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?
Network | ||
OWN | ||
Director(s) | Ayoka Chenzira | |
Writer(s) | Craig Wright, Nick Kilgore | |
Air Date | 10/15/2019 | |
Introduced This Episode | ||
Vida | Andrea Laing |
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Recap
Was It For Love Or For You?: Nikki, Zora, Dante, Kerissa, Fernando, Charity, Jacob, Phil, Grace
Nikki decides to give Dante an ultimatum since he refuses to apologize for what he did, and it is starting to affect him professionally. She says he is to apologize or they are over. So he kicks her out, and Nikki ends up at Zora’s cottage. Which she is welcoming about, but there is this need to question, being that Nikki isn’t religious, and Zora has apparently stepped her faith up to Sophia’s former level, how can she be friends with someone she was taught would go to hell?
But, in terms of hell, Kerissa might be more bound than Nikki since she continues to have an affair and nearly gets caught. However, while her new relationship is just barely seen, being that Jacob is fully aware of Charity’s, he confronts her, Phil, and eventually comes to revealing it to Grace. The person who reveals Kerissa is still having dealing with Fernando but, due to Jacob’s son, he is forced to stew over what he heard, which includes Harmony and Hope buying up all the land which surrounds the church.
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- Can Kerissa still get pregnant? Would this show go there?
- With the way Kerissa was talking about inheriting the estate, was she honing in on Jacob and trying to trap him? So much about their relationship raises an eyebrow the more she isn’t trapped in scenes with him or his family.
The Secrets Eating At You: Vida, Mae, AJ, Sophia
Long story short, AJ did rob that pharmacy, and Sophia learns this since he goes to her dorm to say goodbye. Why? Well, since she was the only one who made him genuinely feel like he had any family. Yet, despite her pleas, and what he says about them being family, he refuses to do the right thing and seems he’d rather let Grace suffer the consequences of helping him.

Leading to Mae. Already her family has lost the church, Jacob has been fired, and Grace’s position could be on the verge of ending thanks to AJ. So, with hearing a scholarship in her name is to be undone, she tries to grasp onto what little connects her to the church.
However, to do so, she finds herself not facing Misty, or even Connie, but Vida – one of Mac’s victims. Thus complicating things since, once again, Mae is confronted with the idea she had to know something, and her repeating that she didn’t. But then she realizes why it never clicked before. Due to her being raped by her own father, seeing such a demonic presence in Mac was impossible to do. Be it due to her own suppressed memories or with experiencing the original evil, seeing its duplicate, in lesser form, just didn’t click.
Either way, revealing this may have given Mae a slight chance at winning back the hearts and minds of the church.
Question(s) Left Unanswered
- Anyone else thought when AJ seemingly was threatening Sophia, when she said she wouldn’t let him leave, he’d get violent with her?
When All Is Revealed, What Can Be Done Next?: Grace, Mae, James, Sophia
With Grace knowing AJ is guilty, Charity and Phil having, alongside H&H doing a major land grab to surround the church, so comes the question of: What can she do? Hell, with AJ’s issue hanging over her head, how much can she do before that chicken comes home to roost? Well, the only thing she can do is try.
Which is what James does. For with him really not doing as told, and barely, if ever, trying to woo Mae, he takes her being dealt all these blows as an opening to get back in good graces, and back permanently in her bed. Thus, the two are engaged.
Collected Quote(s) & .Gifs
You make it so that everybody who loves you doesn’t have a choice.
—Sophia
Review
Highlights
There Might Be Hope For Mae Yet
It isn’t clear, just yet, how many may take to Mae being a victim herself, and seeing what she says as a reason and not an excuse. Much less, whether they may excuse her but still look at James and the rest with a side-eye. However, at least for Mae, she may have found vindication and perhaps the freedom she has been looking for. Now, whether that will give her a spot back in her church? Well, considering Misty and Connie still aren’t the most fond of her, even with this Mac thing set aside, she still has a battle ahead.
All Has Nearly Been Revealed
Outside of Grace not being James’ daughter, which he seems to have prepped himself for, and Kerissa’s affair, most of the family secrets, worth noting, are general knowledge. Maybe not how Zora is still into weed, and hasn’t completely abandoned her bad side, but the major things. So with that in mind, and three episodes left, it leads you to wonder how much will go unresolved and spill over into another season, or how will the pace be picked up to handle a multitude of problems?
Nikki in Zora’s Life
Nikki and Zora remain in this very weird place that I just don’t fully understand. Zora wanted Nikki’s man at one time, maybe still does, and Nikki seemed to peep that. Yet, she attached herself to Zora beyond keeping her enemies close, and now they seem like bosom buddies. Which I’m not against, for the utter lack of friendship on this show, unless you are a blood relation or love interest, is so strange.
Yet, being that Nikki weirdly coming onto Zora might have been more about the actor’s means of handling the dialog than perhaps what was intentioned, the jury is still out on whether she may add something good to Greenleaf or continue to show this maybe deserves a wrap-up season and that’s it.
Low Point
James Winning Back Mae Was Too Easy
So you’re telling me that Mae, who doesn’t really let a lot, if anything, go, and can be quite petty, let James win her back so easily? Without any woo’ing, date nights, or anything noteworthy beyond not preaching in Atlanta? Is Mae so low that she just settled for what was accessible?
Mind you, let’s also factor in Mae rarely leaves the house, outside of going to church, where James is right there. So it isn’t like someone else had the opportunity to talk to her nor does it seem like she was looking. But, considering their chat, while Mae was in her lingerie, you’d think we’d see James put some kind of moves on her. Rather than, like a vulture or hyena, just wait till she is down to make his move.
On The Fence
Kerissa and Charity
The black sheep of the family remain the weakest links. Yet, there is the sun on the horizon. With Kerissa letting her guard down with Fernando, it does feel like we are starting to get to know her. Granted, in a way which makes her seem like she is a golddigger, who has no issue holding down a job, but we’ve learned more in the past few episodes than in the three seasons combined. So, finally seeing Kerissa for who she is and learning, beyond her mother, and being cheated on, why she is always so gruff, helps flesh her out.
As for Charity? What can you say? She’s damaged due to her ex-husband coming out, being rejected, and her singing career, outside the church, hitting the skids, so she wants and needs a win. Even Jacob recognizes that. Yet, while you recognize the hurt and pain, there is a need to also point out that what could be happening is karma biting her in the ass.
I mean, take the Grace hate. At this point, it is beyond ridiculous. She minas well just physically fight Grace and be on with it since Grace isn’t losing a bit of sleep over Charity being an ole hating ass.
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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Kerissa and Charity - 75%
James Winning Back Mae Was Too Easy - 65%
Nikki in Zora’s Life - 80%
All Has Nearly Been Revealed - 85%
There Might Be Hope For Mae Yet - 84%
78%
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