Tyler Perry’s House of Payne | Season 13 Episode 11 Review: All Hands On Deck

The latest episode of House of Pain (Season 13, Episode 11, titled “All Hands on Deck”) certainly gave fans a lot to digest, especially with the Curtis and Floyd food truck storyline. However, my focus is more on Malik’s storyline, which I felt truly carried the episode. Here’s a breakdown:

Curtis and Floyd’s Struggles
We get it, Curtis and Floyd’s partnership has its ups and downs. This time, Curtis’ pride got in the way, leading to unnecessary tension between the two. They argue over customer complaints about the food, specifically the overwhelming sauce, and as a result, the business suffers. Curtis’ inability to take constructive criticism causes a major setback, and Ella even suggests they might need to end their business partnership to save their friendship. It’s a classic case of Curtis letting his ego destroy opportunities, and once again, Floyd is left picking up the pieces. It’s a familiar dynamic at this point, and while it’s entertaining, it does feel like it’s been done too many times.

Malik’s Moral Dilemma
The episode’s true standout is Malik’s storyline. He’s put in a tough spot by the councilman, who asks him to dig up dirt on a political opponent’s daughter in order to smear her reputation. Malik is clearly troubled by this, and after a heart-to-heart with his mom, Janine, he realizes how damaging social media can be when used to destroy someone’s life. His mom’s support is key here, as she doesn’t push him one way or the other but allows him to make his own decision based on his morals.

In the end, Malik chooses to take the high road. Rather than exploiting the opponent’s family for political gain, he suggests a private sit-down with the opponent, showing them the dirt they have and offering to keep it under wraps, focusing on running a positive campaign. It’s a mature decision that reflects Malik’s growth as a character. I love that this storyline touches on how social media and public shaming can ruin lives, while also showcasing Malik’s integrity.

Overall Thoughts
While the Curtis and Floyd food truck drama had its moments, I felt that it took too much focus away from Malik’s compelling story. The episode would have benefitted from a deeper exploration of Malik’s moral journey, especially given the relevancy of the topic. Nonetheless, the family dynamics—especially with Curtis and his food truck venture—add some humor and lightness to the episode, balancing out the heavier themes of the political drama.

I’d rate this episode an 8/10. While it wasn’t perfect, Malik’s storyline and the overall family dynamics made it a solid watch. It was a nice blend of humor and serious topics, though I would have liked to see more focus on Malik’s decision and less on Curtis’ recurring issues with Floyd. But overall, still a great episode!

Let me know what you thought of the episode in the comments below!