Grown-ish Review: Daddy Lessons (Season 4 Episode 4)

It only took a matter of episodes into the new season for Dre to finally make his appearance on Grown-ish Season 4 Episode 3, “Daddy Lessons.” After learning about Zoey’s fake marriage to Aaron in Mexico, he’s come to confront his favorite child and talk some sense into her.

Any crossover between black-ish and Grown-ish is welcomed with open arms. Unfortunately, Bow is missing from action, but perhaps that is best. Otherwise, it might’ve been too much unnecessary parental discipline.

Plus, Dre’s man-to-man connection with Vivek is extremely heartwarming, and may this be a petition to bring him on more often to act as a voice of reason.

Although, as Zoey expresses in her voiceover, college is a time for kids to stumble into adulthood and make mistakes on their own without parental interference. So no matter how hard it is for Dre to watch Zoey make monumental mistakes, he learns to let her fly without his loving embrace.

Meanwhile, Vivek’s having major problems of his own. When Cal U denies his appeal, the news about his permanent expulsion and scholarship retraction is nowhere near as scary as hearing his parents are being notified. 

It’s really the first time Vivek’s background is dissected. And as a show that’s so focused on putting Black and Brown people at the forefront of its storytelling, there’s a lot of focus on issues particular to the Black community, leaving the Brown community out of the dialogue at times.

However, in Vivek’s situation, being the son of Indian immigrants, there are different pressures placed on him. For example, how his parents made sacrifices so he could have a good education and a bright future.

Instead of lying to them about the details of his expulsion, he tells them the full truth about his drug dealing side gig, showing a full arc in his character. 

Unfortunately, his father is not too happy with the truth, so he essentially disowns him. Despite the outcome, it needs to be acknowledged that Vivek is turning over a new leaf! It’s rare he shows vulnerability, but the gravity of expulsion and his father’s words set him straight.

Just in time, too, as the gang’s in their senior year, they’re all displaying signs of extreme growth. If college has taught them anything, real-life has real consequences.

While Vivek’s future remains unknown and his relationship with his father is rocky, Zoey and Dre end on good terms.

She was in need of a good visit from Dre, and hopefully, she’s on the right track minus any detours.

What did you think of this episode of Grown-ish? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stray Musings:

• There are so many amazing full-circle moments in this episode. First, Doug’s cool new crush Kiela ends up being Luca’s younger sister! Priceless. However, how have Doug and Luca been friends for four entire years and not discussed siblings? 
• Is it safe to guess Kiela’s going to be Doug’s new love interest? Sorry Jazz, it looks like Doug might be moving on for good.
• Second, the Johnson’s nanny Maritza is interviewing to watch Nomi’s child. As a comedy, Grown-ish is known for its quippy one-liners, but this entire scene is cleverly crafted. A round of applause, and the best ah-ha moment of the episode.

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Grown-ish airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Freeform.

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