God Bless Judy, Our Most Precious Gemstone

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In the last season of “The Righteous Gemstones,” it’s challenging to imagine any TV character standing against Megan Mullally and a cunning monkey simultaneously. It appears unbalanced, honestly, for the character struggling with two powerful opponents, as well as the actor who must share the screen with them. The series presents Judy Gemstone with just that: a renowned comedic actress known for her quirky roles, and a mischievous monkey addicted to fajita meat. God assigns His most challenging fights to His strongest warriors. It seems Danny McBride follows the same principle.

The success of these comedic confrontations speaks volumes about Edi Patterson, who brought Judy to life as an unstoppable force throughout the four seasons of the show. In fact, it’s a testament to her that Judy was even a viable character at all. It wouldn’t be hard to envision this role collapsing in less skilled hands. Judy is one of three siblings; her older brother plays the creator of the show and her younger brother is a church leader in a same-sex relationship with a former Satanist. She consistently delivers over-the-top performances, often using profanity and explicit sexuality, with a middle child’s energy reminiscent of Succession‘s Shiv Roy since the series ended and she departed.

In another universe, Judy could be perceived as off-putting, divisive, or simply a time-consuming character. However, in this series, Patterson has transformed Judy into a powerhouse and a standout among standouts. She’s arguably the most unpredictable character, even in a show where Walton Goggins portrays an elderly religious performer with a cocaine addiction and a fondness for jet skiing naked. Patterson’s performance threatens to steal every moment she’s on screen, her movements, dialogue delivery, and energetic demeanor overflowing in all directions. Observe her in the background of a scene when someone else is speaking. She appears as if she’s about to burst, as if even a second’s worth of focus away from her immediate needs causes Judy physical discomfort.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t stress enough the importance of tuning in and truly listening when Judy speaks on “The Righteous Gemstone”. The dialogue in this series is unlike anything you’ve heard before, with unique word combinations and sequences that push the boundaries of English language.

For instance, Judy’s speech at Outback Steakhouse during the season-one finale was a standout moment. When it seemed like her relationship with BJ might be in trouble, she delivered a speech so captivating, it’s still talked about today.

So, let’s revisit that scene. Maybe pop in your headphones first to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Judy’s words.

In this lengthy speech, there seems to be a portrayal of actions that appear to be an attack and abduction. It could easily fit into a psychological thriller revolving around obsession spiraling out of control, such as a modern take on the classic film Fatal Attraction, with fewer animal deaths and more Jeep Grand Cherokees. (Perhaps we can cast Patterson in it!) This scene also offers a rare glimpse into Judy’s emotional side, showcasing her genuine vulnerability towards someone she cares about, revealing the softer, less abrasive person she keeps hidden from the world. However, even as we delve deeper into understanding this complex character with a history of committing heinous acts, Patterson skillfully maintains the scene’s outrageous humor. Some of the humor comes from the unique phrasing, as is common on Gemstones, but primarily it’s due to the powerful emphasis she puts behind her words. The way she says “damp” has left a lasting impression on me for many years and I suspect it won’t fade away anytime soon.

This passage explains why Judy, who shares screen time with Mullally and a monkey character named BJ, becomes jealous when her loved ones find comfort from new sources. Since Judy can’t intimidate a primate like BJ through words, she expresses her anger mostly through stares, pouts, and occasional frustrated huffs. When it comes to Lori, Judy’s romantic interest’s father Eli, Patterson uses various comedic tactics in the fourth episode to make Judy look foolish as she attempts to frame Lori for similar actions as those in her Outback monologue. The scene between them is intense, with Mullally playing a straight-man role while Patterson delivers most of the laughs. However, a Judy Gemstone tantrum isn’t about reaching a specific goal; it’s all about the fun and chaos along the way.

What I’ll miss the most about Judy in a world beyond Gemstones is having an unpredictable wildcard to keep me entertained on screen. Creating such a character is quite challenging, a blend of writing and acting that produces a unique spark. It’s like a special kind of reaction, not just the one actors discuss when they talk about working together. It’s more akin to real chemical reactions, where different explosive elements are combined over an open flame, with each wrong move potentially leading to a gaping hole in the roof. That’s the essence of the Judy Gemstone experience – a steady simmer with occasional bursts that could cause damage at any moment. It’s intense, constant, and always on the brink of chaos, yet I can’t help but crave more as the series comes to an end. It speaks volumes about Patterson’s comedic prowess. It also showcases her scientific skills. Indeed, I would love to see a show featuring her as a mad scientist. Let’s get started on that project right away. The monkey can tag along too!

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2025-05-01 15:54