Grace spends some time in Phoenix which allows Phil to make a move and Mae to learn why Calgary will never be hers. Also, Zora may have made a friend.
Network | ||
OWN | ||
Director(s) | Charles Randolph-Wright | |
Writer(s) | David Ehrman, Ivy Mariel Pruss | |
Air Date | 9/18/2019 | |
Introduced This Episode | ||
Nikki | Kadianne Whyte |
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Kerissa Wants To Move Out – NOW! | James, Kerissa, Jacob
Some commercial developer has their eye on that land Jacob has, and Kerissa is ready to sell. Problem is, Jacob really doesn’t want to. At first, he doesn’t have a reason besides just not wanting to do so, but then he has a talk with his dad. Someone who points out the value of land and the idea Kerissa is acting like she does because Jacob has made loving and caring for her into a chore.
So, Jacob decides to reaffirm his love for Kerissa and that he’ll do better. Which is paired with him rejecting her desire to sell that land so his sweet words, and flowers, come as a dagger.
Commentary
You got to love how James can give all this wonderful relationship advice to others, yet he blew up his marriage and is struggling to take heed of Mae’s wants and needs. But, hey, what parent don’t you know, especially at James’ age, that doesn’t operate on “Do as I say, not as I do?”
James aside, I can’t be the only one tired of Kerissa’s dialog solely being about her relationship with Jacob and her complaining, right? She allegedly has a job, so why not show her in that element? Hell, why not show her spend time with her son, one on one, so we can see someone who doesn’t seem miserable all the time? Between her and Charity, both have all this potential yet seem like broken records play a song you were iffy on before and now it just gives you migraines.
Grace Trying To Make Up For Lost Time & Zora Making A New Friend | AJ, Dante, Jacob, Nikki, Grace
Grace is really struggling to breakthrough to AJ but can you blame him? Abandoned at birth then pushed away because he showed up at an inconvenient time, and now she is trying to make up for that by putting money on a fishing hook? The bait feels more like torture than anything else for AJ is used to looking out for himself and now seems like he just wants to get on his feet and be alone. You know, finally get some silence to process this life he has had and maybe begin moving on.
Which makes Grace trying to be maternal a challenge. She is being nice, who he needed and wanted years ago, but puts him in this place where he feels like he has to give in for the money. Mind you, from what we’re told, AJ’s only crime is being poor and lacking opportunities. The reason he was in jail was he broke into a house and was caught sleeping there.
And maybe it is the combination of hearing this, and a family get together back in Memphis, which leads to Grace deciding to invite her son home.
Grace’s drama, and the drama AJ will surely bring, aside, Zora may have made a friend out of someone unexpected. Who? Well, Jacob’s mentee Dante has a girlfriend named Nikki, and she may have become Zora’s friend.
But it is hard to say for sure. On one hand, Nikki could be scoping Zora out since Zora is this rich girl, with her own place, and presents herself as a threat. However, on the other hand, Zora knows how to do hair and makeup, opens up about Isiah, so she is clearly lonely and vulnerable, and Nikki seems to like that. I’m talking to the point of it seeming she was going to make a move on Zora until Dante interrupted what was going on.
Commentary
I’m just waiting to see what kind of hurricane AJ brings with his presence. Mind you, as noted, he doesn’t appear to be a bad kid. Yes, he broke into people’s houses, but with him talking about falling asleep at one of the places and just wanting a place of his own, I don’t think he was lying to Grace to secure her money. He seriously is just looking for a soft place to land and just be.
An understandable feeling for who doesn’t want to shut out the outside world, and people who live there, and just be with your thoughts and feelings? Have space to unpack them, organize them, and potentially deal with them without interruption, scrutiny, or worry? All things he will not find in Memphis but will definitely kick this show up a notch.
Switching to Zora, I feel reminded by Nikki that Zora doesn’t have real friends. People to party with, yeah, but notice only her family said anything, or got involved, during the Isiah saga. That is, despite Zora growing up in that area, being part of the church community, and seeming like a fun person to be around.
Making Nikki a fascinating figure since it is hard to say what her goal is here. Assuming she is like Dante’s other associates, she could just be focus on securing her man from this cute rich Black girl. A combination which could be deadly. Yet, whether it is keeping your enemies close, or bringing in a potential friend closer, it seems Nikki might have good intentions.
If not Zora is so lonely, with Sophia gone, that Nikki praising her, taking up time with her, wanting to hang out with her without there being some sort of strings attached, it makes you hope for the best. Because, let’s be honest, Zora needs to be single for a while. It seems like she wants to be a serial monogamist, and that’s the last thing she needs.
Mae Learns Why She’ll Likely Never Become Head Pastor At Calgary | Misty, Grace, Mae, James, Charity, Phil
With Grace away comes Phil taking the opportunity to get to know a member of the deacon board, Misty, who is in crisis. Thus, Mae is put into crisis mode since any threat to her getting the church is a major issue. Yet, we come to learn she never had a chance. You see, when it comes to Misty and her husband voting for Calgary to join H&H, it was less about James, Grace, or any of that and more about Mae. Specifically the belief she knew something about her brother Mac paying off those girls.
This reveal pushes Mae to realize whatever dreams she had, be it personal or even divine, they will not likely lead her to standing in the pulpit and giving the word. Making it so she seriously needs Grace to step her game up. Though, with Charity revealing Grace was in Phoenix, and telling that to Phil of all people, she might be worrying about the wrong child.
Commentary
Let’s just never mind Charity since, even with her upsetting Bill’s family and traditions, there isn’t really a thing going on with her worth diving into. Instead, let’s talk about Mae. First, the fact her dream of running Calgary has likely died on the vine, and following that, we have to address her relationship with James.
Still, despite all the warnings and what has happened thus far, even him claiming he wants her back, the man doesn’t listen. Mae presents a dream to him, and he disregards it without much thought. When she wishes to go see Misty, he pushes his way in like she is unable to handle it on her own.
Now, this isn’t to say I don’t recognize James probably feels benched and wants to do something. After all, the family’s downfall ultimately rests on his shoulders. Yet, you can’t blame a man for wanting back what it took him decades to build. It’s just the old ways cannot be recycled and, unfortunately, due to his stubbornness, I can’t say it’s getting through his thick head that he has to either share the work and responsibility or sit this fight out.
Characters Introduced This Episode
Nikki (Kadianne Whyte)

Character Introduction
Nikki is Dante’s girlfriend and unlike Cameron, seems to add, more than take, from Dante’s life. Mostly in the form of putting him onto things, like lavender latte’s and what’s happening in the world, but she seems able to offer more than that.
For example, considering how complimentary she is to Zora, she might be able to offer her a friendship. Though, if you read things a certain way, perhaps something beyond that as well.
Expectations For Nikki
Zora really seems like someone the show is trying to beef up this season, considering they are expanding her circle beyond just Sophia. So Nikki, whether friend, enemy, or someone who may try to be Zora’s love interest, is one to keep our eyes on. Heck, she might be one of the most notable people to join this season, with AJ being her only competition.
Collected Quote(s) & .Gifs
I’m not your science experiment. You can’t leave me in a drawer my whole life and then take me out whenever you want and have all the feels.
— AJ
Land is the closest thing to faith.
— James
You left that boy in the dust and hopefully he was asthmatic.
— Nicki
Greenleaf Show Directory
Creator |
Craig Wright |
Character Guide |
Not Created |
Collected Quotes |
Not Created |
Current Status |
Active |
Buy a TV Pass From Amazon To Watch The Entire Series. | |
Season Reviews |
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Season 3 | |
Check Out The TV Series & Specials Page |
Season/ Episode | Synopsis | Episode Information | Storylines & Characters | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Season 4, Episode 9 “God’s Justice” | Between blackmail, backstabbers, someone getting fired, another resigning, and more, like Karine said, “This sure don’t feel like church.” |
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Season 4, Episode 8 “Surprise!” | We learn, blood or not, petty runs deep in the Greenleaf family as does Phil using vulnerable women to try to get ahead. |
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Season 4, Episode 6 “The Stranger” | Nearly everyone acts messy, stupid, or sets aside things they said in the past for some form of comfort in episode 6, “The Stranger.” |
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Season 4, Episode 7 “Reunited” | Mae may have finally found a way to earn a prominent place in the church! However, with so many fools and backstabbers around her, is it too late? |
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Season 4, Episode 5 “Unwanted” | AJ presents himself as a possible lost cause as Kerissa shows her whole ass to Lady Mae. Also, Charity gets to know Phil and sees whether it is worth being on his side. |
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Season 4, Episode 4 “A Common Enemy” | Bob and Grace begin to clash, so he checks her. However, he ain’t the only one checking people this episode. |
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Season 4, Episode 3 “Visions and Dreams” | Grace spends some time in Phoenix which allows Phil to make a move and Mae to learn why Calgary will never be hers. Also, Zora may have made a friend. |
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Season 4, Episode 2 “Did I Lose You?” | Grace and Noah’s son is introduced, as Jacob finds himself back in Cavalry drama and trying to work with an antsy Kerissa. |
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Season 3/ Episode 13 “The New Life” [Season Finale] | The season comes to an end by having a soft reboot. One which allows a new threat to get every Greenleaf’s undivided attention. |
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Season 3/ Episode 12 “Day of Reckoning” | It is said God always has a plan. One could argue all we’ve seen, especially in terms of Basie and Rochelle, was part of the lord’s plan to correct the path of each Greenleaf family member. Blood or otherwise. |
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Season 4, Episode 1 "Original Sin" | The season has barely begun, and the Greenleaf family ends up with their own personal Judas and the first sets of battles with Bob and his ambitious house negro. |
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The s*** officially hits the fan and it is so much it may clog up the gears and stop everything people have long been working towards.
Featuring: Rochelle, James, Charity, Mae, Grace, Connie, Tasha, Basie, Jacob, Kerissa, Maxine, Lionel, and Aaron | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
So many surprises jump out at us you’d think this episode of Greenleaf was a haunted house attraction.
Featuring: Rochelle, Coralie, Grace, Isiah, Zora, Kerissa, Jacob, Tasha, Michael, Charity, Lionel, Mae, Basie, Maxine, and James | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
With Greenleaf being an ensemble show, rarely does any character get an episode which hones in on just them. Making Keith David (James) taking on this one solo such a treat. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zora deciding to leave leads to all hell breaking loose but with her dramatic exit, that might be the catalyst to the healing many need. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
It seems like history is repeating itself on Greenleaf for some characters as others press on forward despite many an obstacle in their way. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charity hits rock bottom, something huge happens with Sophia, and Tasha and Rochelle take additional steps in their plan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As Sophia loses her faith, and Charity finds Iyanla Vanzant visiting her, James and Mae’s plans may have resulted in mutually assured destruction. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
There are many last-ditch efforts to salvage, sometimes, selfish plans, and when they don’t come through? Well, people get nasty. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
It’s an episode of facing the inevitable on Greenleaf. Especially if your name is Mae or Charity who both get serious wake-up calls. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Guilt and insecurities are the focus of this episode. Especially as people expose their soft under belly to those who can, or have, hurt them the most. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
What Basie Skanks started, bringing up homosexuals during that church meeting, comes to a head as Lionel and Aaron come to Cavalry and dig up old and new skeletons. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Faith, money, morals, and understanding. Four words which are the themes as temptation lurks about and few can say they are truly holier than thou on Greenleaf. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
From the beginning, I’d like to believe Greenleaf has always been about how those in the pulpit aren’t necessarily holier than thou and in the season 2 finale, with a few exceptions, everyone gets a glimpse of their own personal hell. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Despite all the programs currently on OWN, for the most part, if it didn’t have Oprah’s name on it, if she wasn’t interviewing someone, I honestly felt it wasn’t worth watching. Yes, there are a million and one Tyler Perry shows on the network, but there is something about his brand that I just don’t feel compliments, Oprah. However, Greenleaf, as messy as it is, as religious as it is, and as much as this seems to be something Shonda Rhimes would advise the writing of, it seems to fit what you’d expect from OWN. Which may not make much sense in hindsight, but considering Oprah’s acting choices and what her brand is, it comes to make sense with time. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
“What Are You Doing Here” is not solely the episode’s title, but a phrase repeated throughout. One which will join the thought of “What are they referencing?” | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Let me be straight up – Thanks to Tyler Perry, when OWN started having scripted shows without his name on it, I did not for a second think they would be good. Granted, they were under the Oprah umbrella, and she was giving us the rare opportunity to see her act, but I was skeptical. However, Greenleaf opened the doors to the type of brilliance I still, to this day, wish BET would reach for. Now, I covered the first and last episode of season one and with me buying a season pass. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As Jacob leaves the house and transitions to becoming a member of the Triumph community, he leaves a church and home still reeling from scandal and seemingly not bouncing back anytime soon. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Poor Lady Mae. All her children, in some form or another, make it seem that she only thinks of herself. Of her reputation. But really, with one son working for the competition, a daughter who nearly brought the whole family to their knees, and the youngest’s marriage seeming suspect, can you blame her for being worried? It isn’t like what they do doesn’t reflect on her. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
While “Revival” reminds you of the importance and beauty of the church, at the same time it makes you want to shout Mac’s line “And you call yourself a Christian!” | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jacob and Kerissa, after spending most of the season, and Kerissa’s case the show, in the background, have the type of performances that will leave you shook and will explain why this episode is called “Point of No Return.” | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
How Triumph stays afloat gets revealed, Zora returns to the show in time for Sophia’s birthday, and Kevin and Charity’s divorce starts to get ugly. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
It has been nearly a year since Faith’s death and everyone, including Mac, is still reeling from it. But with everyone sure on the idea it was his fault and feeling powerless to do more than leaving it up to god, he remains ostracized. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Let me tell you – If you thought this season was a bit too ho-hum and lacked some quality drama? Oh, this episode will compensate for all of that. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Greenleaf returns and there is the question of whether Grace is going to Jail and how will everyone will handle their own personal struggles. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Since season 1, everyone has had some issues with Grace leaving and how that held them back. But it seems the frustration Kerissa has long been willing to share is coming out of other people’s mouths now. Leading you to wonder, as cracks in the family start to show, can they survive each other? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A truly shocking moment happens: Lady Mae admits she is wrong, apologizes to Grace, and all in one episode. But while there is that major shock, so builds to a few other ones. Be it Grace taking an interest in Basie Skanks or Carlton coming back to the show – which are two situations which may come into contact. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Patience and trust are major themes in “House Rules” as everyone is tasked with having faith in their significant other while in a precarious situation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Greenleaf returns and with Mae and James’ relationship on the rocks, the foundation of the family is splintered and puts all on unsteady ground.
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Lady Mae is put on the defensive and while she is getting hit every which way, she refuses to go down without a fight.
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What Nikki Can Bring To The Show - 85%
Whether Mae Comes Up With A New Dream, Lives Vicariously, Or Fights Harder For What She Wants - 86%
The Drama AJ Can Cause In Memphis - 84%
Charity and Kerissa Need Better Storylines - Period - 65%
The H&H Church Drama - 70%
The Family Get Together, Which Included Pictures of Faith - 83%
79%
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