As a seasoned gamer with a heart for comedy and a deep-rooted appreciation for the Wayans clan, I must say that stepping into the world of “Poppa’s House” is like being transported back to the golden days of “In Living Color.” The show is a delightful blend of family dynamics, improvised humor, and the undeniable charm of the Wayans family.
Before social media excessively focused on nepotism in the entertainment industry, it was common to understand that comedy could have a familial aspect to some extent. If a TV show or movie had an actor named “Wayans,” there likely were several other individuals with that surname working in various roles behind the scenes.
Growing up with “In Living Color” as a staple of my entertainment, it’s been an endless joy to witness the Wayans family torch being passed from Keenan Ivory Wayans to his siblings Damon, Kim, Shawn, Marlon, and numerous other family members over three decades. Their hilarious skits have not only provided me with countless laughs but also showcased a wealth of talent within this talented clan.
Despite previously portraying father and son roles on ABC’s popular show “Happy Endings”, Damon Wayans Jr. and Sr. are set to star in their longest-running series together with the new CBS sitcom, “Poppa’s House”. In addition to acting, Kim is serving as director and producer, Dwayne as composer, Shawn as a consulting producer, and Michael as a staff writer. The show doesn’t intend to confuse viewers with complicated family relations.
On Monday nights, CBS’s multi-camera setup stands side by side with my favorite show, The Neighborhood, delivering a proficient performance that’s not just about storytelling but also camaraderie. It brings back the dynamic duo from New Girl, Schmidt and Coach, in a single block of laughter, if you fancy such a combination. This comedy pairing is more than just chemistry; it’s a primal bond that might leave you yearning for even more depth than, “Boy, they sure look like they’re enjoying themselves.
Developed by Senior Hench and Kevin Hench, “Poppa’s House” presents Senior as the lead character, Poppa – a well-respected and respected New York City radio host whose show has seen a dip in ratings due to what they call a “female problem.” In an attempt to remedy this situation, the station decides to team up Poppa, who can be seen as either old-fashioned or outdated depending on perspective, with self-help expert Ivy (portrayed by Essence Atkins), who aims to help Poppa express and understand his emotions better. (The format of this radio station, the specifics of Poppa’s show, and the age of Ivy are not details you should concern yourself with as they imply that she is successful, wealthy, and mature.)
Junior, an ambitious filmmaker, resides in the suburbs, sharing a neighborhood with his father Poppa. He’s married to the event planner, Nina (Tetona Jackson). The house they live in is generously provided by Nina’s father, Geoffrey Owens, who also offers Junior employment when he’s not absent from crucial meetings to attend discussions with advertising firms. It might seem that the show portrays filmmakers as having a very different lifestyle, or perhaps there’s an unusual focus on foam rollers in Nina’s dad’s company, but these are questions better left unanswered for now. The value of their house and Nina’s income from her business are also points of speculation that aren’t essential to the story being told here.
Throughout the five episodes provided for review, it’s hinted that Senior and Junior’s relationship is somewhat complicated due to Poppa’s career focus, implying that Junior was primarily raised by his mother (Wendy Raquel Robinson, who appears in only one episode but leaves a strong impression, suggesting she’ll return). The series sometimes delves into varying generational perspectives on child-rearing, given Junior and Nina’s adorable children. However, it often focuses more on the Damon Wayans brothers trying to make each other laugh using their extensive comedic arsenals.
Each episode finale of Poppa’s House gives off an impromptu vibe, possibly due to its spontaneous nature, which could account for the recurring comedic themes and targets. In uncertain situations, Junior often employs impressions and vocal characterizations, while Senior leans on his physicality and emphasizes certain words in unusual ways during his lines. When all other methods fail, they regularly tease Jackson about her short stature. She’s quite petite! Or maybe the Wayans are taller? This pattern can become repetitive, but it highlights the show’s casual, unscripted feel. The affection within this family is palpable through their playful banter and the shared goal of making each other laugh, even when they might not be particularly amusing.
Without the additional scenes, it’s clear that the Damons are always pushing each other to their limits. You’ll also notice how quickly Jackson and Atkins jump into the mix, transforming Nina from just a disapproving wife of a childish husband and Ivy from a mere overprotective presence. Jackson, in particular, brings a lot of humor to the show, and it thrives when it emphasizes the friendly banter and back-and-forth between Nina and Junior.
The overwhelming friendliness or camaraderie conceals a multitude of storytelling flaws better than one might think, given its seemingly straightforward nature. Poppa’s House, in its development, relies on the assumption that if you enjoy watching the Wayans family at work, you’ll be patient as it figures out its fundamental aspects.
The series initially combines about 75% of domestic sitcom elements with 25% workplace comedy, set at Poppa’s radio station. Despite the apparent comfort of Poppa’s home, the arrangement ensures a sense of spaciousness to avoid feelings of confinement. Although the premiere episode pokes fun at Ivy’s podcasting past and the following two episodes casually introduce a mix of adversaries and coworkers at the radio station, by the fourth episode, Poppa and Ivy shift their focus solely towards hosting a podcast.
Translating the complexity into a simpler and more conversational form:
This fifth episode showcases Junior and Senior clashing over parenting methods, reopening old family wounds, and seems to set the tone for what the creators envision Poppa’s House becoming by the end of its inaugural season. It includes a lot of amusing impersonations by Damon Junior, yet it also contains genuine dramatic moments. Moreover, it hints at a possible romantic development between Poppa and Ivy, two former spouses, which appears both intriguing and predestined. The episode’s theme – today’s parents are less strict with their children compared to the past, which can be beneficial yet problematic – may not be original, but it does provide a perspective.
However, it’s unlikely that people are visiting Poppa’s House for its perspective. Instead, the appeal lies in the dynamic interactions among members of the Wayans clan, a genuine sense of collaboration that makes the show feel unique rather than generic, despite any generic elements on paper. In essence, it’s all about family affairs.
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2024-10-22 00:25