Ep 6. The Royal Family

The acclaimed drama series Greenleaf returned for a second season that promised to expose the murky underbelly of the powerful and affluent Greenleaf family, who are leaders of a sprawling mega-church in Memphis. The sixth episode, titled "The Royal Family," follows up on the intensity of previous episodes by building on the drama and intrigue that have already been established.

The episode opens with Bishop James Greenleaf (Keith David) who finds himself under attack from a former lover, who is threatening to reveal their years-long affair. Meanwhile, Lady Mae Greenleaf (Lynn Whitfield) is distracted by the arrival of a new member of the family; Rochelle Cross (LeToya Luckett), the daughter of her estranged sister, Maxine. At first, Rochelle seems like a blessing to the family, but it becomes apparent that she may have ulterior motives.

The title of the episode, "The Royal Family," is a reference to how the Greenleafs are viewed within the church community as a powerful dynasty. But as the season has already demonstrated, they are a family in turmoil. The episode explores this further as we see various characters wrangle with their greed, jealousy, and personal demons.

One of the main conflicts in the episode revolves around the family's desire to expand their church empire by acquiring a new church property. But things get complicated when a wealthy businessman shows interest in the property as well, leading the two sides into a tense negotiation. The Greenleafs are also forced to confront their own morality when they learn some of the secrets of the businessman and how he acquired his wealth.

Meanwhile, the family's younger members are dealing with their own problems. Zora (Lovie Simone) is rebelling against her strict mother, Charity (Deborah Joy Winans), who is struggling with her marital problems. And Sophia (Desiree Ross) is torn between her own desires and her family's expectations for her future.

Despite the conflicts and complications, the Greenleaf family continues to lead their congregation with a charismatic and commanding presence. But as the episode comes to a close, the audience is left wondering if the family can maintain control over their church empire and their own personal demons.

Overall, "The Royal Family" is a powerful episode that builds on the tension and drama of the season so far. It skillfully weaves together the various storylines, creating a rich and complex narrative that explores themes of family, morality, and power. The performances are exceptional, with the cast delivering nuanced and deeply emotional performances that keep the audience engaged and invested in the story. Greenleaf is a must-watch show for anyone looking for a thrilling, thought-provoking drama that delivers both heart and substance.