Let's face it, Greenleaf is a soap. Many things put it above all the dreck that once appeared on afternoon TV. First, it takes place in a Memphis megachurch nstead of a hospital or architect's office that seems to be the standard soap setting. Portraying Christians with personal issues may not be a first but it is something I can't recall before in the soap genre.
Outstanding writing also sets Greenleaf apart. Characters develop over time just like humans do. If you watch the full five seasons, every character becomes more likable than your initial impression of them (except maybe Karissa - never could get to like her) or less likable (like Grace - Merle Dandridge got very tiresome). The writers explore real issues, such as how the church should welcome gay people of faith, corruption of ministers by greed and power, fornication among the saved, and even whether integrated worship is appropriate. There's something to offend everyone. Before we watched Greenleaf, I favored integrated worship. After Greenleaf, I now believe that Black Church is special and unique as evidenced by the wonderful Gospel pieces that are performed almost every episode. Those alone make Greenleaf a worthwhile view.
I can't say enough.about the acting, particularly Keith David. His character has the same style, intonation and rythm as a real Black Pentacostal preacher. This from a man whose other job is as a Nat King Cole impersonator. Lynn Whitfield's face and mannerisms convey perfectly whe she's being manipulatine, lying or being a loving wife and mother. Kim Hawthorne plays perfectly repulsive, so much that I want her to be a nice person when she's out of character. Greg Williams is so nasty as the pedophile uncle that it's a shock to see him smiling in his publicity photos.
Of course there are faults, such as very thin theology at times. The family discusses family ssues at mealtimes but they never eat anything, just get in a huff and leave. In fact, one breakfast scene features a papaya,. Papayas are great for breakfast but they should be cut, deseeded and/or peeled before being offered to eat. Merle Dandridge doesn't have the right stuff to be a Pentacostal preacher when she tries to porrray one. Even with its faults, I still recommend Greenleaf.
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