Danny McBride Gets Emotional as ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ Wraps Up with a Wild Goodbye!

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ATTENTION: This narrative reveals key plot points from the final episode of “The Righteous Gemstones,” currently available on Max.

In conclusion, “The Righteous Gemstones” bid farewell in their unique way – by including a scene involving a monkey engaging in self-stimulation.

In contrast to the final scene depicted in the title episode “That Man of God May Be Complete” of the HBO series, which unfolds at the lavish vacation home of the televangelist family, the last shot filmed actually belonged to the preceding episode. Following their Sunday services, the Gemstone clan and their entourage retreat to Jason’s Steakhouse, their preferred venue for socializing and indulging in the salad bar. At this location, Dr. Watson, the capuchin monkey serving as a service animal for BJ Barnes (Tim Baltz), who is a Gemstone relative left paralyzed due to a freak pole-dancing accident, amuses himself by self-pleasuring and smoking menthol cigarettes, with the audience cheering him on. This scene presents a unique mix of offbeat vulgarity and unexpected sweetness that is characteristic of the show “Gemstones”.

Danny McBride, the mastermind behind, actor in, and executive producer of a four-season comedy series, shares that he particularly enjoys shooting scenes set at church lunches. (McBride also took charge as director for the finale, jointly credited with longtime partners John Carcieri and Jeff Fradley.) He elaborates that these scenes often span an entire day, with the whole cast present, making it a jovial occasion. However, on one specific autumn day, McBride wasn’t in high spirits. The production had been tough, having already endured Hurricane Helene’s destruction of their primary filming location in South Carolina. That day also brought news of Baltz’s mother being involved in a car accident, leaving him uncertain about completing the scene.

McBride reflects on how focused he was on completing the task that he failed to appreciate the accomplishment itself, saying, “I didn’t stop to realize, ‘Wow, we’re done. We’ve achieved it.'” However, Gregory Alan Williams, who portrays Martin, Gemstone’s consigliere, took him aside to show his appreciation. As their conversation began, McBride felt a sudden wave of emotion and questioned, “Wait, am I going to start crying? Is this going to be emotional?

As spectators followed the climactic moments of “That Man of God May Be Complete,” they might have pondered a question shared by many: Why did the series’ grand finale in Season 3 take such a stark, somber turn after its usual bombastic style? Previous episodes of “The Righteous Gemstones” had a tendency to escalate before wrapping up, but this time around, an actual swarm of locusts destroyed a TV studio. However, the final action sequence was significantly scaled back compared to previous seasons. In a fit of rage following his father’s demise, which he played a part in, family acquaintance Corey Milsap (played by Seann William Scott) unleashed a violent rampage at the Gemstone lake house Galilee Gulch. He managed to wound Jesse (McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson), and Kelvin (Adam Devine) with gunfire. For what felt like an eternity, we were left on edge, questioning whether this could truly be the end for them. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Dr. Watson stepped in to save the day by retrieving Jesse’s gun from his man-bag (certainly not a handbag).

McBride intentionally intended to create a sense of unease among the viewers. He explained, “Perhaps we’re all a bit twisted at heart.” He continued, “When a series is wrapping up, my instinctive reaction is usually, ‘Who will they kill off?’ It was amusing to explore that idea and truly delve into it.” This approach led to a less grandiose finale compared to previous seasons of “The Righteous Gemstones”: “It should evoke a chilling atmosphere. It should feel scary, unsettling, and oddly realistic given its absurdity.

Additionally, there was a symbolic purpose behind the Gemstones confronting their last trial independently. As McBride explains, “I always envisioned that in the end, they would be put to the test to determine if they truly possess the abilities necessary for this role, without relying on monster trucks or jet packs or any similar gimmicks.” Referencing past stunts, he continues, “I wanted the climax to be pared down, straightforward, back to basics, just a simple prayer.” Thus, after subduing Corey, the trio united in prayer for his soul as he lay dying. The Gemstone children already hold authority over their family’s multibillion-dollar enterprise. However, in this instance, they collaborate on the essential task that’s meant to support all the glamour and luxury: providing spiritual guidance for congregants’ eternal wellbeing.

The scene also echoes the season opener, featuring a full-length flashback starring Bradley Cooper portraying ancestor Elijah, a thief who unexpectedly transforms into a Confederate chaplain and discovers faith during his journey. McBride penned the cold open script for this episode, in which Elijah kills a preacher while robbing him, then impersonates him. It wasn’t until near the end of the series that an appropriate spot was found to incorporate this scene, allowing the concept to be developed further and delve into not just the Gemstones’ origins, but their very essence.

According to Carcieri, a longtime associate of McBride’s dating back to film school (who proudly displays his University of North Carolina affiliation on our Zoom call), they have an unconventional method of achieving righteousness. Many of their actions may be misguided and off the mark, but at their core, they genuinely believe in God and sincerely pray, Carcieri explains. Just like Elijah, a career criminal whose family heirloom is a gold-plated Bible, can become a true believer by praying for soldiers on the brink of execution, his descendants can embody their best selves by helping someone who has recently attempted to harm them.

According to Patterson, who both wrote for and appeared on the show, “This is their true nature, deep within them, and this is what they pass down,” says Patterson. “Seeing them rally around Corey, offering prayers for him – I believe it carries a powerful impact that goes beyond a typical, large-scale action scene. It’s strangely more impactful.

The events of the series transpire at Galilee Gulch, depicted on screen as a mansion situated on Lake Murray, located just beyond Columbia, South Carolina’s capital, and is the state’s largest single-family home with approximately 18,000 square feet. Discovering this house proved to be an immense hurdle for McBride and location manager Kale Murphy; suitable candidates lacked distinctiveness compared to the Gemstones’ other homes, and the search extended to the brink of production halting. However, fortuitously, in a twist that suits a show revolving around religion, Murphy made a cold call to the mansion’s owners, who consented to accommodate the “Gemstones” film crew for two uninterrupted weeks. Moreover, the house had a 16th-century altar imported from an English church and transformed into a fireplace, providing the perfect setting for Corey’s dramatic death scene.

McBride and his team were excited to delve into the unique blend of Southern aristocracy and Gemstone folklore that was embodied in the lake house. As McBride puts it, he admired how the original “Star Wars” movies transported their characters to diverse settings, and he sought a similar approach for the Gemstones – taking them from snowy landscapes to jungles. He was always intrigued by unexplored territories for the Gemstone family. Furthermore, Galilee Gulch held significant emotional weight for the otherwise pampered Gemstone children, as they hadn’t visited since their mother, Aimee-Leigh (Jennifer Nettles), passed away just before the series began. Leaving a house of that magnitude unattended can be seen as thoughtless opulence. However, it also stems from a heartfelt grief.

Caricieri points out that the series has always been about coping with loss, specifically learning to endure as a family after losing their matriarch. Additionally, the writers had long considered a romantic plotline for Eli (played by John Goodman), which eventually became a significant part of his healing process in the final season. In an unexpected turn, Eli develops feelings for Lori (Meghan Mullally), who is not only Corey’s mother but also Aimee-Leigh’s best friend and musical partner. This narrative twist brought together Karen Walker from “Monsters Inc.” and Sulley in a heartfelt 69 scene, and provided resolution for a family that had been missing its core balance.

Title “The Righteous Gemstones” encompasses various genres simultaneously, creating a broad spectrum. It incorporates elements of music and boasts one of the most daring action sequences seen on television, rivaling that of “The Last of Us.” Beneath this diversity, it’s essentially a humorous series. Despite similarities to “Succession” in its tale of three siblings disputing over their father’s deteriorating empire, the show’s conclusion will never plunge as low as Kendall Roy’s contemplation of suicide.

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, the climactic conclusion of “The Righteous Gemstones” unfolds at Kelvin’s wedding to his longtime companion, Keefe (Tony Cavalero). This transformation, as Kelvin steps out of the shadows of deep-seated repression to embrace his sexuality, is a remarkable turn for the youngest Gemstone. The acceptance by this group of red state evangelicals might seem unexpected, but it sets the stage for every Gemstone child to find contentment in loving relationships. Even Eli and Lori, despite their shared history of involvement in her son’s death and her abusive ex-husband, choose to rekindle their relationship, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil.

Essentially, Patterson finds it amusing that no matter what you do, the Gemstones always come out on top. They’re indomitable, so feel free to try whatever you fancy with them.

Patterson chuckles and notes that the Gemstones are unbeatable. No matter how you play it, they’ll emerge victorious. So go ahead, have your fun with them!

McBride considered punishing the Gemstones for their repeated mistakes in behavior. (For instance, this season they made Keefe dress up as Aimee-Leigh’s ghost to prevent Eli from dating Lori.) He shares, “There were often moments where I pondered, ‘Will the church collapse? Will they be arrested? In truth, I’m not sure I want to witness that destruction.’ The goal for me is that viewers revisit this show and find it an enjoyable experience rather than a serious ordeal.

Despite jokingly hinting about his impending culinary endeavor, which involves crafting a sandwich, I’m excitedly looking forward to diving into the next series that will be added to my collection at HBO, joining the ranks of “Gemstones,” “Vice Principals,” and “Eastbound & Down.” Currently, I am collaborating with Patterson and Grady Hendrix on adapting the novel “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires” for television. Regardless of what ultimately takes flight, it will be a joint effort with my colleagues at Rough House Pictures, the production company I co-founded with David Gordon Green and Jody Hill. This team boasts a versatile roster, featuring recurring talents like Carcieri and a dedicated South Carolina crew that frequently collaborates across various projects.

The consistent performance despite the unpredictable nature of the industry led to the decision to conclude “The Righteous Gemstones” independently. As Carcieri explains, “Whatever comes next, those people will be a part of it.” Therefore, while it’s hard to let go, he remains optimistic about the talented individuals they collaborate with and believes they’ll create something worthwhile. Additionally, McBride wrote the pilot for “The Righteous Gemstones” in 2017; over four seasons, two interruptions, and a pandemic, the show has consumed around eight years of the Rough House team’s lives, leaving them eager for fresh opportunities. “When we penned that Civil War episode,” Carcieri continues, “it felt effortless, as if it was writing itself. This new setting and characters have ignited our creativity.

McBride mentions that one reason he decided to pause ‘Gemstones’ for a while is because he recognizes the significant amount of time required to develop both a story and a series. Despite the enjoyment he derived from working with these somewhat immature, self-centered characters, he feels it’s time for him to make a move that might seem unusual for someone involved with ‘Gemstones’: He wants to explore new stories and endeavors.

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2025-05-05 06:20