Vanessa fires back when her business decisions are called into question. Smitty confronts Joey to protect Martin. Dani and Bill recall a fiery moment from their past, leaving Naomi and Chelsea unsettled. Jacob bolsters a friend in need. Shanice and Ted find themselves trapped in a potentially dangerous predicament. Vernon and Joey don't mince words during a heated exchange. Leslie needs Nicole's help. An exchange between Samantha and her aunts causes quite a stir. WinterFest begins. Jacob issues a warning to his brother.
Episode 1.180
Joey has pulled Vanessa into his world. He offered her the excitement and perspective she was missing. She resented the world looking straight through her. The Duprees care about her. Yet they can't take her away from this dangerous man. They are distracted and busy with their own lives. They want to share everything with their friends. Vanessa wants that confidence. She yearns for power. Joey is all too willing to provide it. The escort service isn't legal. Dani worries about her friend. She's making impulsive choices. This all seems destined to implode at some point. Dani isn't walking away. She's confident enough in herself not to get involved. She won't turn her back on her friend. These characters need that support in order to face off with Joey. Smitty foolishly charges in trying to defend Martin. Joey has the Congressman at his complete mercy. That doesn't change after this conversation either. It's meaningful to see Martin and Smitty so united. Their love radiates. Joey isn't interested in good or evil. He just wants what's best for business. Martin can protect him. Joey could ruin his career if he's not careful. All of that is coming to the forefront once more. The campaign is picking up and Joey makes his presence known with a donation that can't easily be refused.
Derek obviously would have been betrayed had he known Ashley sought out Andre the night she called off the engagement. It served as confirmation of all his fears. It becomes a way to justify his actions. He can't be forgiven for his lies. Ashley has never been perfect either. She wasn't committed to their relationship. All the things she did for him weren't exactly shown onscreen. His devotion to her is. That's not beneficial to anyone. Neither is Andre getting involved yet again. He's happy with Dani. Why mess with that? Vernon is proud to talk about his daughter's new marriage. He wanted Bill to be completely devoted to her. Instead, he broke her heart. That caused real damage for the entire family. Bill is nostalgic for the way things used to be. He's not suggesting his commitment to Hayley is waning. He simply regrets how he handled things. He's made big accusations in the past. He's resented how the family used him. This moment offers some introspection. It may be too late. Forgiveness isn't offered. He's not welcomed back with open arms. The family has less hostilities towards him. They still need a reason to engage with him. He's not a part of the family. He's a useful member of the community worth keeping around. Bill yearns for more. He threw that away after taking it for granted.
Grade: B
Episode 1.181
Dani says all the right things about being over Bill. Yet her eyes still light up whenever she sees him. She rushes towards him. The spark between them is still there. Naomi and Chelsea see it clearly. It requires a deeper conversation. They want their parents to be happy. They know their marriage wasn't perfect. They don't want to get their hopes up either. They've heard Dani talk about being in love with Andre. It's hard to ignore how seamless Dani and Bill fall back into old routines. They delight over sharing a story. Sure, the physical depiction of this tale from early in their marriage isn't entirely necessary. In fact, it somewhat takes away from the connection that is potent between them. That's meant to be the focus of this scene. Andre operates with certainty in his marriage. Hayley is the insecure one who can't keep Bill satisfied. She's frustrated because this job is taking longer than she wants. She wants it to be done already. She's messing with people's lives. She's making everyone on edge. Naomi thinks her former friend can be helpful in keeping her parents apart. A reunion shouldn't be desired. Dani and Andre deserve a chance at happiness for awhile. They are more committed than ever before. Yet Bill isn't just part of her past. The suggestion is offered that something more can still develop despite everything she has said to multiple people.
All of this could be the show repeating some of its familiar dynamics. Dani and Bill always weave in and out of each other's lives. They seek to assert influence over the other. It's playful teasing with the hint of something more. It's never been platonic. Possibilities exist. The show's evolution allowed something new to blossom between Dani and Andre. That's exciting. This moment provides a new wrinkle in that dynamic. This was always going to be the biggest obstacle. It wasn't going away. It remains intriguing. The same can't be said for Derek and Ashley. They have always been the show's most boring couple. They seem to be done for good. Derek really only has storytelling agency through this relationship and his friendship with Jacob. Without that, he doesn't have a place in the narrative. That makes it strange when he's suddenly missing his firehouse family. That provided him with purpose even though it wasn't seen until now. It's still tied up in romantic drama too. Jacob knows Derek needs to focus on his recovery before anything else. Meanwhile, Ashley finally admits that she proposed out of pity. She's being honest. She caused pain too. She realizes what the audience has always known. It's not a major revelation. As such, only so much entertainment can come from it.
Grade: B-
Episode 1.182
Vanessa is devastated when Joey rejects her offer to be her date to WinterFest. He tries many arguments to dissuade her of this notion. He's trying to protect her from scandal. He doesn't want to cause her children more pain. He's protecting his business interests. None of it is sufficient to ease Vanessa's disappointment. She's fully spiraling. She views Joey as the spark her life has been missing. She no longer has to pretend. She admires how unabashedly he lives his life. She didn't think he was capable of shame. Things are more complicated because they've mixed business with pleasure. Vanessa still makes an excuse when Vernon walks in. He too wants to assure Joey will behave. He doesn't want anything to disrupt Martin's re-election campaign. He needs to be focused on his family and career. Vernon leads with confidence. He expects his wishes to be followed. He isn't so different from Joey. They've made their choices. They must live with them. They expect more of the next generation. Yet their influence is felt in vast ways. Vernon stays involved with politics and culture. Joey seeks opportunities whenever they present themselves. The Dupree family has been compromised by Joey. He's waiting for the perfect moment to exert his influence to get what he wants. Vanessa and Vernon are clear with their intentions. Joey remains the wildcard who only remarks on how wild the day has been.
Meanwhile, a stuck elevator forces Ted and Shanice to spend more time together. It's the second instance in which this scenario has played out this season. It's way less dramatic than Ashley and Andre needing to deliver a baby. Shanice states that this is a familiar occurrence. The elevator has broken down repeatedly. She was having a stressful day already. Now, her superstitions start showing. Ted is charmed. The narrative benefits from not offering a tortured urgency to their dynamic. It's allowed to be relaxed and natural. It allows more of a showcase of Shanice. More of her humanity is shared after a year in which she's always up in everyone's business. She shares what she wants. Ted could be open to all of those possibilities. Of course, it requires everyone to be careful. Eva is essentially following in Kat's footsteps in wanting to go slow in her relationship with Izaiah. The anticipation will make sex even greater. She rearranges her father's schedule without having to leave her date. Izaiah is impressed. He's already making plans. This dynamic also doesn't carry the weight of damaged relationships. All of that is present and will cause problems in the future. The relaxed tone is present. That's comforting to a degree.
Grade: B
Episode 1.183
Chelsea saw a glimpse of Madison's complicated relationship with her mother. She doesn't understand the tension between them. She loves Madison. She was charmed by Willow's quirks. All of this added tension to their relationship. It became a serious obstacle. One they couldn't ignore. Anita is the only person who can provide sound advice. This situation isn't for Chelsea to understand. It's incumbent on her to trust her partner. Madison's feelings are valid. They can't be summed up in one meeting. Chelsea was in the wrong here. She can still salvage her relationship. Anita's guidance offers so much to many in the family. In times of stress, they all turn to her. That's what makes it pointed when the show repeatedly mentions her health. Her results come back clean. Nicole sees them herself. That should offer no doubts about her longevity on the show. It remains concerning because of the focus. Every action is purposeful. This can't be ignored. Anita is a gift to the entire family. She took some time to stand in the spotlight again. She shared her talents with the world. She chose to be there for her family afterwards. That hasn't changed. She supports all of them. They are the best at what they do because of her. She aims to ensure their protection no matter what happens at WinterFest. That includes whatever antics Leslie gets in.
Leslie pleads with Nicole for help. Nicole does so for Peaches and Eva. She extends that generosity to those who need it. She can't turn her back on a patient because of her history with Leslie. She has empathy for the situation. It's tough. Peaches is dying. She feels like giving up. Her spirit is gone. Leslie wants to uplift her. She doesn't have the tools to do so. Nicole has that awareness. She bonds with Peaches over how difficult Leslie can be. That prompts the shift in thinking. It's still wrapped up in everyone giving Eva the benefit of the doubt. She shouldn't be blamed for everything her mother did. It exists in parallel to Kat's animosity towards her half-sister. Everyone sees Eva as generous and kind. She is genuinely interested in the lives of her family. She wants to help whenever she can. Kat blows things out of proportion because of a misunderstanding. She comes to that realization. She is able to see that clearly in this particular situation. She responds in anger upon seeing Eva with Samantha. She's territorial and protective. She's changed. Everyone misses who she used to be. She's also the only one who sees Eva clearly. Eva's intentions are genuine most of the time. She also enabled so much from Leslie. That can't be ignored. Kat operates with some of the truth. No one else sees it. That often leaves her on the outside looking in on the family that has always been so close.
Grade: B+
Episode 1.184
WinterFest has arrived. The premier Dupree family event has begun. Everyone is expected to set whatever feelings they have aside to be together. They must be present at this celebration. It's a triumph of all of Anita's hard work. Everyone marvels at her brilliance once more. They remark on all the activities they can enjoy. However, the personal dynamics remain at the forefront. Eva feels that all eyes are on her. This is her debut in society. She has been accepted into this world. This is where she was always meant to be. Leslie made that happen. Ted provided it. She's happy. Kat's miserable. Once again, she feels like leaving her family. She asks if she is self-centered. Nicole basically confirms that she is being selfish. Her absence will be noted. She seeks comfort in Tomas. He has a big question on his mind. He wants Kat to move in with him. She's busy wallowing in her feelings. He understands that she's struggling with her place in the family. She braces for the world on her own. She doesn't need anything from any of them. They can't demand her presence. Yet she will miss this event. Her competitive nature thrives here. She has had plenty of happy memories at this celebration. She will be throwing all of that away because of her animosity towards Eva. Anita ensured Laura was protected from Leslie. The family understands the threats. That doesn't disrupt the moment. Kat may regret this action. She's throwing away so much even though she's righteous in her actions. She has more to lose. That's sad.
A lot of the episode is placing the various characters in motion for WinterFest. It centers on many of their arrivals at the club. Not everyone is in attendance yet. No updates are giving from Martin and Smitty. Bill and Hayley are absent as well. Dani, Andre and Ashley are expected to be included too. As such, the narrative struggles under the weight of some expectations. Apparently, Naomi and Jacob have already been in couple's therapy. They have made progress. That work has occurred offscreen. Now, they are on solid footing once more. The drama has moved on to his concerns with Izaiah. He fears his brother is falling back into old habits. Izaiah wants a relationship with his brother without hearing their dad's voice all the time. Meanwhile, Jacob clocks that Marcel is present at WinterFest. He doesn't know all the family has set into motion. The audience has plenty of expectations that hopefully will be fulfilled by the close of the season. That's a tall order given the number of plates spinning. Some have faded to the background as of late. And then, the story keeps teasing an affair between Vernon and Sharon. The truth hasn't been revealed yet. However, Tracy notices them together after commenting on how absent Sharon has been on the road lately.
Grade: B
