The Righteous Gemstones fourth and final season is probably the funniest season yet, but it also weaves in quite a bit of heart.
One of the best series on television is about to come to an end. The fourth and final season of The Righteous Gemstones premieres on March 9 on Max and HBO, and while it is sad to see things wrap up, this season perfectly does so.
What I have always loved about this show is how hilarious it is, which should come as no surprise when you look at the cast list and discover that it is created and written by Danny McBride, who is a comedic genuis. Just as with past seasons, there are several laugh-out-loud moments, but there is also quite a bit of heart weaved into the final arc.
At the start of The Righteous Gemstones Season 4, Eli (John Goodman) is retired and living on a boat. Jesse (McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson), and Kelvin (Adam Devine) are running the church together, but they still miss having their daddy involved. It doesn’t take too long for them to all be reunited and what follows is a wild ride of a season filled with mystery, deciet, and everyone in the family learning to reflect inward and see who they really are inside.
Of course everyone’s favorite characters are back (more on my favorite returnee later), but there are also several new cast members. Megan Mullalley plays Aimee-Leigh’s best friend Lori, who has not seen the Gemstones in years, but now they are able to mourn together. There is an incredible storyline surrounding her, which I cannot discuss for fear of spoilers, but just know that this plot point is part of what makes this final season so good.
Sean William Scott and Arden Myrin also join the cast. Scott plays Mullalley’s son Casey, and Myrin plays his wife. Scott is a great addition to the cast, especially considering that because of his role we get to learn more about the young Gemstones. He is kind of horrible to his wife, but also acts like he is supportive and perfect when it comes to others. He is a character with a lot of sides, and brings a lot to the show.
Baby Billy (Walton Goggins) is back and better than ever. He has always stood out in The RIghteous Gemstones but this season he takes it to the next level. Looking for a way to set up his family financially before he dies means interesting, to say the least, business ventures. Every interaction he has with his children’s nanny will have you laughing until you start crying. They are extremely over the top and ridiculous, but easily one of the best parts of the season.
While every character has their moment to shine in The Righteous Gemstones, Kelvin steals the show for me. His arc throughout the course of the series is remarkable. He has truly come a long way and I found myself proud of him this season, as one would be for a son or good friend. He has grown in ways I never imagined and while he is still immature at times, he has truly found himself this season.
The same can be said for the rest of the Gemstones. With their arcs coming to an end, everyone is left in a good place. But most importantly, their stories are believable for the character and never feel out of left field.
There is a lot of humor in The Righteous Gemstones Season 4, but there is also a lot of heart. I am truly sad to see this series come to an end, but the fact that it is going out on its own terms, with nine phenomenal episodes, makes it one of the best that will ever be. I can honestly say I will miss this crazy family.
The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 premieres on HBO and Max Sunday March 9, with episodes releasing weekly until May 4.
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About The Righteous Gemstones
The Righteous Gemstones tells the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work. Despite constant bickering, Gemstone family ties run deep, and this season the family’s codependence is tested as they attempt to move forward without letting go of their storied past.
The Righteous Gemstones is created and written by Danny McBride; directed and executive produced by Danny McBride, Jody Hill, David Gordon Green, and Jonathan Watson; executive produced by John Carcieri, Jeff Fradley, and Brandon James; produced by David Brightbill; consulting produced by Kevin Barnett, Edi Patterson, and Chris Pappas.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.