GREENLEAF - Series Review

This is a 5-season series (2020) and is available on NetFlix. Each episode has an average of about 42 minutes in length. Season 1 has 13 episodes; Season 2 has 16 episodes; Season 3 has 13 episodes; Season 4 has ten episodes and Season 5 has eight episodes.

Synopsis on NetFlix

A funeral brings Grace back to her family's estate, where she learns an old secret is still being covered up at the expense of innocent victims.

PC - Netflix

PC - Netflix

OVERALL SUMMARY - SPOILER

Greenleaf is an interesting series set in Tenessee, US. The story unravels the lives and secrets of an African American family of pastors with the head of the family, a bishop. It is almost like having a behind-the-scenes look into their family dynamics, how they run their church, their values, their world of riches, what matters to them most, what it takes to keep their church relevant and happening and so much more.

The Greenleaf family runs a megachurch in Memphis. They are rich, powerful, and influential, but their stories weave drama and involve a lot of scandals, lies, affairs, and secrets.

TICKLED MY FANCY (HIGHLIGHTS)

• I have watched many videos on megachurches and pastors and how things work. It was interesting for me to see how it played out in a movie.

• The actors did an overall good job. I particularly liked Grace Greenleaf (played by Merle Dandridge) and Lady Mae (played by Lynn Whitfield). Both are strong characters.

• Oprah Winfrey is a guest appearance in some episodes. I have never seen Oprah in an acting role, so it was nice to see her doing something different. She used to be a favourite talk show host at one time.

• I loved the play on words, sentences, and certain phrases during their conversations. I found it interesting, and at times, it gave me a different way to look at situations.

• Family values - Despite so much resentment and spiteful accusations flying all over the place by the matriarch of the family and each other, what stood out was their love for family, obedience and the united front they put on in front of others.

• There were a few emotional moments that were captured tastefully. I am sure you would feel their feelings at those moments.

A WORD OF CAUTION (LOWLIGHTS)

• As I have often stated in most of my reviews, it is a bit too long for my liking.

• The plot kept changing to make it relevant to that season, but they were not strong enough in some seasons.

• Interesting as it was to see Oprah Winfrey in a guest appearance role her performance was okay.

My overall rating is a 7 out of 10.

This review is my opinion alone.