CJ at last lands an apartment, but the abode may be more trouble than what it's worth. Elsewhere, Ella secretly helps Janine, who in turn begins to exploit Ella's kind spirit.
It's domestic bliss for Ella and Curtis, whose home is at last their own after CJ moves out. However, a robbery at CJ's apartment may change all that.
In a holiday-themed installment, Curtis spirals into a Scrooge-like conniption when his highly anticipated trip to Hawaii is canceled. Enter sassy, brassy Madea, who teaches Curtis the true meaning of the holidays.
The heat's on when Curtis and his fire company battle a raging blaze, but Calvin's attempt to prove his firefighting worth results in a perilous situation. Elsewhere, young Malik tries to be a smooth operator on the phone with his new girlfriend.
Curtis attempts to save CJ, who's trapped in a burning structure with a quickly depleting oxygen tank. Meanwhile, a date between Malik and Taylor sours.
The search progresses for CJ, who's trapped in a fire-ravaged structure. And love is blind for young Malik, whose crush on Taylor continues.
Curtis meets up with an old pal, a smooth Lothario who showers his romantic attentions on Claretha. Meanwhile, a woman stalks CJ.
Without CJ's permission, Ella takes the kids to visit Janine. The firehouse turns into the object of a reality tv show that is titled "Sparks," but the firefighters get burned when the host misrepresent their interviews.
When Janine is discharged from rehab, Ella opens the home to her and gives her job-interview pointers. Elsewhere, Curtis goes on a diet after failing a physical.
The Payne gang decides to see a family therapist, much to the scoffing Curtis' chagrin.
Payne family ties are tested upon Janine's return home, as young Malik is taunted by his classmates because of his troubled mother.
Janine spontaneously squires the children to an amusement park, but things aren't so amusing when she fails to get CJ's consent. The emotional roller coaster continues for CJ when he discovers Calvin is wooing Tracie.
Calvin tries to prove his worth to Tracie, but she responds with shocking news. Meanwhile, Jazmine is plagued with a toothache, but it's like pulling teeth trying to get her to see a dentist.
When his crew departs on a call, Curtis is left alone at the firehouse with a pregnant woman who's about to give birth. Meanwhile, Tracie questions Calvin's maturity level, causing their relationship to wilt.
Janine's former drug dealer arrives seeking owed money, causing an unsettled Curtis to consider buying a handgun for safety. Elsewhere, bullying at school is wearing down Malik.
Niece Renee hits town for a scholarship interview, but is she actually worthy of the honor? Elsewhere, Bart's caustic nephew, an aspiring fireman, visits the fire station and hopes to smoke Malik in a firefighting challenge.
Things get "Payneful" for young Jazmine when she has to undergo surgery for appendicitis. Elsewhere, Curtis goes on a rat patrol at the firehouse, trying to exterminate a pesky rodent.
When Janine begins exhibiting bizarre behavior, the Payne crew suspects that she's returned to her old habits---particularly when she appears with a black eye. Meanwhile, Malik's got sole: He sets out to buy new sneakers.
Ella comes down with the flu, but it's Curtis who's sick of it all: He must clean, cook and care for Malik, CJ and Janine when they also catch the bug. Elsewhere, it's a crowning moment for young Jazmine when she lands the role of a princess in a play.
A mix-up results when a female counselor invites Calvin to dinner. Meanwhile, Curtis eagerly anticipates attending a firehouse poker party, but there's a surprise in the cards: He may have to babysit the children instead.
CJ and Janine are invited to an anniversary party and they decide to go together. At the party, people think that they are still married. Meanwhile, Calvin's friends volunteer at the fire station for community service.
The Payne family interrogates Janine and CJ in the wake of their shared night together. Meanwhile, a jealous hubby suspects Curtis is wooing his wife.
Curtis and Ella's relationship hits a bump when Ella claims that Curtis takes her for granted. Things get bumpier for Curtis when the always sassy Madea materializes in one of his dreams. Elsewhere, Malik takes up football in order to woo a cheerleader.
As CJ dates Tanya, Janine goes out with an ex-football player, who goes the extra yard by giving Malik and Jazmine dazzling gifts---to CJ's chagrin. Meanwhile, odor issues plague Jazmine.
As Malik invites his new girlfriend to a Payne family dinner, Calvin again woos Miranda, who ripped him off during a previous romance but now insists she's changed her ways.
Let the games begin. It's a full house when the women take on the men during game night. Besides the Paynes, the players include Calvin's girlfriend, CJ's girlfriend, Janine's boyfriend and Ella's longtime friend. But the night fizzles when a secret is exposed.
Ella heads to the hospital after a lump is found in her breast. Another crisis develops when Calvin witnesses a neighborhood crime.
Janine considers disclosing a stunning secret to CJ and the children. And Calvin has some shocking news of his own regarding his education.
Malik's best pal, Kevin, is injured in a hit-and-run accident. In other events, Calvin scores a job at a most unusual place.
Curtis is offered a desirable fire-chief job---but it's in Los Angeles, and Ella firmly opposes moving. Meanwhile, CJ has a close encounter with Tanya's overly assertive gal pal.
When ,000 is found in CJ's truck, a moral dilemma about what to do with the cash begins tearing the Paynes apart.
CJ corners Tanya about her appearance in a racy music video. In other events, the FBI keeps a hard eye on a Payne neighbor and seeks to use the Payne house as a stakeout post.
Calvin's late nights and domestic irresponsibility cause household friction, spurring him to move in with his girlfriend. In other events, youngsters Malik and Jazmine are hired to clean Claretha's home, resulting in a messy situation involving one of Claretha's most-prized possessions.
Janine's mother arrives at the Payne house after leaving her husband, but she proves to be a pain with her pushy attitude and tactless remarks. Meanwhile, Janine's pregnancy gradually becomes all-too obvious.
Ella and Claretha offer support to an abuse victim. Meanwhile, a bachelor party for Keenan features a stripper who defies expectations.
Janine, CJ and their respective dates attend a party, but revelations about Janine's pregnancy cause complications. Elsewhere, when the TV fades out, Curtis connects with the cable guy.
Malik puts into motion a scheme to score the phone numbers of the entire cheerleading squad. His plan: to become a cheerleader himself. Elsewhere, Janine must bid adieu to the children as her relationship with Bryan moves to the next level.
The guys' objectification of women at the firehouse flusters Angel, who turns to Ella and Claretha for advice. Meanwhile, Malik gets drunk with power when he babysits Jazmine.