The Righteous Gemstones Recap: Teenjus Saves

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In tonight’s episode of “The Righteous Gemstones,” we find ourselves moving towards a major plot shift, which might explain why the episode feels slightly less creative than previous ones. However, it doesn’t lack entertainment value on the periphery. The narrative is working diligently to set up upcoming conflicts, such as Vance Simkins declaring war against the Gemstones, Lori Milsap’s complicated romantic past, and potential turmoil within the ministry due to a successful project conflicting with outdated Bible passages. Although you might not notice the effort being put in, there’s less room for the show to explore and experiment, particularly in scenes that don’t involve Baby Billy attempting to transform a teenage Jesus character into his next television sensation.

Troubles arise for Kelvin, whose innovative approach to incorporating a LGBTQ+ angle into his typical youth pastor role has stirred up an anticipated resistance. Kelvin seems to have sensed that he was pushing the limits of Prism, as evidenced by his Siegfried & Roy analogy when Keefe suggested making their relationship more public. However, it is odd that Prism flourishes in a conservative Evangelical community. Kelvin’s excessive pride over his Top Christ Following Man nomination was bound to face retribution, as even those closest to him express skepticism about the “self-congratulatory luncheon” he organizes. Although Vance Simkins and Jesse disagree on many issues, they both seem to share the belief that Kelvin’s nomination is a symbolic gesture from a group striving to appear more inclusive than “straight white males.” Ironically, it appears that the church may not be as progressive as it claims.

Following an apparent arson attack on his latest shopping center church, Simkins is eager to exact retribution against Kelvin, who views a televised discussion panel about Top Christian Leaders as merely a chance to boost his image rather than a genuine opportunity for dialogue. (“It’s going to be a fantastic platform for dropping some catchy quotes and solidifying my status,” he informs Keefe.) However, Kelvin fails to capitalize on this when he is caught off guard by Simkins’ criticism of his selective interpretation of scripture. The Gemstone family has traditionally been well-versed in biblical knowledge, but Kelvin is left speechless against Simkins’ attacks. Interestingly, this appears to suggest a degree of acceptance within the Gemstone family regarding Kelvin’s sexuality. Despite being attacked by Jesse for his symbolic nomination, this TV panel seems to be the first time Kelvin encounters genuine intolerance, and he looks surprisingly stunned and heartbroken.

This week, it’s not just Kelvin who’s under fire due to his personal life. Following their discovery of Eli and Lori engaging intimately at Galilee Gulch, the Gemstone kids are once again criticizing their relationship, likely because it’s left a vivid mental impression on them. As Jesse puts it, “The act they witnessed has seared itself into our memory, a mark on our minds.” The urgency to take action increases when Lori hints that she might become their “wicked stepmother” if they continue to reject her. This prompts Jesse’s investigative group to delve into Lori’s Instagram photos. Their search uncovers a troubling revelation: many of Lori’s past boyfriends, including “Big Dick” Mitch, are either missing or deceased. When Baby Billy later reveals that Lori’s financial difficulties led her to ask for a spot on the Aimee-Leigh telethon, they surmise that they may have a black widow in their midst.

In one humorous twist during an episode, a dejected BJ receives a pick-me-up from a service monkey named Dr. Watson, delivered by Amber in an attempt to cheer up Judy and lift BJ’s spirits. So far, Judy has been unsuccessful in lifting BJ out of his despair, even when she shares stories about disabled men who led remarkable lives, such as the president with cold legs who gives fireside talks. Though Dr. Watson may not be able to tell black-cherry White Claw apart from Citrus Yuzu Smash, he demonstrates enough intelligence to come close and possibly even plot against his human caretakers. The furtive glance Dr. Watson casts at Judy at the end of the episode hints at mischief, if not a possible uprising reminiscent of “Planet of the Apes”.

In this episode, it’s Walton Goggins who steals the spotlight as Baby Billy, whose unpredictable antics have kept us guessing throughout the season. Fresh from the popularity of “Baby Billy’s Bible Bonkers,” he completes the pilot script for “Teenjus” following a burst of energy from cocaine. A quick glance at his computer screen reveals the title (“He’s gone. He’s risen. The girls are like, ‘Whoa, for real?’”) but it’s not until he steps onto the set and directs a pale, brooding young actor portraying a Z-grade Edward Cullen version of the Son of God that his vision truly takes shape. (The dialogue reminds us of a “Footloose” in Nazareth: “If I win the village dance contest, there’s no way I won’t be accepted. Through my moves and swagger, I’ll show them I am the Chosen One.”)

It appears that Baby Billy might be aware of the impending collapse of the Gemstone empire, which means his current mission is to accumulate as much money from the children as he can before any potential downfall. The approval for Teenjus could come easier with a bit of damaging information about Lori. It seems there’s more where that came from. For now, his main concern lies in maintaining control over the situation, and the donkey represents this focus.

Uncut Gemstones

It seems there’s one significant source of stress for Baby Billy: He dislikes the large German nanny, who has been unable to win his favor despite her efforts such as cleaning the pool at night and encouraging his project called “Teenjus.” (“Looking over here, skimming leaves, eavesdropping. Go into that house and watch them sleeping babies!”)

On a certain day, Simkins might accidentally toss a yellow handkerchief near him, but it’s justified for Jesse to believe that he has already won the initial round with his clever “New phone, who is this?” trick.

Previously, I discussed how the Gemstone family argues fiercely yet manages to keep their relationships intact. However, Kelvin’s sensitivity towards his siblings teasing him about his current girlfriend causes him to cross lines. He lashes out at Jesse, labeling him a failed father whose children despise him, and refers to Judy’s husband as a disabled pole dancer. From Jesse’s point of view, mimicking the sound of “San Francisco” in a stereotypically effeminate manner is harmless; it’s just a city name, according to Judy, who wonders if saying “Fort Worth” would provoke a violent response. The children dismiss this as usual banter.

Seann William Scott frequently casts peculiar glances as Lori’s son; be sure to keep a watchful eye on him and the monkey.

Doesn’t it seem like Kelvin’s “Stay blessed, y’all” might be a playful take on Mark Wahlberg’s “Stay prayed up”? However, referring to his followers as his “discipes” definitely showcases the unique style of Kelvin Gemstone.

Enjoying some edibles and watching the moderately suspenseful 1990 film “Pacific Heights,” starring Michael Keaton and Melanie Griffith, is certainly a delightful way to spend an evening for those in their golden years, with no one being able to interfere with such a charming bonding moment.

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2025-04-07 07:55