Season two of The Righteous Gemstones returned to HBO January 9th 2022, kicking off with a double release of the first two episodes. Starring John Goodman, Danny McBride, Adam Devine, and Walton Goggins, “HBO’s best comedy” follows a dysfunctional family who has made their fortune through a televangelist production.
Created by Danny McBride, season two continues the Gemstone family story. The Righteous Gemstone cast continues to bolster their incredibly talented acting ensemble, further solidifying the show as a top-tier hit. We see the return of some of our favorite characters as well as the addition of a few very interesting new cast members.
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Season one concluded quite succinctly and wrapped up the story that started in the first episode. The narrative in the first season revolved around Danny McBride’s character being blackmailed over a video that contained heinous drug use and infidelity. The season ended positively for the Gemstone family and the conflict was resolved. Season two starts a new story, the conflict revolving around an investigative journalist who is writing a story about corruption and wealth in Christian media. Like season one, season two has the right recipe for an incredibly well done satirical television series.
Great Storytelling
HBO
If you haven’t seen the first season of this hilarious comedy, check it out. Although, if for some reason you do decide to pass on the first season, you won’t be too far out of the loop. The second season of the ultra-powerful, affluent, and wealthy Gemstone family continues without too much narrative connection to the past season. Although not as dramatic as HBO’s somewhat similar sister program, Succession, there is still a great amount of struggle and stress that comes from being part of such an influential family.
The season two trailer opens with Danny McBride’s character scrutinizing his father’s mental faculties and asserts that he and his wife should be the ones to continue the Gemstone legacy. McBride’s sister, played by Edi Patterson, is quick to chime in and assert herself saying that she is the rightful successor to the spotlight. The first season showed us constant ups and downs in the three siblings’ relationship, so the second season is now determining whether the three continue their competition or choose to put their differences aside. Whether skewering organized religious, filial rivalry, consumerism, or family institutions, The Righteous Gemstones plot is a key ingredient in its satire.
Amazing Music
One of the things that really separates this comedy series from others is the music. From the hymns when the credits roll to the ‘satanist’ house music, it all fits incredibly well.
The family’s focus on entertainment lends itself to many situations where music can be used, sometimes for comic relief, and other times just to help set the tone of a particular scene. Throughout the live Gemstone Sermons, we often hear a beautiful church choir that compliments the spoken pastoral words. A very peculiar and funny character from season one, Levi, also plays for the church band that helps begin and end the Gemstone productions. We also see a good amount of musical numbers performed by the Gemstone family themselves, most notably a song called “Misbehavin’,” where multiple versions were sung by different characters throughout season one.
Season two has continued the strong musical presence. The first episode of the season shows Judy Gemstone performing a song in a packed performance arena with a crowd of background dancers behind her, as well as a live band, and the musical number is delightful. This character known for her sexual innuendos concludes the song by saying, “All I do is open my mouth and I let God do the rest.”
New Cast and Old Favorites
The writing in this show is punchy, witty, raunchy, and clever, but the actors who deliver the dialogue really make it shine. One of the strongest features of this show is the absolute powerhouse of acting talent. Some actors like McBride, Devine, and Patterson live and breathe the world of comedy, and it shows; the timing and cadence of the characters they play are truly hilarious. But there is an incredible amount of range in the Righteous Gemstone cast, especially with John Goodman’s character, a relatively straight shooter. His character isn’t exactly funny, but the realism and gusto Goodman brings to it and the great writing makes for an endearing, comic combination. Baby Billy, the greedy and eccentric uncle, is wonderfully played by the gifted Walton Goggins (who worked with McBride in the underrated Vice Principals). The list of great actors could go on, including Scott MacArthur, Skyler Gisondo, and Cassidy Freeman.
The cast continues to grow in season two and includes the recognizable Eric Roberts who plays a friend of John Goodman’s character. We also see Jason Schwartzman, who plays the unwanted journalist reporting on the family. Additionally, season two brings us Jessica Lowe and Eric Andre, playing a couple who own a Christian time-share resort named Zion’s Landing. At first glance, the combination of actors in season one may seem a bit unorthodox, but with the successful chemistry displayed, there is no doubt that these new additions will be seamlessly integrated. So far, so good– season two remains the funniest satirical comedy on television right now.
