Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Righteous Gemstones season 4, episode 6!
The “Interlude” episodes inThe Righteous Gemstonesare some of the show’s best outings, and here are all five of them, ranked. Throughout the four seasons ofThe Righteous Gemstones, there have been four true “Interlude” episodes, with them being the fifth episode of the first three seasons and the sixth episode of season 4. On top of that,The Righteous Gemstonesseason 4 premiered with “Prelude,“a prequel that tells the origins of the Gemstones' ministry. These episodes are all fantastic, but some ofThe Righteous Gemstones' “Interludes” have to be better than others.
The Righteous Gemstonesseason 4 has arrived, with it being the final season of Danny McBride’s hit HBO comedy. This time around, the Gemstones are dealing with interpersonal conflicts, with Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin attempts to break their father and his new girlfriend, Lori, up. Meanwhile, the trio is struggling to runGemstone Ministries in the wake of Eli’s retirement. They have to face off against the Simkins family, bigots, and various other threats. Halfway through this story, however,The Righteous Gemstonesbreaks for another “Interlude.”
“Interlude IV”
Season 4, Episode 6
The Righteous Gemstonesseason 4, episode 6, “Interlude IV"takes place in 2002, with it following the Gemstone family as they work on opening the Gemstone Salvation Center. Meanwhile, Jesse and Amber plan for the birth of their first-born child, while the Milsaps' family feuds spill over into the Gemstones' lives.
Of the five “Interlude” episodes, season 4’s “Interlude IV” is unfortunately the least good. While it is still fun,it so heavily focuses on the Milsaps that the Gemstones almost feel like side characters. While some of the moments between Eli and Jesse are nice, it feels less necessary to the overall story than other “Interlude” episodes. On top of that, it doesn’t pack the same emotional punch as some of the earlier flashbacks.
“Interlude III”
Season 3, Episode 5
The Righteous Gemstonesseason 3, episode 5, “Interlude III” is set in the year 2000, in the midst of a major Gemstone controversy. After Eli and Aimee-Leigh Gemstone pushed Y2K survival kits and other products, the duo is under fire thanks to groups of protesters. The Y2K scam also affected the villain ofThe Righteous Gemstonesseason 3, Steve Zahn’s Peter Montgomery, with his financial troubles from over-investing in the products leading him to a life of crime.
“Interlude III” is probably the most exciting of the “Interlude” episodes, with it featuring snake-handling, protests, a robbery, and a gunfight. The episode also manages to show the negative side of the Gemstones, withEli’s apocalyptic scam being more grounded than the more outlandish Gemstone gags from the present. Peter Montgomery is arguably the bestThe Righteous Gemstonesantagonist, and “Interlude III” acting as a sympathetic origin story also makes the episode a win, even if it isn’t as heartfelt as other flashbacks.
“Interlude II”
Season 2, Episode 5
The Righteous Gemstonesseason 2, episode 5, “Interlude II” takes place in 1993, with it following the Gemstones as they prepare for a Christmas program for Gemstone Family Studios. Shortly before the program, Baby Billy shows up, claiming that his wife has abandoned him and his son.
“Interlude II” blends excitement with heart,with the Eli and Marsh storyline covering the former and the Baby Billy storyline covering the latter. The episode continuesBaby Billy’s redemption arcafter his villainous storyline in season 1, and an episode that almost entirely focuses on Baby Billy is a surefire win.
“Prelude”
Season 4, Episode 1
The Righteous Gemstonesseason 4, episode 1, “Prelude” takes plane in 1862, with it following Bradley Cooper’s Elijah Gemstone. After killing a minister named Abel Greives,Elijah steals his identity and joins the Confederate Army as a chaplain. While he is initially just in it for the money, he changes his ways by the end of the episode.
Although it was divisive at first, “Prelude” is one ofThe Righteous Gemstonesbest episodes. It perfectly sums up the themes ofThe Righteous Gemstonesthrough Elijah’s redemption arc, and Bradley Cooper is one of the show’s best guest stars. On top of it, the more serious seasonpremiere ofThe Righteous Gemstonesseason 4 was a massive risk, and the fact that it worked makes it so much better.
“Interlude”
Season 1, Episode 5
The Righteous Gemstonesseason 1, episode 5, “Interlude” takes place in 1989, with it showing what the Gemstones were like before Aimee-Leigh’s death. Eli and Aimee-Leigh attempt to run their television program, although the arrival of Baby Billy Freeman creates excitement around a potential concert reunion tour.
While there have been four other flashback episodes since season 1, “Interlude” is still the best. It perfectly juxtaposes the rest of the series, and it is the first time that viewers spend a significant amount of time with Aimee-Leigh. This completely transforms Eli and Baby Billy’s characters, with it thematically completing the first season. On top of that, it would be a crime to not say that the episode ofThe Righteous Gemstonesthat introduced “Misbehavin'” is the best one.
