We love “Greenleaf” and as much as we will miss it, the creators of the TV series chose to end it at the right, and they brought it to a satisfactory end.
Bishop James Taylor Greenleaf (Keith David) is such a great character. What a husband, father and grand father? Even his new found grandson A.J admitted it. Bishop Greenleaf is by no means perfect. But time and time again, ‘the truth set him free.’
Bishop – as he is fondly called – is an embodiment of patience and commitment. He let Lady Mae (Lynn Whitfield) getaway with just about anything. And Mae is a strong and determined woman. Even when she mounted the pulpit in the final episode of the series, one was initially unsure of her intentions. Who could preach to the Calvary congregation was the longest drawn battle amongst the Greenleafs. Everyone wanted to preach – Lady Mae, Jacob and Charity but Bishop Greenleaf believed to be “called” was his darling Gigi. So when Mae finally got her moment, one could not but be suspicious that she’d rub it all over everyone’s face.
Mac McCready certainly created a mess for the Greenleafs and almost got away with blue murder. But what lengths Jacob (Lamman Rucker) went through to protect his family? Jacob’s transformation is truly gladdening. As for Karissa (Kim Hawthorne), whilst one smypathises with her, Jacob would never have been good enough her. She didn’t want a man that lived in his daddy’s house. That never sat well with her.
However, far more pleasing than Jacob’s transformation is Charity’s (Deborah Joy Winnas). She finally grew up. And if there was an award for most improved character, it would go to Charity. Her good gesture of sharing the poem she wrote with Grace which went awry but have been a moment for a pity party for the Charity we knew in seasons one through four. Better yet, is how she stood up to DeMars (Sean Blakemore).
Whilst “Greenleaf” showed the challenges of modern day Christians, it’s not about the church, It’s story of fictional character Grace Greenleaf. “Greenleaf” starts and ends with Grace (Merle Dandridge). The family gathers at the dinning table once again except that there is no rancour and there are no more secrets to tell. Everyone’s indiscretion and imperfection is out in the open. All the characters come full circle. It is beautiful storytelling. We haven’t had many TV shows with satisfactory endings lately but the end of “Greenleaf” is pleasing.
