'Greenleaf' conflicting stories on why the series is ending

Greenleaf fans have been devastated by the news that their favorite show is ending after this season. Now another blow has been dealt. Viewers are trying to come to grips with the conflicting information regarding why the series is ending after season 5. Creator Craig Wright has said in interviews that he and executive producer Oprah Winfrey had always planned to end the show after the fifth season. He said the reason is that they wanted to go out on top and did not desire any characters to wear out their welcome. Now, something different is being stated and enquiring minds desire to know what is really going on.

According to Brenda Alexander in a July 14 article for Cheat Sheet, the popular program will be finalized this season because the ratings dropped 15 percent between seasons 3 and 4. Alexander interviewed actress Lynn Whitfield, who portrays Lady Mae who shed some light on the situation. Whitfield said she did not believe the spin-off has been planned in detail and that it only came about because so many fans protested the issue of Greenleaf coming to a conclusion. Fans have been vocal on social media and most are outraged because the writing this season has been better than prior seasons.

In Craig Wright‘s interview, he implied the spin-off was in the works and it sounded like everything was a go. Naturally, the impact of the coronavirus will play a factor in moving forward. Afternoon Soap Operas are being required to make expensive changes and have had numerous delays in trying to begin taping new episodes. The four remaining daytime drama shows must test the actors often for the coronavirus and practice social distancing both in front of and behind the screen. Cameras must be angled so that characters look closer than they are and love scenes will be performed with spouses and significant others who will be shown from behind.

Greenleaf will no doubt have to adhere to the rules as it is filmed in California just as the soaps are. The action on the saga of the megachurch family has really picked up since more focus has been on the family’s personal issues rather than church services. Lynn Whitfield said that the show wants to emphasize that people should never put total trust in another human. Her point of view is shared by many in Facebook groups who say they can relate to flawed spiritual leaders such as those in the Greenleaf family.

Whitfield believes the spin-off is only on the agenda because so many fans were angry that season five will be the last one. There are only a few episodes left and there are many questions remain. On Tuesday night's episode, Darius hinted that he wanted to revisit a relationship with Grace once his investigation was done, but by the end of the episode, he was missing. It was looking as if Grace and Charity had all they needed to take down Bob Whitworth, but he seems to be two steps ahead of everything they are doing. AJ teased that he could see how his parents hooked up and Grace and Noah have been spending some time together. If Darius has been "dealt with" it's possible that Grace, Noah, and AJ might become a family unit.

Lady Mae admitted that Grace does not belong to her husband, but there are other questions such as who led Darrel James to his death? Mae had seemed as if she were willing to give her home to Tara, but on Tuesday she made it clear that was not going to happen. Why did the previous owner, an older white female make two wills, leaving her home to black people she did not even know that well? First to Darrel James and then the Greenleaf family? Who lured James to his death and what secrets will be revealed from the information that is coming forth?

Will Phil and his father reconcile, and will Bob and Judee be exposed as crooks? What has happened to Darius, and does the Bishop have dementia? He is refusing to go to the doctor so it's anybody's guess what's really going on with him. Kerissa and Jacob showed a bit of emotion as she left the family estate, so could they possibly reunite? Was the plan to discontinue the series all along after 5 seasons or was it only because of slipping ratings? Will the entire cast be in the spin-off or only just a few? For the answers to these and more questions, please stay tuned loyal fans because more is sure to come.