getting the better of him. In a playful back-and-forth, JJ agrees to cover 98% of Trey’s tuition, with a nudge from Katherine, who has no problem letting him know he’s been outplayed.

Overall, Episode 4 is an entertaining blend of humor and heartfelt family moments. Wendy Raquel Robinson brings a new energy to the series, and the whole cast shines with their chemistry. Papa’s House continues to deliver strong performances and relatable family stories. Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Wayans family in Episode 5!

Let me know your thoughts on the episode in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more updates! You can stream Papa’s House on Paramount+.