Christian Homosexuality Meets Soap Opera If I was rating the show based on the cast, it would be 10 out of 10. However, Greenleaf is not about entertaining the viewers. Instead, it appears to be an attempt to lobby for total acceptance of a gay lifestyle in the church.
The show seems to toss the Ewings' of "DALLAS" into the stew pot, add a couple of Megachurches, and stir in an LGBT Rally. The result is "Greenleaf" a modern soap opera with an all star cast and the controversial topic of Homosexuality at the forefront.
The first season kept me mesmerized as I followed the life of the Greenleaf Family, amid the aftermath of a suicide that brought a prodigal daughter back to the family mansion. As the family sat at the dinner table, I recalled the dinners of the Ewing family and the rivalries between siblings. While there was no JR, Grace, the lead character, came through as a Bobby Ewing character, beloved by all, but unable to overcome the influence of her powerful mother.
As the season progressed, we learned of a deeply buried secret of a perverted uncle who preyed on young girls. This appeared to be one of the main story lines through the first and into the early part of the second season. However, it would be only one story line, soon overwhelmed by possibly the primary agenda of the writing staff; homosexuality in the Christian Church.
The number of characters who were gay seemed to grow from week to week. In the end, one of the son-in-laws, a family friend, a church choir director, his spouse, and a counselor all "came out of the closet."
While the introduction of gay characters is nothing new, the idea of battling the traditional church stance of frowning or even opposing homosexuality, became center stage. Even a meeting of local churches turned into a lobbying effort to overcome any opposition to the full inclusion of homosexual individuals and relationships, into the church.
Even if the story line stopped there, it would hardly be the first time that gay relationships entered our living rooms. However, the main plot now seemed to focus on a wide variety of caveats. There was the divorce of one of the Greenleaf family members because the husband was gay. A choir director was fired because they were in a same-sex marriage. But, alas it didn't stop there. Each episode brought the main story line deeper into the clash between Biblical Verses opposing a gay lifestyle and the New Testament concept of "Love" covers sin. I believe that this was not a creative accident by writers, but the main purpose behind the series. When Bible Verses are reinterpreted by characters portraying ministers, it is not just part of a larger plot, but the very theme itself.
While I enjoy a strong performance by a highly-talented cast, it seems that homosexuality in the Christian Church, has become a rallying cry of the writing staff. When any subject overpowers the show, it turns from a medium of entertainment to a protest rally.
I must step aside for a moment and add a personal dimension to this review. As a Christian, I do not believe that anyone is sinless. I also believe we should love one another. However, when any drama style show attempts to interpret scripture, it leaves the realm of entertainment and enters Theology.
Overall, the show is interesting but it is overshadowed by an effort to mold the writers view of the Bible into a soap box for gay rights. Please return the show to a story of a family who struggles with a variety of social issues. Leave lobbying for interpreting the Bible to religious venues.