Malcolm Campbell

(This is not a spoiler alert!) I chose to watch this series because I am a believer in Christ and minister. While at home during the pandemic I wanted to watch a show that was a dramatic representation of church administration. The first season of Greenleaf was very well constructed and well-written. The writers did a great job with the setting (culture, environment, characters) and plot (story-telling, application). The first season had done such a great job of building momentum for the entire series. Season 2 had solid story writing as well. However, as season 3 came to a close you could sense the waters becoming choppy. Season 4 would begin with a shocking reveal...a person in Grace's life has resurfaced. This character’s reveal was so out of left field... I don’t know if ratings were down or if they were trying to elevate the drama but this character reveal seemed like a rushed added on…. What is really disappointing is the insertion of this character would have a negative effect on the character development of the other main characters. The application/morals would also suffer as the drama would turn into plain scandalous behavior. I compare the writing to THIS IS US, another dramatized show. The two shows have similar scandals. The BIG DIFFERENCE….This is us, is structured so that the dramatized topics have realistic applications. Greenleaf has scandals that are not consistently structured with application in mind. Example: Early seasons made you think.. However by the 4th season it felt like the writers just wanted page turners, wanting viewers to tune in to the next episode by giving a crazy cliffhanger before the credits…. Overall, I recommend this show. I picked the show because I wanted to see a good show about church administration and I wanted to support black TV dramas. Although the plot, character development was shaky at times. The series finale is well executed. If you are a fellow Christian seeking truth, here is my advice to you. This show is going to give you more entertainment than spiritual conviction. Oprah Winfrey is the executive producer and she is not a believer of Jesus Christ. However the show gives respect to Christianity, and may encourage you to consider their own faith. Hope this was helpful! God bless