# Tyler Perry's House of Payne season 4

The fourth season of Tyler Perry's House of Payne began airing on November 4, 2009, and concluded on January 5, 2011. It stars LaVan Davis as Curtis Payne, Cassi Davis as Ella Payne, Allen Payne as CJ Payne, Lance Gross as Calvin Payne, Demetria McKinney as Janine Payne and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda Payne. Larramie "Doc" Shaw, who plays as Malik Payne, appears infrequently this season due to scheduling conflicts with two other shows he starred in, The Suite Life on Deck and Pair of Kings. This season also features the return of China Anne McClain as Jazmine Payne and Denise Burse as Claretha Jenkins, and consists of 46 episodes. This season uses film lookout throughout the all episodes.

## Episodes

* LaVan Davis appeared in all the episodes.
* Cassi Davis was absent for four episodes.
* Allen Payne was absent for twelve episodes.
* Demetria McKinney was absent for fourteen episodes.
* Lance Gross was absent for fifteen episodes.
* Keshia Knight Pulliam was absent for nineteen episodes.
* China Anne McClain was absent for twenty-four episodes.
* Larramie "Doc" Shaw was absent for thirty-five episodes.
* Denise Burse was absent for thirty-six episodes.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
| 137 | 1 | "Where's the Payne?" | Kim Fields | Steve Coulter | November 4, 2009 (2009-11-04) | 401 |
| Curtis' forced retirement creates obstacles, but the drama spikes when Miranda suddenly goes missing; Claretha returns without her husband and moves in with Curtis and Ella. Note: This episode marks the return of Claretha Jenkins (Denise Burse). Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Demetria McKinney as Janine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 138 | 2 | "Recurring Paynes" | Kim Fields | Robin M. Henry | November 4, 2009 (2009-11-04) | 402 |
| With Miranda still missing, her mother storms over to the Paynes', blames Calvin for the disappearance, and calls the police on him. Meanwhile, a secret about Curtis' forced retirement is revealed; C.J., Janine, and Jazmine return, hoping to move back in; and Jazmine has changed since attending a school for gifted children. Guest star: Valarie Pettiford as Sandra Lucas Note: Keshia Knight Pulliam was uncredited for this episode. However, she appears in the closing moments of the episode. This episode marks the return of Jazmine Payne (China Anne McClain). This episode marks the return of C.J. Payne (Allen Payne) who was absent for eighteen episodes in the fifth season. Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha |||||||
| 139 | 3 | "Wigging Out" | Kim Fields | Don Woodard | November 11, 2009 (2009-11-11) | 403 |
| Miranda finally returns and tells Calvin there is no baby. Despite all his efforts, Miranda refuses to let him stay in the condo, so he must move back in with Curtis and Ella. Meanwhile, Claretha decides to start a home business. Absent: Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 140 | 4 | "Payne Speaking" | Kim Fields | Don Woodard | November 11, 2009 (2009-11-11) | 404 |
| Curtis protests his retirement at City Hall and C.J. tells him he's taking his job at the firehouse. Meanwhile, Ella battles the innovative new pastor's plans to shut down the Help Center to make way for a new multimedia outreach program. Guest star: James Black as Reverend Jordan Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 141 | 5 | "Parental Payne" | Kim Fields | Brian Egeston | November 18, 2009 (2009-11-18) | 405 |
| Calvin confronts Miranda, thinking she had an abortion. Meanwhile, the school casts Malik in its production of Othello but the supposedly-bigoted father of the white girl cast opposite Malik won't let him kiss her in the play. Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Denise Burse as Claretha, Demetria McKinney as Janine and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 142) | 6 | "Payne, Payne Go Away" | Kim Fields | Erika Kaestle and Stacey Evans Morgan | November 18, 2009 (2009-11-18) | 406 |
| C.J., Janine, and the children move out of the Paynes'--and Floyd moves in after his divorce. Jazmine, feeling ignored and jealous, runs away. Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, Lance Gross as Calvin and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 143 | 7 | "Marriage Paynes" | Kim Fields | Daniel Beaty and Stacey Evans Morgan | November 25, 2009 (2009-11-25) | 407 |
| All 3 Payne couples (Curtis and Ella, C.J. and Janine, and Calvin and Miranda) go on an eye-opening marriage retreat, and Claretha and Floyd must babysit the twins. At the retreat's end, Miranda asks Calvin for a divorce. Absent: Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 144 | 8 | "Ms. Curtis" | Kim Fields | Spencer Gilbert | December 2, 2009 (2009-12-02) | 408 |
| Calvin and Miranda get trapped in an elevator together, a chance to overcome their marriage problems before they reach the dreaded "33rd Floor." Meanwhile, Curtis unwittingly takes Ella's estrogen pills. Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and Demetria McKinney as Janine |||||||
| 145 | 9 | "Oh, Christmas Payne" | Chip Hurd | Brian Egeston & Torian Hughes | December 9, 2009 (2009-12-09) | 409 |
| Family and friends share their different versions of the Nativity story when Jazmine fails to appreciate the real meaning of Christmas. Goof: Ella refers to Curtis being teased at his retirement roast--which is yet to happen in the upcoming episode "How Do You Like Your Roast?". Special Guest stars: David Mann as Mr. Brown and Tamela Mann as Cora Simmons |||||||
| 146 | 10 | "Til Payne Do We Part" | Chip Hurd | Adam Szymkowicz | December 23, 2009 (2009-12-23) | 410 |
| Curtis and Ella are shocked to learn that they're not legally married; Claretha and Floyd convince them to enjoy single life. Guest star: Judith Scott as Prudence Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, China Anne McClain as Jazmine, Demetria McKinney as Janine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 147 | 11 | "Payneful Reunion" | Chip Hurd | Torian Hughes | March 3, 2010 (2010-03-03) | 411 |
| When Ella tries to arrange a family reunion, a chagrined Jazmine opposes the idea of connecting with her extended family, so Curtis and Ella try to teach her about honoring her heritage. Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha, Demetria McKinney as Janine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 148 | 12 | "From the Mouths of Babes" | Kim Fields | Lisa Michelle Payton | March 3, 2010 (2010-03-03) | 412 |
| The birth-control issue divides C.J. and Janine; Calvin and Miranda spend a day of surprises with Jazmine. Absent: Cassi Davis as Ella, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and Denise Burse as Claretha |||||||
| 149 | 13 | "Blackout X 3" | Kim Fields | Adam Szymkowicz | March 10, 2010 (2010-03-10) | 413 |
| A blackout sheds light on all 3 Payne couples when it takes Curtis, CJ and Calvin from their televised football game and gives them spontaneous quality time with their wives. Absent: China Anne McClain as Jazmine, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and Denise Burse as Claretha |||||||
| 150 | 14 | "Lady Sings the Blues" | Chip Hurd | Steve Coulter & Don Woodard | March 10, 2010 (2010-03-10) | 414 |
| The Paynes worry that the newly-happy Janine might be returning to drugs when her former dealer Blue, returns; Curtis becomes captivated by Japanese culture. Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 151 | 15 | "Something's Brewing" | Chip Hurd | Don Woodard & Steve Coulter | March 17, 2010 (2010-03-17) | 415 |
| Janine cares for her dying former dealer, jeopardizing her relationship with C.J.; Floyd and Curtis launch a beer-brewing business. While at the help center C.J. and Janine pray that Blue will be led to Heaven while dying. Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, China Anne McClain as Jazmine, Denise Burse as Claretha and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 152 | 16 | "Seal of Approval" | Chip Hurd | Robin M. Henry & Don Woodard | March 17, 2010 (2010-03-17) | 416 |
| Malik's decision to join the ROTC upsets Janine; the fire department hires Curtis--just not in the capacity he expected. Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Denise Burse as Claretha and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 153 | 17 | "Payneful Pie" | Chip Hurd | Kellie Zimmerman-Green | March 24, 2010 (2010-03-24) | 417 |
| Ella breaks news that creates a downturn in Curtis' financial plans. Elsewhere, Calvin squares off against Miranda's critical mother. Guest star: Valarie Pettiford as Sandra Lucas Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Demetria McKinney as Janine |||||||
| 154 | 18 | "How Do You Like Your Roast?" | Chip Hurd | Robin M. Henry & Steve Coulter | March 24, 2010 (2010-03-24) | 418 |
| Curtis is the man of honor at a surprise retirement party, but the event doesn't go well as planned; Jazmine experiences her first crush. Absent: Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 155 | 19 | "Curtis Sings the Blues" | Chip Hurd | Robin M. Henry & Don Woodard | March 31, 2010 (2010-03-31) | 419 |
| Curtis spirals into a depressive funk following successive life-altering events, but he gets support from an unlikely source. Elsewhere, Calvin and Miranda compete against C.J. and Janine in a bid for a weekend getaway. Guest star: Ben Vereen as Clarence Absent: Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 156 | 20 | "Firestorm" | Chip Hurd | Torian Hughes | March 31, 2010 (2010-03-31) | 420 |
| During a fire routine, a fireman dies under C.J.'s authority and he blames himself. Meanwhile, Ella studies a book at school and recommends it to Miranda and Claretha. Absent: Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Lance Gross as Calvin and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 157 | 21 | "Heartbeat" | Chip Hurd | Brian Egeston | April 7, 2010 (2010-04-07) | 421 |
| A pregnancy scare upends Calvin and Miranda's world. Elsewhere, Curtis' sales scheme lands him in trouble with the law. Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Demetria McKinney as Janine and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 158 | 22 | "Through the Fire" | Chip Hurd | Robin M. Henry | April 7, 2010 (2010-04-07) | 422 |
| Janine's mother arrives to a downcast C.J.'s immense annoyance. Elsewhere, Curtis guest-stars on a morning TV show. Guest star: Anne-Marie Johnson as Liz Shelton Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 159 | 23 | "The Bible: King Payne's Version" | Chip Hurd | Don Woodard | April 14, 2010 (2010-04-14) | 423 |
| Ella futilely tries to fit in with college-age peers in her study group; Curtis offers his own unique spin on religion when he teaches at Jazmine's Bible school. Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha, Demetria McKinney as Janine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 160 | 24 | "Matured Investment" | Chip Hurd | Torian Hughes | April 14, 2010 (2010-04-14) | 424 |
| A different side of Calvin blossoms when he cares for Calvin Jr. Elsewhere, new neighbors arrive--with unique notions on relationships. Guest stars: Richard Lawson as Mitch and Vanessa Bell Calloway as Fiona Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Demetria McKinney as Janine |||||||
| 161 | 25 | "Who's Your Daddy Now?" | Chip Hurd | Brian Egeston | April 21, 2010 (2010-04-21) | 425 |
| C.J. at long last meets his birth father, bit the surprise has unexpected results; Curtis helps Jazmine choose a musical instrument to learn. Guest star: William Katt as Clive James Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Denise Burse as Claretha, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 162 | 26 | "Feet of Clay" | Chip Hurd | Don Woodard | April 21, 2010 (2010-04-21) | 426 |
| Curtis' old pal Big Jesse, resurfaces, but he has seriously changed. Meanwhile, Calvin works to awe a nursery-school recruiter in the hopes of getting his child enrolled. Guest star: J. Anthony Brown as Big Jesse Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Demetria McKinney as Janine |||||||
| 163 | 27 | "Date Night x 3" | Chip Hurd | Adam Szymkowicz | April 28, 2010 (2010-04-28) | 427 |
| The Payne men are pressured to take their wives out on the town; Curtis and Ella get locked out of their home and later has dinner in the backyard. Guest star: Brian Palermo as Phillipe Absent: Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, Denise Burse as Claretha and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 164 | 28 | "Watch the Son Shine" | Chip Hurd | Brian Egeston & Adam Szymkowicz | April 28, 2010 (2010-04-28) | 428 |
| Calvin and Ella work on a school project; Curtis gets pointers for his first post-retirement from Malik. Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Denise Burse as Claretha, China Anne McClain as Jazmine, Demetria McKinney as Janine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 165 | 29 | "The Drinking Game" | Chip Hurd | Karen Felix and Don Woodard | May 5, 2010 (2010-05-05) | 429 |
| Malik and his friend Kevin exploit the freedom of being home alone, but later have experience of alcohol drinking; Curtis and Ella dine at a top-notch resident but Curtis tangles with a snobby waiter. Guest star: Brian Palermo as Phillipe Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Denise Burse as Claretha, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 166 | 30 | "Who's On Top?" | Chip Hurd | Robin M. Henry & Torian Hughes | May 5, 2010 (2010-05-05) | 430 |
| C.J. meets his new boss; Floyd's ex-wife Vernita reappears, pulling Curtis and Ella into messy love-triangle drama. Guest star: Penny Johnson Jerald as Maxine "Max" Bannon Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 167 | 31 | "Help, Help, Help" | Chip Hurd | Brian Egeston & Robin M. Henry | May 12, 2010 (2010-05-12) | 431 |
| A flood closes the help center, forcing Ella to work at home--or try to, amidst all the drama. Elsewhere, Calvin and Miranda has Calvin Jr. living with them after Tracie and her husband were in a severe auto accident which results in Tracie in a coma and her husband dead. Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Denise Burse as Claretha, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Demetria McKinney as Janine |||||||
| 168 | 32 | "Stinging Payne" | Chip Hurd | Don Woodard | May 12, 2010 (2010-05-12) | 432 |
| C.J. enlists Curtis to help him set a trap for his new boss; Calvin and Miranda's financial condition worsens. Guest star: Penny Johnson Jerald as Maxine "Max" Bannon Absent: Cassi Davis as Ella, Denise Burse as Claretha, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 169 | 33 | "Worth Fighting For" | Chip Hurd | Torian Hughes | May 19, 2010 (2010-05-19) | 433 |
| Malik tries to win over an upperclassman by dueling with a bully. Meanwhile, Calvin puts into motion a plan to solve his financial problems. Guest star: Tanisha Lynn as Tory Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Demetria McKinney as Janine |||||||
| 170 | 34 | "Who's Your Nanny?" | Chip Hurd | Robin M. Henry & Adam Szymkowicz | May 19, 2010 (2010-05-19) | 434 |
| Tracie announces the loss of her husband and asks Calvin and Miranda to look after Calvin Jr.; C.J. is chagrined when overworked Janine decides to hire a nanny. Guest star: Eva Marcille as Tracie and Crystal R. Fox as C.J. & Janine's nanny/housekeeper Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, Cassi Davis as Ella and Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik |||||||
| 171 | 35 | "The Chef" | Chip Hurd | Anthony C. Hill | May 26, 2010 (2010-05-26) | 435 |
| Malik lies to his girlfriend that he's a gourmet chef, then asks Curtis to help him prepare something impressive. Meanwhile, Calvin's second job keeps him away from Miranda. Guest star: Tanisha Lynn as Tory Absent: Allen Payne as C.J., Denise Burse as Claretha, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Demetria McKinney as Janine |||||||
| 172 | 36 | "My Fair Curtis" | Chip Hurd | Don Woodard | May 26, 2010 (2010-05-26) | 436 |
| Hoping to win Claretha's heart, Floyd enlists Curtis and Ella's help; C.J.'s boss bombards him with advances. Guest stars: Penny Johnson Jerald as Maxine "Max" Bannon and Brian Palermo as Phillipe Absent: Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 173 | 37 | "Rest for the Weary" | Chip Hurd | Brian Egeston | June 2, 2010 (2010-06-02) | 437 |
| Calvin falls into peril when he takes on two jobs. Meanwhile, Janine's home life suffers when she scores a promotion. Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha and Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik |||||||
| 174 | 38 | "Thug Life" | Chip Hurd | Torian Hughes | June 2, 2010 (2010-06-02) | 438 |
| Big Jesse reappears and inches closer to Ella, triggering jealousy in Curtis. Meanwhile, Malik faces the consequences of hanging out with some bad folks. Guest stars: J. Anthony Brown as Big Jessie Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, Lance Gross as Calvin, China Anne McClain as Jazmine and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 175 | 39 | "Rehabilitation" | Chip Hurd | Adam Szymkowicz | June 9, 2010 (2010-06-09) | 439 |
| C.J. protests when Malik's crime partner appears; Curtis starts a barbershop in the backyard. Bobbi Baker as Kiki has a special appearance in this episode. Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, Lance Gross as Calvin and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 176 | 40 | "A Payne In Need Is A Pain Indeed" | Chip Hurd | Don Woodard | June 9, 2010 (2010-06-09) | 440 |
| Tracie's unexpected visits to the house come under scrutiny; after Ms. Wilhelmina quits, C.J. and Janine enlist Curtis as babysitter. Guest star: Eva Marcille as Tracie Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha and Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik |||||||
| 177 | 41 | "House Guest" | Chip Hurd | David A. Arnold | January 5, 2011 (2011-01-05) | 441 |
| Ella helps a domestic abuse victim; C.J. and Jazmine anticipate for the father-daughter dance. Guest star: Essence Atkins as Monica Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha, Lance Gross as Calvin, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda |||||||
| 178 | 42 | "Payne Showers" | Chip Hurd | Omega Mariaunnie Stewart and Torian Hughes | January 5, 2011 (2011-01-05) | 442 |
| Ella sets up a baby shower for Miranda while Curtis plans a "man shower" for Calvin. Guest star: Essence Atkins as Monica, Eva Marcille as Tracie and Valarie Pettiford as Mrs. Lucas Absent: Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik and China Anne McClain as Jazmine |||||||
| 179 | 43 | "Playing With Fire" | Chip Hurd | Carlos Portugal | January 12, 2011 (2011-01-12) | 443 |
| Monica helps out around in C.J. and Janine's house. Tracie demands child support from Calvin. Guest star: Essence Atkins as Monica and Eva Marcille as Tracie Absent: Cassi Davis as Ella, Denise Burse as Claretha and Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik |||||||
| 180 | 44 | "When the Payne's Away" | Chip Hurd | Kristin Topps and Don Woodard | January 12, 2011 (2011-01-12) | 444 |
| C.J. and Monica goes to the movies while Janine is out of town. Guest star: Essence Atkins as Monica Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha and Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik |||||||
| 181 | 45 | "Beginnings" | Chip Hurd | Myra J. | January 19, 2011 (2011-01-19) | 445 |
| The family reminisce as Curtis decides to sell the Payne house. Note: Larramie "Doc" Shaw didn't appear in this episode. However, he was credited due to his appearance in flashbacks. Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha and Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik |||||||
| 182 | 46 | "Payneful Resolution" | Chip Hurd | Anthony C. Hill | January 19, 2011 (2011-01-19) | 446 |
| Curtis and Ella are given a lucrative offer for their house. Miranda goes into labor and is taken to the hospital. Calvin finally graduates college but is then arrested for back child support. Monica returns and tells C.J. of her new job. They then kiss before Janine finds out, leaving the episode in a cliffhanger. Guest star: Essence Atkins as Monica Note: Jazmine makes her final beginning with this episode. Absent: Denise Burse as Claretha and Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik |||||||