The fourth, and final, season of The Righteous Gemstones is here. Announced what felt like a month or two ago, the surprise of a final season shocked fans, myself included. Yet, I can understand why Danny McBride carefully ensures his shows get a proper ending before it gets cancelled without a proper conclusion. This season finds the family of world-famous, troubled televangelist’s as they are tested like never before as they attempt to move forward without letting go of their familial past.

I first caught The Righteous Gemstones after the first season’s debut. It was not only hilarious, but smart in its twists and turns. I amazed by how Danny McBride almost plays the same role every time, and yet, manages to be one of the most unique and gifted writers out there. I believe what’s hurt fans the most with its sudden final season announcement is the fact the second season came out so long after the first season due to the pandemic. After some time, you’d want to stay with this story and its characters longer, but I can understand why McBride wants to go out on his own terms. I am happy to report that this show is hilarious, unique, and phenomenal from start to finish.

I did not get the entire final season until after the season premiere, so viewers may already be familiar with how this season starts as a prequel to the entire show. I honestly don’t mind when shows do this as long as it is written well and serves a purpose. To my surprise, it hit both of those things for me as it serves as a proper thematical device for the rest of the season.

The first episode includes Bradley Cooper as the Gemstone to start it all and excludes the rest of the family we all know and love. It’s jarring and surprising to see Cooper in a role that feels like he would no longer do, but he’s does an incredible job with the material. The first episode is probably the least funniest out of the whole show, but it’s also one of the best. It really sets the tone for who this family becomes and why they are the way they are. Some might see it as a filler episode, which is surprising since it’s the first episode. As the season goes on, you’ll see why this episode matters so most. I’d still argue this could have been placed anywhere in the show.

The second episode brings us back to the present day with the family and doesn’t stop until the very end. I was worried with there now only being 8 episodes that we would get something rushed. I wouldn’t say it’s rushed, but I still wanting more out of some of the side characters like Amber & Gideon Gemstone. They get some great moments in the show that feels satisfying enough. They also feel like pinnacle characters from the beginning that I would have liked to have seen more screentime given to. This is a season fully geared towards the trio siblings – Jesse, Kelvin, and Judy. The season is all the better for it.

Jesse (McBride) might have viewers just seeing McBride. McBride certainly has a schtick that works for me though. The way he displays his anger is hilarious. There is a gradual arc for the character though that properly gives him something satisfying in the end. Kelvin (Adam DeVine) probably has the most profound story this season as they fully embrace his sexuality. I was surprised to see that when the prior seasons always eluded to it, but never fully explored it. It’s nice to see him being happy with himself this season. Judy (Edi Patterson) is playing a little bit more of herself, but staying true to her character continues to give the comedic edge that it needs.

I loved how the show never forgets its comedic tone after the first episode. McBride always manages to get some of the best guest stars for big, supporting roles. One of my favorite characters, Baby Billy Freeman (Walton Goggins) made me laugh nonstop. He has been insanely busy, starring in another HBO show, The White Lotus, making every Sunday night for the next several weeks a Walton Goggins’ double threat that HBO needs to promote.

John Goodman continues to be hilarious. The guy just knows how to match the tone of anything he is in. He has some deeply hilarious & shocking elements that are going to satisfy fans. He also has a poignant ending that stays true to the heart of the show. Much like the rest of this season, I was surprised by the way they conclude his story.

Fans of the show might be worried by how the show concludes. I can confidently say that I was very satisfied with the conclusion. It is one of the most ambitious and satisfying endings I have seen for a TV show. It goes out with a bang that wraps everything up perfectly with laughs and thrills. I am trying to tiptoe around spoilers here. Just know that it goes in a unique direction that is exciting. If you haven’t seen the show before, I highly recommend watching it now due to how satisfying the ending is.

Since every season has had 9 episodes, this one also has the same amount. With a prequel episode in the beginning, I do feel like a longer season could have helped fully flesh out the characters. Gideon (Skyler Gisondo) has a great story here, but since we know where he started at the beginning of the show, I would have liked to have seen him deal with his past more this season. Still, I can’t get over how satisfying this season is.

Overall, the fourth, and final, season of The Righteous Gemstones delivers one of the most satisfying final seasons, and final episodes, of television. The humor is fitting and shocking, staying true to what came before. There are 8 episodes left since this review has been written, meaning viewers will have 8 incredible & hilarious Sundays ahead of them.

VERDICT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)