'Poppa's House' Season 1 Episode 18 "Magic Shine Again" Review

Poppa’s House Series Finale Recap and Review

In the Poppa’s House series finale, Poppa and Ivy share a microphone and perform the classic Rick James and Teena Marie duet, “Fire and Desire.” The chemistry is unmistakable, and they almost share a moment—until Ivy pulls away and rushes off.

Meanwhile, Junior stops by and finds Poppa in the kitchen, lost in thought about Ivy. He has heart eyes and Junior notices. Poppa opens up about his feelings and starts plotting how to finally tell her how he feels.

Junior may have landed a studio deal, and Nina is helping him develop the project but, she is overstepping by trying to take over. True to form, he doesn’t speak up when he’s unsure about her creative direction. Since it’s a children’s movie, Nina brings in the kids to brainstorm—and chaos follows. Their wild ideas make Junior instantly regret not setting boundaries. Later Poppa advises him to set those boundaries.

Poppa invites Ivy over for what he hopes will be a romantic evening. He’s dressed to impress, and “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder sets the mood. But things take a turn. Ivy wants to open up—she’s caught feelings for someone, and she’s scared. Poppa assumes she’s talking about him and prepares to confess... until she reveals it’s her ex-husband, David.

David’s getting treatment for alcoholism, and Ivy has been supporting him. She asks Poppa how he’d feel if she got back together with David. Heartbroken but gracious, Poppa tells her that if she’s happy, then he’s happy. Cue the doorbell—David, played by Coby Bell, has arrived, invited by Ivy.

The episode ends on a classic soap-style cliffhanger. Junior secures his movie deal after finally standing up for himself. Ivy later discovers that the heartfelt note she thought was from David was actually written by Poppa. Just as they’re about to clear the air and reveal their true feelings, Poppa’s much younger former flame, Lola, returns unexpectedly to make amends.

It’s a tough blow when a show ends with a cliffhanger leaving the viewer to never receive resolution. As satisfying as the buildup was, debut seasons should steer clear of unresolved endings—audiences deserve closure, especially when they’ve invested in the journey.

Overall, it was a standard episode with romantic tension and comedy delivered by Coby Bell and Damon Jr. I’d rate it a seven out of ten.

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