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Warning: This article contains spoilers for the season premiere of The Righteous Gemstones.
The Gemstone family, central to HBO’s acclaimed series The Righteous Gemstones, has consistently navigated a tumultuous narrative landscape. Series creator Danny McBride set the tone for the show’s fourth and final season with “Prelude,” a flashback episode illustrating the family’s history during the Civil War.
The unconventional choice to forgo the main characters in this premiere is both innovative and bold. Notably absent are familiar faces such as Eli (John Goodman), Jesse (McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson), Kelvin (Adam Devine), and Uncle Baby Billy (Walton Goggins), who are typically at the heart of the series’ dark humor and familial drama.
In their place, Bradley Cooper steps into the narrative as a Civil War-era antagonist—a character who engages in theft and murder while masquerading as a chaplain, ultimately seeking redemption and familial connection. This storyline raises intriguing questions about lineage, possibly linking his character to Goodman’s Eli as a great-grandfather.
McBride acknowledged the daring nature of initiating the season without the core cast. During a media conference, he expressed his concerns about audience expectations after a long hiatus. “We really needed a captivating actor to welcome viewers back into this world,” he remarked. “The idea of someone like Bradley Cooper came to mind, and when we reached out, he responded positively despite not having seen the show before.”
Cooper’s decision to delay watching the series until after his filming was a creative choice aimed at ensuring his performance remained authentic and individualized. McBride remarked, “Sometimes guest stars try to echo the show’s established humor, but that wasn’t our goal for this episode. It was fortuitous that he agreed to this with such a unique perspective.
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There’s anticipation surrounding whether Cooper’s performance could earn him an Emmy nomination. Meanwhile, Devine, portraying the youngest Gemstone son Kelvin, lauded McBride’s work on the final season, teasing that it wraps up in a highly satisfying manner while maintaining the series’ outrageous charm. “You nailed it, Danny,” Devine said. “This season is the best yet. It has a conclusion that everyone will appreciate.”
As fans brace for more outrageous moments, the show’s characteristic irreverence is confirmed to continue in Season 4—a fact underscored by the unexpectedly explicit content in “Prelude.” Additionally, viewers can anticipate more guest appearances, with Emmy winner Megan Mullally joining the chaos as Lori, a friend celebrating Eli’s late wife, and Seann William Scott appearing as Lori’s son.
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www.goldderby.com