The Righteous Gemstones ascends to comedy heaven - AV Club

The Righteous Gemstones Season 4: A Final Bow to the Devil's Advocates

The highly acclaimed HBO drama series, The Righteous Gemstones, has concluded its fourth and final season. The show, created by Danny McBride, has been a staple of dark comedy and satire since its inception in 2019. The series follows the story of the Gemstone family, a group of southern Baptist televangelists who use their faith to further their own interests and exploit their congregation.

A Season of Unapologetic Humor and Social Commentary

The fourth season of The Righteous Gemstones picks up where its predecessor left off. The Gemstone brothers - Eli (John Goodman), Jesse (Daniel Levy), and Darby (Kevin Nealon) - are still reeling from the aftermath of their previous misadventures. As they navigate their way through the complexities of modern-day Christianity, they must confront their own flaws and demons.

The season's narrative is punctuated by a series of events that showcase the Gemstones' continued capacity for self-destruction. From their failed attempts to launch a cryptocurrency venture to their misguided forays into social justice activism, the brothers consistently find themselves in absurd and humorous situations.

A Cast of Complex and Nuanced Characters

One of the standout aspects of The Righteous Gemstones is its talented ensemble cast. The show's creator, Danny McBride, has assembled a group of actors who bring depth and nuance to their respective characters.

John Goodman, in particular, shines as the aging patriarch of the Gemstone family. His portrayal of Eli is both captivating and unsettling, capturing the complexities of a man who is equal parts self-righteous and vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Daniel Levy's Jesse Gemstone remains one of the most fascinating and infuriating characters on television. His character's narcissistic tendencies and self-absorption are matched only by his deep-seated insecurity and need for validation.

A Season of Prayers and Prophetic Musings

As with previous seasons, The Righteous Gemstones features a number of surreal and often hilarious prayer sequences. These episodes showcase the show's ability to blend humor and spirituality in a way that is both irreverent and thought-provoking.

One of the standout moments from the season comes when Eli delivers an impassioned sermon, warning his congregation about the dangers of "social justice warriors." The segment is punctuated by a series of prophetic musings, delivered with characteristic flair by the show's resident mystic, Baby Billy (Bill Murray).

A Final Bow to the Devil's Advocates

The fourth season of The Righteous Gemstones ends on a somber note. As the Gemstone family comes to terms with their own mortality and the consequences of their actions, they must confront the ultimate question: what happens after we die?

In a final prayer session, Eli implores his congregation to "pray for themselves" rather than relying solely on divine intervention. The segment is both poignant and unsettling, capturing the complexities of faith and mortality.

A Legacy of Laughter and Social Commentary

As The Righteous Gemstones comes to a close, it is clear that this show will be remembered as a landmark series in the world of comedy and satire. With its talented cast, nuanced characters, and unapologetic humor, the show has provided hours of entertainment for audiences around the world.

But The Righteous Gemstones is more than just a funny show – it's also a powerful commentary on modern society. Through its portrayal of the excesses and absurdities of televangelism, the series shines a light on the darker aspects of human nature.

As we bid farewell to the Gemstone family and their antics, we are reminded that even in the darkest moments, there is always room for laughter and redemption. And with its final prayer, The Righteous Gemstones reminds us that sometimes, it's okay to say "amen" to our own demons.

A Final Word from the Show's Creator

In a statement accompanying the show's conclusion, Danny McBride reflected on the series' impact:

"The Righteous Gemstones has always been about the absurdity and hypocrisy of modern society. It's a show that revels in the darkest corners of human nature, but also manages to find a way out of those same darknesses."

As we look back on four seasons of laughter and social commentary, it is clear that The Righteous Gemstones has left an indelible mark on the world of television.