The Righteous Gemstones Recap: Love Isn’t Always On Time

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In the span of its four-season run, the “Interlude” episodes of The Righteous Gemstones have provided vital insights into the Gemstone family history, arranging key events neatly in chronology. For instance, the initial one takes place in 1989, while this week’s episode brings us up to 2002. These episodes not only shed light on the seasonal conflicts but are also among the series’ highlights. Unlike traditional flashbacks that can disrupt the flow of action or forcefully reveal long-awaited revelations, these episodes offer a smoother approach to handling significant character and plot details. The show aims to follow the entire rise (and possible downfall) of the Gemstone empire, but it cleverly avoids overcrowding seasons with past events. Instead, taking a break from current disputes to tell these stories in full creates a more engaging experience.

Reminded by our previous encounter, “Interlude III” from last season was set around the millennium when Eli and Aimee-Leigh faced criticism for exploiting the Y2K hysteria by marketing survival kits via the church. The consequences were significant: protests, dwindling congregation size, and a hostile reaction from Peter, Eli’s brother-in-law (portrayed by Steve Zahn), who lost a considerable amount investing in those kits and subsequently formed a group of doomsday preppers. This episode offered much to analyze about Eli and Aimee-Leigh, who viewed Y2K more as a financial opportunity than a genuine threat. While Peter may have appeared antagonistic during season 3, he certainly had valid reasons for his actions, as his corruption was intertwined with theirs.

In the premiere of this season, we were treated to a sort of “Interlude”-esque episode that delved into the past, revealing how Elijah Gemstone, our protagonist, was not just a minister but also a con artist and a murderer. He stole the identity of a local clergyman during the Civil War, pretending to be a Confederate chaplain, and discovered that deceit could be quite profitable – not to mention a spiritual pursuit, which seems contradictory given the Gemstone family’s mission. The gold Bible Elijah swiped from Abel Grieves, a tale now deeply rooted in our family folklore, was once proudly displayed in a prominent location within our mansion – that is, until it was stolen by a burglar. “Interlude IV” unveiled the identity of the thief and set the stage for this long-hidden family secret potentially causing them trouble. Yet, as history has shown, the Gemstones have a knack for extricating themselves from even the most perilous situations.

2002 marked the debut of this episode, where it’s evident that Eli and Aimee-Leigh, despite their past transgressions like the Y2K buckets and other deceitful schemes, aren’t entirely forgiven by the community. However, there’s little they can do to hold them accountable for these actions. This situation bears a striking resemblance to town hall meetings during the initial months of Trump’s second term, where citizens have voiced their dissatisfaction towards representatives who are unwilling to challenge the president.

As the Gemstones propose a new salvation center with the promise of boosting local business, one county board member voices opposition to the proposed “10-acre parking lot” and criticizes Eli for exploiting vulnerable people. However, the community’s dissent seems to fall on deaf ears. The Gemstones have managed to oil enough influential hands and distribute enough store-bought mini powdered donuts to get their way. They simply need to withstand a few cream pies to the face to achieve their goals.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to return to Galilee Gulch, a location that sheds light on the dynamics between the Gemstones and Milsaps, and subtly shares some backstories such as Kelvin’s budding sexuality and the questionable start of Jesse and Amber’s relationship. The character actor Michael Rooker is introduced as Cobb Milsap, who harbors resentment towards the Gemstones for his marital issues, despite his own alcoholism and temper problems. Aimee-Leigh and Lori share a close friendship, while Corey appears to get along well with the Gemstone children. However, Eli’s subtle antagonism towards Cobb is noticeable, as he takes him on water skis around the lake and laughs at his distress. Eli often views men like Cobb as unsophisticated simpletons, but he eventually underestimates Cobb’s capabilities.

Throughout the series, it’s been subtly suggested that the current Corey feels uneasy, and “Interlude IV” reveals his teenage self being stuck in the dispute between his parents. During a difficult period when her husband, a gator farm owner known for his stinginess, was providing them with a meager lifestyle, Lori found solace in her relationships with Eli and Aimee-Leigh, both emotionally and financially. The prospect of recording another album with Aimee-Leigh might offer Lori an exit strategy, hinting at the financial struggles that have led her to reconnect with the Gemstones in the present day – first through the Aimee-Leigh telethon performance and later her relationship with Eli. Lori’s bond with Cobb worsens significantly when he appears drunk and aggressive at the Gemstone mansion, prompting Eli to throw a punch at him.

It’s evident that Lori hasn’t had much luck with men in the past, while Cobb seems to possess a certain level of honesty that sets him apart from the Gemstones. When Eli approaches the alligator farm to offer reconciliation to Cobb, he flatly refuses. “I labor,” he says, “I support my family. But that’s not what Lori wants. She craves luxury, and I’ll never be able to give her that.” Additionally, he expresses a preference for diving into the alligator pit rather than praying with Eli. While his actions do not excuse his decision to raid the Gemstone estate, it’s worth noting that he doesn’t steal anything other than the golden Bible. He’s not motivated by greed; he’s furious. And who could fault him for feeling that way?

Uncut Gemstones

It’s a delight to have J. Gaven Wilde and Emma Shannon reprising their roles as the youthful Jesse and Judy Gemstone, who fit the parts so seamlessly that Hershal Pandya interviewed them for us in our previous season. A particularly amusing instance occurred when Shannon swayed her head back and forth with a mischievous grin following Judy’s jab at her brother about his potential future divorce.

Back in 2002, the shining lights gracing the pages of Tiger Beat magazine were none other than Ryan Gosling, Josh Hartnett, and Brendan Fraser. For a young admirer like myself, it was truly a golden age.

“Watch the language, for God’s sake! We’re at Jason’s!”

It’s too bad that Eli convinced Jesse against naming his first son Stallone, as he seems more like a Gideon instead. However, Judy manages to throw a clever jab at Jesse: “I wonder if you two will get divorced. I bet you will, likely soon after you name the baby Tony Danza or whatever strange name you’ve chosen today.

A strategy to prevent your child from drinking alcohol could be to not inform them about someone urinating into the bourbon they have poured themselves, until it’s no longer accessible or an appropriate time to discuss the matter.

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2025-04-14 05:54