'Poppa’s House' Season 1 Episode 17 Review: "Baby Girl"
- Jazz
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
The episode introduces new tension with the arrival of Poppa’s daughter, Natalie, who has been estranged from him for years due to his past infidelities. She stops by Junior’s first to catch up and to announce her engagement.
Natalie is still hurt by Poppa’s cheating and has refused to speak with him for a long time. With her wedding approaching, she unexpectedly asks Junior to walk her down the aisle, sparking conflict. Junior visits Poppa to discuss this, and Poppa is upset that Junior has been in contact with Natalie. However, Junior argues that it’s time for someone to be the bigger person, especially given that Natalie is about to get married. Poppa, being his usual self, encourages Junior to have the classic “Fulton Family man talk” with Natalie’s fiancé.
Later, Poppa opens up to Ivy, sharing how he and Natalie used to be incredibly close. They used to have donut Wednesdays, Milkshake Mondays, Ivy jokes that maybe he wouldn’t be diabetic if they had Salad Saturdays. Poppa misses their bond and has tried everything to mend the relationship, but nothing seems to have worked. Ivy tells him that she is a daddy’s girl and after the divorce her father had to fight to have a relationship with her. She encourages him to keep fighting for his daughter.
The episode also introduces Dyrl, (sounds like squirrel)Natalie’s fiancé, who is a tall menacing mant. His intimidating presence causes Junior to react by letting out a high pitched scream when he opens the door with the intention of intimidating him but ends up being intimidated. Daryl comedically terrorizes Junior and Nina, adding some comedic relief to the otherwise tense family situation. Despite Daryl’s past (he served time for credit card theft), he’s turned his life around with Natalie’s help.
Poppa sends donuts for their usual “Donut Wednesday,” hoping to low key reconnect with Natalie but this only angers her. After being encouraged by Dyrl and Junior, Natalie agrees to talk to Poppa. Natalie confronts Poppa about his absence during significant moments in her life, like her graduation. Poppa, true to form, admits he was there, but in the back row. He didn’t leave her or Junior, he left their mother and refuses to apologize to their mother, Katherine. She storms out saying that he is the reason that her relationships with men rarely work. She has daddy issues.
Poppa and Katherine meet up to discuss their daughter's return. They have an honest conversation about Natalie and Dyrl. Poppa reveals that Natalie has blamed him for her inability to trust men, but now he feels it’s time to tell the truth. In a shocking reveal, Katherine cheated first. I kind of feel like this is lazy way to absolve Poppa but at the same time can explain his attitude and his being closed off. It definitely adds new layers to the family dynamic going forward.
While this episode delivers on the heartwarming moments and emotional depth; my main issue is with the late introduction of Natalie’s character. Her sudden appearance this late in the season feels a bit rushed. Natalie’s story could’ve been more developed throughout the earlier episodes to provide more context for her emotional arc. At the very least they could have talked about her or had Poppa reflect on missing her. It is such a missed opportunity and feels like she was a last minute add in.
Overall, Poppa’s House Episode 17 does a great job balancing heartfelt moments with humor. Albeit the humor is still awkward and doesn’t always land. The revelation of the truth about Poppa and Katherine, along with Natalie’s return, gives this episode a strong emotional core. I’d rate this episode a B-.
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