Greenleaf

I could turn it off..... I struggled to keep watching the eps & fast forwarded to S2, but it just got worse. There was no good strong storyline, the editing was dreadful and the directing was even worse. Even the score was appalling. + The actors must have worked for nothing > they were that bad > except 1 >..Merle Dandridge & she was very good. I am surprised it was renewed for seasons 2 and 3..Just terrible all round.

This is a soap opera with the theme about the workings of a Black church. It has all the trappings of a day or nighttime soap, the woeful background music, the long, lingering glances and stares between the characters, everyone is beautiful or handsome, all walk around fully made up, even when they wake up in the mornings, etc. The dialog is "soapy", as are the sets that are filled with flowers, no matter the home in which the scene is set. It's clearly made for a G rating. As the "seasons" progress, it becomes more "soapy" and less interesting, making it really difficult to stay engaged. The story lines and intrigue lessens to the point of becoming a very watered down version of where it all started. Season 5 is basically a hurried attempt to wrap things up neatly, make sure everyone has a happy ending, and show a lot of "woman power". Not surprising since this was the focus of the "O" network. What on earth was the point of this other than to fill a slot on the "O" Network?

I see great potential for an interesting look at the inside world of wealth. power and the cloak of holiness. David Keith is a master in delivering dialogue. I love Lynne Whitfield as the matriarch with some obvious issues, yet to be revealed I hope. As the series continues, I (dare I say it?) pray the writers become more confident and provide more realistic speaking styles. The decor of the home, church and offices are beautifully done.Kudos to production staff. I admire the modern styling of the characters. An accurate mix of traditional, natural, ethnic clothing and hairstyles. Multi-racial actors in all types of roles. In fact, the realistic relationship between Grace and her daughter is something I can identify with. Thanks for that. I'm excited that Ms. Winfrey supports this type of project.

I was prepared to be bored by this series but have been pleasantly surprised.The story lines of each of the characters are seemingly innocent but, become more complex with each episode.

Lynn Whitfield, as always, holds her own as the matriarch of this family whose members seem filled with discontent over the familial pecking order decided by their father. Oprah Winfrey is surprisingly okay as the family rebel aunt who wants to use her niece to bring down her shady brother.

It has, so far, delivered enough shock value to make it entertaining after 3 episodes.

I love Greenleaf because it isnt too serious, the storylines are dramatic but not to dark. Its a nice break from reality, yes some bits may be abit unrealistic but I enjoy it and will continue to watch it!