Warning: Contains spoilers for The Righteous Gemstones season 2!
The Righteous Gemstones is an irreverent comedy about a family of wealthy televangelists, but the two "Interlude" episodes elevate the show to a much higher level of quality. Both take place prior to the main events of the show, giving insight into how the complex family dynamics came to be. These episodes are the cream of the crop, reinforcing the show's themes, adding depth to its characters, and giving the show a sense of heart, making season 1, episode 5, "Interlude" and season 2, episode 5, "Interlude II" The Righteous Gemstones at its best.
The Righteous Gemstones follows avaricious megachurch pastor Eli Gemstone, played by John Goodman (who has experience with similar villainous roles after his character in O Brother, Where Art Thou?). Although both shows follow the Gemstones in the modern-day, episode 5 of both seasons takes the viewer back in time, giving the audience a glimpse of how the family was before the death of Eli's wife, Aimee-Leigh Gemstone. Season 1, episode 5, "Interlude" flashes back to 1989, and follows Eli and Aimee-Leigh as they have a falling out with Baby Billy Freeman, Aimee-Leigh's brother, musical partner, and antagonist of the first season. Season 2, episode 5, "Interlude II" takes place in 1993, as Eli struggles with his morals and Baby Billy abandons his family.
While the show mostly focuses on satire and getting laughs, these episodes give context to many of the plot points and character dynamics throughout the show. The Righteous Gemstones at its core is a show about how people can change, a difficult theme to handle as seen with Star Wars' redemption story. By juxtaposing the characters with their past versions, the audience can see how far the characters have fallen, how they have affected those around them, and how far they have to go to be redeemed. Although most of the show mainly focuses on the three Gemstone children, Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin, by sidelining them and focusing on their father, uncle, and mother (who ed away before the events of the show), the series hones in on developing its themes and characters.
While Eli's main conflict in season 1 focuses on Baby Billy wanting to start a new branch of the church, episode 5 "Interlude" gives much greater weight to the actions these characters have taken so far. The show also makes a great point to describe how Aimee-Leigh was the glue that held the family together, turning the trope of having Disney moms die in order to begin a character's growth on its head. By using this episode to show the influence she had on the family, it becomes clear how immoral the Gemstones have become without her. The episode also makes Baby Billy far more relatable. Although before this episode it seemed as if he just wanted to be part of the ministry for the money, it becomes clear that he feels he has been cheated out of the family and that he really just wants to carry on his sister's legacy.
In contrast to season 1, season 2 focuses on Eli's past coming back to haunt him, while Baby Billy learns the lesson of redemption. Season 2, episode 5, "Interlude II" once again allows the audience to see the family's past, this time shedding light on what Baby Billy must redeem himself from, and what exactly the dark past that is beginning to haunt Eli is. Here, Eli must decide if he should take a large donation from an immoral source or listen to Aimee-Leigh and reject it. This episode shows Eli's first instances of getting off the straight and narrow path, highlighting the choices that lead Eli and his ministry to where it is today. The difficult choices the characters make in this episode give much greater context and emotional weight to the rest of the season.
While flashbacks and de-aging in shows like Dexter usually hurt the show more than they help, the "Interlude" episodes in The Righteous Gemstones are what makes the series special. By slowing down and focusing on the emotional core of the show, these episodes give the show a sense of heart that elevates the series far above most other dark comedies. In a series full of great moments, the two "Interlude" episodes are The Righteous Gemstones' best.
Episodes of The Righteous Gemstones air Sundays on HBO