Category Archives: Faith-Based Genres

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Greenleaf: S1 E13 – What Are You Doing Here? Review

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Sophia, Grace, and Kevin find themselves contemplating the future in their separate scenes. Sophia takes in the picturesque scene looking at the mansion from afar.  Grace sits on her bed in deep thought.  Kevin considers Charity’s conversation with Carlton and Wanda as she explains her trauma away as he ease drops. Charity and Kevin try to navigate through their marriage in lieu of what Kevin revealed.  Charity has concluded that Kevin cannot explain it away and has to face his true identity.   Disregarding doctor’s orders, Charity performs her solo in church.  Later, she asks Kevin to give her space and time for the sake of the twins.

Bishop Greenleaf visits Robert in jail. Robert is requesting that Bishop Greenleaf acts as a character witness in his upcoming sentencing hearing. Robert warns Bishop Greenleaf that with his incarceration and assets frozen Henry McCready will not keep quiet for long.  Bishop Greenleaf refuses to mock the memory of Faith by making Robert shine and damns him to hell.  When Robert is unable to get Bishop Greenleaf to comply and Danielle Turner still expecting to testify, Robert’s lawyer makes a suggestion to make a deal with the District Attorney.

Grace discusses her options with Michael Carpenter.  She tries to determine if she returns to Phoenix with Sophia would that help or hurt her chances to bring Sophia back to Memphis. She is interrupted by Noah who informs her that Henry McCready is in the church conference room.  Henry McCready tells Grace that she must assume the responsibilities of taking care of him now that Robert is incarcerated. Grace learns that Henry is terminally ill and needs hospice care.  Grace works with Kevin to ensure Henry is placed in a convalescent home and is comfortable.

Grace returns to Mavis’ Beale Street Blues Bar notifying Mavis that the McCready patriarch is dying.  Mavis realizes that is why she has been receiving calls from him. Mavis inquired about how Grace learned Henry’s illness. Grace explained that Henry came by the church.  Mavis asked Grace if this meant that she was remaining in Memphis and Grace responded, “Yes.” Grace endeavors to reassure Mavis that she will be fine.  Sadden by Grace’s decision to stay, Mavis recounts a time when Bishop Greenleaf was simply James Greenleaf.  Mavis expresses her sorrow for leading Grace down this path that leads her back to the pulpit.  Grace tries to get Mavis to visit with Henry McCready, but Mavis declines.

Henry expresses his dying wish to see both of his girls. Grace responds honestly that it probably was not going to happen.  Henry reveals that no one truly cared for him.  What appeared to be Robert’s benevolence towards his father was actually Robert’s buying Henry’s silence. Grace presses her grandfather to divulge what he knows.  Henry gives an account about the fire at the First Baptist Church with the caretaker in the basement was not an accident.  This implies that Bishop Greenleaf was potentially involved in an arson and possibly a murder.  Robert used this information to blackmail Bishop Greenleaf.

Pastor Basie Skanks has plans to build a $40 million Christian Community Center directly across from Calvary Fellowship World Ministries. This is the same property that Bishop Greenleaf had a prior interest in purchasing for a pool and community center. Pastor Skanks uses “God’s will” argument with Jacob to persuade him to run the facility. As Kerissa weighs in on the opportunity, she tries to identify a place for herself in this Christian Community Center.  Kerissa asks Jacob to make and inquiry to see if Pastor Skanks would be interested in having a school a part of the Christian Community Center. Jacob leery of Kerissa’s intentions asks if she was concerned about Alexa. Kerissa response that she thinks it would be fun for them to work together.  Apprehensive about how this may impact his father and Calvary, Jacob has a conversation with his father about it.  A unconcerned Bishop Greenleaf, tells Jacob to following Pastor Skanks plans and be his eyes and ears.

Lady Mae presents her sermon on the “Virtuous Women” at the Annual Women’s Day Conference.  Her sermon was designed to buy the acceptance and support of the women in Calvary to be the interim pastor.  Instead, as she is preaching about the strength of the “Virtuous Women” the crowd begins to cheer Grace and not her. She attempts to look supportive by joining the others in clapping for Grace.  Isabel does attend the conference. After the conference, Isabel is greeted by Noah with flowers in his hands.  She informs him that she has a hotel room and they go to get re-acquainted.

Lady Mae urges Bishop Greenleaf to speak with Grace after how the conference attendees responded to Grace receiving her as the “Virtuous Woman” that will deliver Calvary.  As Grace quibbles about remaining in Memphis or moving back to Phoenix to be close to Sophia, Bishop Greenleaf informs Grace that he is suffering from Parkinson’s disease.  He attempts to reassure Grace telling her not to worry as his treatment plan is effective. He acknowledges the inevitability of having to retire from the pulpit making his plea for Grace to carry the torch.  Grace appeals to her father about having Jacob return.  Bishop Greenleaf refuses stating that Jacob has to find his own way and it is about her. Bishop Greenleaf believes that if Grace returns to her post that the war between her and her mother will end.  Grace decides to stay to honor her father’s request.

Grace ascends the pulpit once again.  The church is relatively full compared to previous services.  Before she begins to preach, Grace is very openly and honestly addresses the sexual molestation scandal to the dismay of her parents.  She initiates a moment of silence for Robert’s victims including Faith and for those who know about abuse but refuse to speak out.  Lady Mae reached across to Bishop Greenleaf for comfort as the congregation reacts to hearing that Faith was a victim. Grace continues by encouraging people to break their silence when others are suffering. Grace emotionally admits that there is nothing that anyone can say to explain, honor, or grieve it adequately but God. After the moment of silence, Grace asked the congregation are they ready for a new thing. They respond by cheering and clapping.

Lady Mae enters the Beale Street Blues Bar to confront Mavis about her role in her ruin. A heated exchange between the sisters ensues.  Lady Mae blames Mavis and Grace for executing their righteous indignation upon the Greenleaf household.  Mavis refusing to be Lady Mae’s scapegoat fires backs at Lady Mae regarding her refusal to accept accountability, her failure to protect Faith, and her unwillingness to see Robert as a sexual predator.  Mavis orders Lady Mae out of the bar instructing her only to come back when she is willing to face the truth.  Lady Mae leaves.

Ray returns for Sophia and the family says their goodbyes.  The other family members had filed back into the mansion except for Grace.  Grace spots an unmarked car and a police car approaching the mansion.  Robert exits out of the unmarked car and begins his ascension to the mansion doors.  Grace looks directly at Robert and asks, “What are you doing here?” Robert glares at her with a smirk on his face and continues to climb the stairs.  Lady Mae meets Robert at the top of the stairs attempting to block entry.  Robert kisses her on the cheek and nudged her to the side as he enters the mansion with the police.

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Greenleaf: S1 E10 – “March to the Sea” Synopsis

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A SECOND SHOOTING AT CALVARY
There is another shooting at Calvary. This time, it is inside the church. Bishop shots Creepy McCready. When Grace goes to call the police, Bishop makes several pleas for her to wait before doing so. Bishop believes that the matter could be handled without involving the police and Robert agreed. The bullet went straight through Creepy McCready’s shoulder. Grace stated that she waited for 20 years and called the police. This move causes Grace to lose her father as an ally. Bishop is carried away in handcuffs but later released. Robert was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Lady Mae pays Robert a short visit in the hospital. She attempts to forgive what she deems as unforgivable telling Robert that she hates him for all he has done and the pain he has caused for so many especially for Faith. Robert vows not to drag things out in court and he is meeting with his lawyer to discuss entering a plea with the least amount of time.

CHARITY’S RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION
Noah neglected to notify one couple about the wedding being cancelled. Charity and Kevin attempt to entertain as they wait for the ceremony to begin. When the guest are notified by text message that the wedding has been cancelled, Charity realizes that they were not the only ones in the dark. This leads to Charity confronting the family at the dinner table holding all accountable especially her mother, Lady Mae. Later, when Kevin applauds Charity’s stand against her family, Charity give him an ultimatum including the repercussions for his actions.

ZORA IS PLAIN OLE DISRESPECTFUL
When Jacob tries to reach out to Zora, she rudely dismisses him informing him to knock before entering her bedroom. However, things between Kerissa and Jacob have improved significantly.

SOPHIA IS ANGRY WITH GRACE
Disturbed that her mother did not tell her about the plan to take down Creepy McCready, Sophia calls her father Ray. Ray comes to Memphis seeking to take Sophia back to Memphis. Despite her anger, Sophia is happy at Memphis and is gaining something out of frequent church attendance. However, Ray argues with Grace about placing Sophia at risk and Grace’s poor judgment in moving back to Memphis.

ISABEL CONTEMPLATES SHOULD SHE STAY OR SHOULD SHE GO
Isabel ended her engagement to Noah after learning that he and Gigi slept together. She has packed up her things with her mother’s help and left Noah’s quarters. She returns to speak with Noah about their relationship. She has decided to stay with her mother during spring vacation and has requested that Noah does not attempt to contact her at all. After this time, if Noah can show her that he is a stand-up guy realizing the error of his way that may be able to mend their relationship.

MOLISE SPEAKS SO LOUDLY IN SILENCE.
Dave Wallace, a reporter for the Memphis Daily News, calls the Greenleaf mansion to confirm the second shooting. Molise answers and Dave says that she doesn’t have to speak but stays on the phone affirming his facts are correct. Later, Wallace reaches Lady Mae at Calvary seeking a statement from her indicating that he has confirmation from an independent source at the Greenleaf Mansion.

That is it for this week’s episode.  There are only three more episodes left in this season.

Greenleaf: S1 E9 – “The Broken Road” Synopsis

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“The Broken Road” serves as the title of this episode and is the title of the duet between Charity and Carlton. In my opinion, this episode should be named “the ugly truth”.  In this episode, the ugly truth is revealed.  Uprooted as if buried in a deep abyss, each member of the Greenleaf family must face it. There are no more excuses or lies that can act as an alibi.

The fatal shooting of David Nelson causes security concerns for parishioners and church leadership.  Church leadership is left to answer the question of whether to bear arms or not to bear arms on church property.  Unable to come to a consensus, Noah provides an alternative that is well received – a church security seminar.

Out of respect for David Nelson’s memorial services Grace has delayed her plan to expose Robert to her family and authorities.  Noah seeks to obtain Grace’s timeline to drop her bombshell so that he can prepare Isabel.  Grace offers to delay her timeline again out of respect for Noah’s nuptials.  However, she quickly learns that she is not able to honor her promise.

Isabel apologizes to Grace for being unfriendly and insecure.  After leaving Grace’s office, Isabel returns to Noah’s office and asks him if he slept with Grace.  When Noah fails to answer the question Isabel calls to the wedding off.  Noah confronts Grace about Isabel’s questioning and Grace professes her innocence.

Charity suspects that Kevin is having an affair with another woman.  He is rarely home proclaiming to be at the gym or taking a run.  When he is at home he is glued to his phone.  While performing a duet with Carlton, Charity breakdown into tears.  Carlton offers her comfort as Charity shares her suspicions.

Later, Charity is attempting to talk with Kevin but he is focused on his phone.  A frustrated Charity confronts Kevin and demands to see what is on his phone.  Kevin professes his love for Charity and the marriage then flips the script making a quick exit.

Robert is about to go on a two-week fishing expedition in Cuba. This forces Grace to take action and she presents the evidence against Robert to her father. Bishop Greenleaf agrees with Grace’s plan to have Robert postpone his vacation and wait until after Noah’s wedding to expose Robert.  Knowing that Robert needs to confess to both the assaults and payoffs Bishop Greenleaf explains to Grace that Lady Mae’s involvement is necessary.

Lady Mae is not convinced by the evidence presented before her and confronts Robert with the allegations. Robert adamantly denies the allegations and takes on the role of a victim. Lady Mae pretends to side with her brother but she is faced with the reality that he is a predator. Bishop Greenleaf speeds up the timeline of justice by going into Robert’s office and pulling a gun on him.

Greenleaf: Season 1 Episode 5 Meaningful Survival Synposis

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In their marriage counseling session, Kerissa and Jacob argue about Jacob participating in a Las Vegas Bachelor Party for his best friend.  Jacob offers to end his affair with Alexa if Kerissa willing allows him to go.  She reluctantly agrees and is outraged when a text message met for Alexa is sent to her revealing Jacob was lying.  Feeling the burden of her failing marriage, Kerissa pressures Zora and the Excellence Academy staff to improve their performance.  Kerissa encourages Zora not to be an underachiever like her father. Isabel feeling the stress cheats to improve her students score on a state standard pre-test.

Charity and Kevin go to their first doctor’s appointment and learn they are having twins.  During family dinner that attempt to make the announcement when Kerissa interrupts with a loud outburst information the entire family of Jacob’s infidelities.  The awkwardness deflates the sails out of Kevin’s baby announcement. After learning of Jacob’s affair, Bishop Greenleaf fires Alexa and sets Jacob down for 90 days.  Instead of accepting responsibility for his own actions, Jacob protested that his father was only sitting him down because of Grace.  Jacob uses this information to connect with Kerissa who sees Grace as a threat to Jacob’s ascendancy as the next leader.  With Jacob sat down Bishop Greenleaf asks Grace to take on additional responsibility.  Grace agrees to handle administration duties but indicates that she is not willing to preach.

Grace learns that old recordings of Faith teaching to youth have been beneficial to Sophia getting acclimated. Her conversation with Sophia is preempted by a call from Darlene informing Grace that the Russel family is seeking prayer and counseling.  Upon Grace’s arrival to the hospital, Grace learns of Joshua’s struggles and his father’s disillusionment with Bishop Greenleaf.  Grace reports Joshua’s condition to her father leading them to engage in a tag team ministry the following day.  When Grace and Bishop Greenleaf return to the hospital they learn that Joshua has to have another surgery.  Bishop Greenleaf eager to pray with the family is stopped by Grace and cautioned to pray that God’s will be done.  Bishop offers a five-word prayer then they depart.  Grace receives a package from the Russel family that contained Joshua’s action figure indicating that he had passed.

After their tag team ministry, Grace asks about her father why he did not believe her when she told him about Robert sexually molesting Faith twenty years ago.  He indicated that he did believe her but when Faith was confronted she denied it.  He expressed his regret for not having the police investigate this matter.  He believed that Faith would have been happier, Grace would have continued pastoring, the church would be better, and the family would be as well.

Connie Sykes walked out of the “Back to Blue” service, resigned as Deacon Chairperson, and left the church. When both Bishop Greenleaf and Connie Sykes refuse to humble themselves, Lady Mae resorts to jeopardizing the purchase of Bishop Greenleaf’s replacement jet.  Bishop Greenleaf and Robert speak to a salesman about buying a repossessed jet that belonged to Damon Kenchlow.  A jet that they had traveled on to visit Kevin Copeland. Receiving a remarkable deal on the jet, the Bishop takes over the payment.  Realizing that he may lose the jet, Bishop Greenleaf humbles himself and visits Connie.  Connie agrees to return under the condition that a gold plaque is erected stating, “Kenny Collins, 1999-2016, Unforgettable.” Bishop Greenleaf agrees.

Greenleaf: S1 E3 – “We Shall See Him As He Is” Synopsis

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Kerissa (Kimberley Hawthorne) sets up a dinner date with Fred Williams (L. Warren Young) and his wife Misty (Avis-Marie Barnes) to solidify their ties with the Deacons now that Jacob (Lamman Rucker) is presiding over the Deacon Board.  During dinner, Kerissa promotes Jacob’s preaching philosophy and style. Through the course of the dinner, Fred and Misty become a model for the wholesome, Christian marriage Kerissa desires. The next day, Kerissa suggest to Jacob that they begin marriage counseling, but Jacob dismisses the notion.  Meanwhile, Zora (Lovie Simone) and Sophia (Desiree Ross) participate in a Church Lock-in.  During the Church Lock-in, the teens sneak outside to get high and accidently start a small fire in a receptacle.

Kevin Satterlee (Tye White) works out the logistics with the handsome homeless coordinator for the use of the facilities on Wednesdays and Fridays. There is an obvious unspoken attraction between Kevin and the homeless coordinator.  Later, Kevin and Charity (Deborah Joy Winans) go out for karaoke and drinks.  After returning home, the couple decides to perform a pregnancy test revealing that Charity is indeed pregnant.  As Charity sleeps, Kevin lies awake staring at the positive pregnancy test.  Subsequently, Kevin shares the news of Charity’s pregnancy with the homeless coordinator ending their flirtation.

Grace (Merle Dandridge) accepts a dinner invitation from Noah Kendall (Benjamin Patterson) and his fiancé, Isabel (Anna Diop).  Isabel questions Grace about her motivations for staying in Memphis.  While Isabel is away from the table, Noah apologizes for being a jerk when Grace initially left.  Upon Isabel’s return to the table, Grace receives a call from Danielle Turner (Carlacia Grant), who is responding to an email that Grace sent to her.  Later that night, Grace meets with Danielle at a pizzeria in an attempt to get Danielle to elaborate on her initial complaint against Robert.  Danielle unconvincingly explains that her need for attention caused her to make a false accusation against Robert McCleady. Before leaving the pizzeria, Danielle told Grace to leave her and her family alone.  The next day, Grace meets with Noah to set the record straight and explains the real reason she left 20 years ago.

It is closing time at Mavis’ Beale Street Blues Bar when Robert McCready (GregAlan Williams) pays his sister, Mavis (Oprah Winfrey) an unwelcomed visit.  Robert threatens to use his connections to have Mavis’ bar turned into a historical landmark if she does not persuade Grace to stop investigating him.  Mavis informs Robert that he is going down. Robert responds in maniacal laughter. What will Robert’s next move be?

In this episode, we witness the rekindling of romance between Grace and Noah creating a love triangle.  Since Grace’s arrival at the Greenleaf mansion, there is a noticeable chemistry between Grace and Noah.  Now that Noah knows the real reason for her departure, how will this affect his engagement with Isabel? This episode did not allow us to witness Grace’s full explanation; however, implies that her decision to remain in Memphis relates to investigating Robert’s proclivities.

Although Kevin approached Charity about starting a family, we must question his true inspiration and timing behind it.  Kevin’s same-sex attraction does not mean that he does not love his wife or want to be a father.  Currently, we do not know if Kevin has ever acted on his same-sex attraction.  It would appear that Kevin is not truly comfortable in pursuing his same-sex interest.  Kevin is expressing fear about starting a family.  Is his apprehension natural as a first-time parent or is it concern over his same-sex attraction?

Kerissa’s controlling and narcissistic demeanor negatively impacts her husband and daughter.  Jacob routinely engages in extramarital affairs because he does not feel like a person with a voice in his marriage.  Zora has developed a Ritalin sniffing habit to cope with the pressures of maintaining her grades in a school where her mother is the school principal. Will Kerissa be able to persuade Jacob to participate in marriage counseling?  Will Kerissa be able to see the role that she plays in destroying her marriage?

Stay Tuned! #Greenleaf  #WeShallSeeHim #OWNTV