Episode 2 finds Diarra fighting insomnia, baby fever, rag-tag hoodlums and the truth, as she and Chris wade the waters of couples therapy. What she thought was a grand milestone after the family picnic was just a speed bump. Challenged to openly communicate, she and Chris are put to the test as they search for Ron’s armoire.
Diarra’s struggles begin one sleepless night that leads to an encounter with her ex, Royce Frederick (Clifford “Method Man” Smith Jr.). Before Swa, the two had a rocky relationship that ended because he didn’t want kids. Today, Royce has changed his mind and wonders if Diarra’s current beau feels the same.
This inkling persists as the couple agrees to find Ron’s family heirloom. But an uninvited guest — a neighbor’s infant — becomes a stowaway, turning the mission into a test of potential parenthood. Clues lead them to an antiques store where they suspect Booker tried selling the desk. After deducing no sale occurred, the two search for the club bouncer, but he finds them instead. In a scuffle, Booker manages to steal away with Chris’ piece.
Aja courts new clients with a brilliant business opportunity. But when one business woman calls her bluff, Aja finds herself in a bind that only Walter Harvey can help with. Meanwhile, Tee gathers intel on the alleged club where Booker works and thinks he sees someone from their past.
Later, the four reunite looking for Booker at a prom sendoff celebration. Diarra realizes an accomplice — Booker’s girlfriend Lisa (Lovie Simone) — tipped him off at the antiques store. Diarra and Chris question her and learn the desk is in a nearby house. Chris hangs around as Diarra searches the home. Here, Diarra flexes her mothering skills with a sex-curious teen. It’s a heartfelt scene displaying Diarra’s natural gift with children.
Diarra finds the desk, but gets hemmed up by a thug. Thankfully, Chris arrives in the knick of time. Once home and childless, the two attempt to celebrate the victory when they accidentally break the desk’s top. It’s a fake, and conceals a recurring clue: a flyer for a Black Castle Coney Island eatery. An auction for the desk is happening tonight at that location.
As the two arrive to the building, Diarra mentions how great a team they made with the baby. When asked if he wants kids, Chris claims he’s more the uncle type. Devastated at this truth, Diarra echoes every couple’s final words: “Chris, we need to talk.” But that conversation must wait as they find three dead bodies inside the building — and miss Chris’ gun laying in the pool of blood.
Episode 2 is a great follow-up to the series premiere, managing the multi-genre shifts without losing any narrative points. The threading of Diarra and Chris’ issues throughout helped invest viewers in their relationship. Despite obvious red flags, we’re rooting for them to work. And just when we think it’s over, an exclamation-point ending hooks us back in.
Aja’s predicament — an example of the shows comedic chops — keeps us tied to season one’s mystery, which will surely remain an overarching storyline. A perfect display of the show’s writing strength.
Finally, our performances remain top-notch. Diarra Kilpatrick’s comedic timing is as strong as her dramatic scenes. And guest stars Smith Jr. and Simone were great, adding context while pushing the narrative forward.
Rating: 8/10