Ep 1. Lost in the Move

The Soul Man Season 1 Episode 1: Lost in the Move

In the series premiere of "The Soul Man" titled "Lost in the Move," we are introduced to Reverend Boyce "The Voice" Ballentine, played by the talented Cedric the Entertainer. Boyce, a successful R&B singer, has recently decided to leave his worldly career behind and answer a higher calling as a preacher. Alongside his wife Lolli, portrayed by Niecy Nash, they pack their lives up and make the move from Las Vegas to St. Louis, Missouri.

The episode begins with Boyce preparing for his first sermon as the new reverend of St. Louis' community church. He is excited to take on this new role but is also nervous about leaving his glamorous music career behind. Meanwhile, Lolli is equally hopeful about this fresh start, but she is slightly concerned about what lies ahead for them.

As the couple arrives at their new home, they quickly realize that the church has provided them with an old, rundown rectory. The place is far from their luxurious lifestyle in Vegas, causing Boyce to question whether they made the right decision. Nevertheless, they try to make the best of the situation and settle into their new surroundings.

Soon after, Boyce finds himself struggling to adjust to his new responsibilities as a preacher. He discovers that the church members have their own set of traditions and expectations, which clash with his modern mindset. This leads to some comical situations as Boyce tries to navigate his way through this new world while still staying true to himself.

Although Boyce may be new to the pulpit, he is not alone in his journey. He finds support in his family, including his wife Lolli and their two children, Stamps and Lyric. They provide him with love and laughter, helping him stay grounded amidst the challenges of his new life. Stamps, portrayed by Wesley Jonathan, is Boyce's wise-cracking younger brother who constantly pushes his buttons. Lyric, played by Jazz Raycole, is their teenage daughter who is eager to fit in with the church community.

As Boyce continues to settle into his role as a reverend, he also works on building connections with the church congregation. He meets various characters, including Barton, played by John Beasley, an older member who embodies the traditional principles of the church. Barton becomes somewhat of a mentor to Boyce, offering guidance and insight into the church's inner workings.

Meanwhile, Lolli begins to explore her new surroundings as well. She encounters a group of spirited church ladies, affectionately referred to as the "Cubicle Clique." These ladies, portrayed by Kellee Stewart, Valerie Pettiford, and Jemelle Simon, welcome Lolli with open arms, helping her navigate through the community and its numerous social events.

Throughout the episode, we witness Boyce's struggles to adapt to his new life, which extends beyond just the church. He grapples with the uncertainty of their financial future and worries about providing for his family. However, through his experiences, he learns valuable lessons about the true meaning of faith and the importance of preserving and uplifting a community.

"The Soul Man" Season 1 Episode 1, "Lost in the Move," sets the stage for a heartwarming and comedic series that explores the juxtaposition of Boyce's previous life as an R&B star and his new role as a man of the cloth. As he embraces the challenges, triumphs, and idiosyncrasies of his new world, Boyce will grow both as a preacher and as an individual, reminding us all that sometimes a leap of faith can lead to unexpected blessings.