sisay-99156
This show had all the potential needed for a great series: a secretive family with all it's flaws, the hypocrisy embedded in religious circles etc. But bad writing combined with one-dimensional characters put it at risk. I only watch it to gorge on Keith David and I am a sucker for gospel music. Being gay I hoped that the gay character in the show would be someone to relate. But alas! You will have to look harder to find a more one deimentional a character. The gay love scene we have so far seen is laughable. How disappointing! So dishonest! If a gay character is to be believed and be authentic, he/she has to "do" something! What, are supposed to take the producers word for it? Reminds you the gay character from Melrose Place. It is so symptomatic of the fear of anything gay that permeates the black production community. Be bolder, dammit! If the actors can't go "all the way", find gay ones!
MK
Greenleaf was on the right track Season 1, despite a few holes in the writing; they had a great leading and supporting cast and authentic stories and characters. Leaving the audience anticipating highly what's to come next. And then Season 2 came and concluded and it has become clear; the producers, casting, show-runner, some of the actors (especially Merle, side eye), and writers have decided to go "Hollywood" and engage in "politics as usual" by promoting to series regular a "wanna- be/celebrity/mediocre actor, Rick Fox, despite the audience mainly being indifferent to his character Darius. His addition is an example of writers recklessly putting pen to paper and writing inconsistent, nonsensical stories and characters and ultimately not following through with the stories of some of their most popular intriguing characters of Season 1.Season 2 left a lot of the audience confused and presented itself like a show trying to find its rhythm, when by now they should be doing the salsa all the way to ratings heaven. A huge contrast to their sister show, Queen Sugar, who is very clear on their purpose and very consistent with each cast member and not bent on celebrity. Characters who are added make sense and none of the core characters of Season 1, leading or supporting, are missing without explanation. Queen Sugar is leading the dance. Perhaps why they have won awards as a show and Greenleaf has not. Greenleaf may need a change in leadership (show- runner and head writer), with exception of Oprah of course. They are off beat. Season 2 felt like a sophomore jinx album, when an artist was so pure on their first album, no bells and whistles, so true to themselves and then because of that success and hype decides to invite unnecessary guest "popular" artists for their second album and ends up over producing themselves and losing the authenticity that their core audience fell in love with in the first place. Darius is an unnecessary/poorly written and acted character (Rick and his dopey expressions), and lacks so much depth that a lot of the audience barely remembers his name, some even asked whether Grace and Darius are dating after their love scene? (shows the disconnect), and many have even said that Grace lacks a story line despite all the bells and whistles of a Rick Fox addition. Some even want a new love interest or want the popular character Noah back. But how? Rick Fox is Rick Fox, right? He is, but Greenleaf viewers want a good story, not another celebrity cheapening a show. His addition is not good for the Grace character, and I believe this will ultimately hurt her relevance on the show, where was she on the finale? Oh Darius was in the picture mmmmk. The producers/casting did not want to "settle" on a love interest for Grace, but DID by focusing on height and aesthetics (although fading) instead of mainly performance.The character Noah had the potential to be a great one had the writers put in the effort and continued to write for Grace and Noah. Instead they sabotaged that authentic story in exchange for a mediocre/random one just so Greenleaf could have a "celebrity" as mentioned. Noah despite being in every episode Season 1 and a part of the foundation of this show was not even present or mentioned in Season 2. This shows the laziness and incompetence of the writers. What good show does that? Highly frustrating to a viewer.Although Noah and Grace was a controversial story, that translated to good TV (he was engaged when they got together); Grace's chemistry was much better with Noah. There was something highly intriguing about their connection. Darius and Grace seem quite forced, like the producers are like "hey guys, love them, because Darius is played by the tall Rick Fox and every woman wants to see Rick Fox in a love scene, right?" Nope. Even Rick wondered why no one was talking on his love scene. Why? Nobody cares! I personally have no interest nor do I care where that story goes. I, like others, still wonder where is Noah.Go back to the drawing board producers and STOP being star struck, along with the writers and actors and arbitrarily make a mediocre actor and story line a "series regular". Why would you promote even more something that is barely working? And the writers should be ashamed of how inconsistent they are with their writing. If Greenleaf continues down this path, I predict they won't be around much longer. Rick needs to focus on Echo Fox (his company), which seems to be doing well and exit stage left with Greenleaf. He has to know deep down and away from his ego, that this is not working and this is not his "tribe" or audience. He of all people should know, you don't always get a "slam dunk".Point blank, producers/writers need to re-see the light and get back to authenticity. Allow this show to return to what again made it great and special, Season 1. As stated, with Season 2, the producers and writers fell for the sophomore jinx syndrome. They became desperate for cheap ratings and then ultimately lost ratings. Season 1 was presented with much more care and intention and the audience loved it.The thrill is gone for Greenleaf unless they correct these issues for Season 3. Stop being lazy writers: drop Darius (out of place), bring Noah back and give him proper development (him not returning Season 2 was an epic fail), thoroughly conclude a story (Uncle Mac died too soon, should still be on causing issues), and write better for Grace (she has no story line now). Until then, 3 stars for Greenleaf to match the three championship rings of Rick Fox since they "love" him so much. Sidenote: Really it was Kobe and Shaq who got those rings.
imjennyrodriguez
Had high hopes for this show, great cast and the story premise seemed promising. The entire script seems that it's written by some 10th grader in a drama class. So many times when a scene that could have been compelling is ruined by long winded phrases or words that were forced un- naturally into the dialogue..I mean, real people don't speak without using contractions, or that formally. I"m on episode 8 and just can't force myself to finish watching it --can't handle this poorly written, overemphasized dialogue between characters.
wendohpayne
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.
