Leslie explains her earth-shattering news about Vernon to Ted. Dani and Martin host competing tree-trimming parties. Anita and Vernon have a candid conversation that leaves them both rocked. Hayley storms out on Bill. Dani and Andre celebrate their first Christmas together. Vernon and Sharon's secret is exposed in front of all of the Duprees. Ted has three surprise visitors for the holiday.
Episode 1.195
While the family celebrates the holidays together, Anita receives the most devastating news of her life. She has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It's an aggressive form of the disease that impacts Black women more than other demographics. This is the kind of story that could only be presented in this narrative. It strives to celebrate this community. It never shies away from the painful realities of what they endure as people of color in this world. So many of them have faced hardships. This is hardly the first time Anita will have to fight in order to survive. It's simply unfathomable how she will tell her family. She leans on Tracy and Sharon for support. She needs them more than ever before. Their reunion came from trying to atone for the past. That breakthrough occurred. They dropped everything when she needed them the most. The family will operate the same way. Everything else pales in comparison to the seriousness of this story. Yet she must face that drama too. Ted tells Nicole about Vernon's affair. He does so even though his only evidence is what Leslie says. She's not reliable. He equates this secret with every other mistake he has made. He shouldn't even be allowed in Nicole's home. He's there ready to drop this news. It's exhausting. It also reveals how some of these characters really aren't evolving. They refuse to reflect and grow.
It's striking considering how Kat behaves when walking into Martin and Smitty's tree trimming party. She acknowledges Eva when she enters. Then, she ignores her. She doesn't allow Eva's presence to derail the bond she has with family. That can't be replaced. In fact, Eva is the outsider looking in once more. It's horrendous that Ted feels the need to apologize. He's once again considering her feelings above everyone else's. That's not productive. Kat's able to attend both family parties. She's the only one who does so. The others decide where to spend their evenings. Dani and Andre have plenty of drama at their event too. It's just silly how Naomi jumps to the worst conclusions. It would be helpful if the audience actually saw the therapy sessions between her and Jacob. Right now, it's the two suggesting they've made progress. Setbacks are inevitable. The tension over being disappointed in her gift is ridiculous. It's empty in a way that stands out with the multi-dimensional dynamics elsewhere. Of course, one can question why Regina has been kept from Samantha and Tyrell until now. It's still sweet seeing their reunion. The whole family is together. They can cherish these new memories together knowing that everything worked out for the best.
Grade: B+
Episode 1.196
Anita wants joy. She doesn't want her diagnosis to distract from Christmas. That's especially true if this is her final one. She prepares for the worst. She didn't want to believe it. She kept Vernon in the dark because she didn't want it to be true. She can't deny it any more. She confides in her husband. He's upset that she kept this for days. He wanted to be there for her. He wasn't given the opportunity. He's devastated by the news. The rest of the family will find out shortly. Anita must act quickly in order to treat the cancer. She wants a happy holiday. The family can provide that. However, Dani and Nicole are wrapped up in the possibility of Vernon having an affair. They laugh at the suggestion. They have the same reaction the audience has been having for months. The show hasn't presented any valid evidence for Vernon actually cheating with Sharon. It seemed impossible. That's even more true given his reaction to Anita's secret. He weeps over a picture of the two of them. He fears the worst too. They are on this journey together. The pain is unbearable on their own. Their scenes are so completely devastating. This isn't a cathartic moment. It's a recognition of the sorrow that awaits them. This moment tests them. They remain committed. That's proof the audience cannot ignore.
Ted wants to be Nicole's protector. That's why he shares the news about Vernon. He buys into Leslie's narrative. He's presented an opportunity and decides to strike. Nicole knows to be weary. Leslie can't be trusted. Ted falls right into her trap. Nicole still spirals. She needs reassurance from her sister. Dani's ready to confront their parents. They ultimately have to accept that their parents have earned the right to be private. Their daughters aren't entitled to every aspect of their lives. Confronting them now wouldn't actually fix anything. It would only confirm their worst fears. That's no way to live. They must respect the trust they've built over years to get through this turbulent time. Anita and Vernon will need their daughters when the truth comes out. That can't be tested before the reveal occurs. That awareness is appreciated. It acknowledges how these characters are adults who pick up on things. Vanessa can't hide her relationship with Joey from her son. Deanna needed Donnell's support more than Vanessa did after Doug's death. He sees that now. He also knows his parent's marriage wasn't perfect especially after he left for college. He appreciates all that they did for him. He doesn't want to stand in the way of Vanessa's happiness. Joey has reignited that spark. Similarly, Bill feels he can be more vulnerable with Hayley than Dani. That's remarkable given her deceit. He's manipulative too but he's at least trying to build a relationship that's honest. It's futile but the effort is apparent.
Grade: A-
Episode 1.197
It takes a truly talented singer to portray a bad singer. Clifton Davis is a phenomenal performer. He's appeared on Broadway for decades. He's written numerous songs. This show needed him to perform at some point. That wasn't the focal point of Vernon's backstory. His power came through his speeches. Anita's life was dominated by music. Vernon saw the beauty in that. All it took was a couple lessons from a professional vocal coach for him to become a talented singer too. The show put in the effort to present this as something Vernon was devoted to. It also came with the inference he was having an affair with Sharon. The audience was teased about the possibility a lot longer than Nicole and Dani were. Nicole allowed her suspicions to grow upon seeing Vernon and Sharon interact at the Christmas party. She wasn't expecting an Articulettes reunion. Tracy and Sharon are there to support Anita through breast cancer. The family doesn't know that. They have no reason to be suspicious of their presence. The family is more than willing to embrace more people. In fact, the specialness of this celebration comes from the entire family being together. That includes Tracy and Sharon. They are important to Anita. They should be important to everyone else. Vernon truly dominates this episode though. Anita wanted joy. That is delivered. Vernon always finds a way to surprise his wife. He succeeds yet again. He had more than one gift planned.
"Never Can Say Goodbye" is a song Clifton Davis wrote over 50 years ago. It resonates perfectly in this moment. To the family, it highlights the love that continues to endure between Vernon and Anita. For the couple, it carries more significance. They don't know how much time they have left. They want as much as they can have. They aren't ready for the end. It's incredibly moving. The show isn't lacking in powerful, intimate moments elsewhere. The celebration isn't derailed by Nicole forcing a confrontation. She was mistaken. Her family is happy. Secrets are still being kept. Those bombshells will be dropped shortly. Anita wants to wait until after the holidays. She may not be that lucky. This holiday isn't ruined. In fact, Christmas belongs to the Duprees. Everything else seems quaint in comparison. It's warm and exciting to be accepted as part of this family. When they are left out, it's sad and small. Ted isn't alone. He's visited by Kat, Leslie and Shanice. It doesn't carry the same resonance as the rest of the holiday is portrayed. Eva and Leslie capture a moment to celebrate how far they've come. Then, the story pivots to Eva inviting Izaiah back to her place. That's probably too tangential to the rest of the episode's themes. It doesn't rob the significance of the emotions elsewhere. This is perfection as only the Duprees can deliver.
Grade: A
