The highly anticipated fourth and final season of HBO’s spiritual satire <em>The Righteous Gemstones</em> promises to be the most outrageous yet. In the exhilarating fifth episode of the season, viewers will notice two distinct plotlines that pay homage to lesser-known cinematic masterpieces created by two of the 20th century’s most innovative directors. In a recent conversation with IndieWire, the creators of the show reveal how elements from Stanley Kubrick‘s acclaimed film Barry Lyndon and George Romero‘s cult classic Monkey Shines have been intricately woven into the episode titled “You Shall Remember.”

Barry Lyndon is a key influence for a dramatic confrontation featuring Jesse Gemstone (Danny McBride) and his adversary, preacher Vance Simkins (Stephen Dorff). This scene is characterized by slow zooms complemented by Franz Schubert’s haunting “Piano Trip No. 2.” McBride notes that film history constantly inspires the creative team, stating, “It often means taking something as sophisticated as Barry Lyndon and infusing it into the absurd antics we pursue to craft something truly unique.” Additionally, the current struggles faced by BJ (Tim Baltz), who is dependent on an assistive monkey due to a tragic pole-dancing accident, draw from another cinematic source. McBride admits, “Monkey Shines was definitely an influence,” referring to the 1988 Romero film that follows a quadriplegic man who forms a telepathic connection with a remarkably intelligent service monkey, which begins to act upon his most sinister and lethal urges.

Key Developments in the Final Season of ‘The Righteous Gemstones’

The three Gemstone siblings are now at the helm of the family megachurch, grappling with the challenges that come with their newfound authority. Kelvin (Adam Devine) has emerged as the most successful of the trio, confidently embracing his identity and his relationship with Keefe (Tony Cavalero). He has revitalized the church’s modern, inclusive gospel, known as Prism, and is now a serious contender for the prestigious Top Christ-Following Man of the Year award. In contrast, Jesse and Judy (Edi Patterson) are facing hurdles; Jesse is struggling with his failed “Prayer Pods” initiative, while Judy is attempting to navigate the fallout from her husband BJ’s injury. They are managing these challenges without the guidance of their retired family patriarch (John Goodman), who is now romantically involved with his late wife’s best friend, Miss Lori (Megan Mullally), a situation that has sparked discontent among his children. Meanwhile, Uncle Baby Billy (Walton Goggins), riding high on the success of his game show Baby Billy’s Bible Bonkers, is developing a new project titled Teenjus, a dramatic television series that explores the teenage years of Jesus Christ.

This fourth and final season of The Righteous Gemstones has garnered overwhelming praise from critics, achieving a remarkable 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In his review, Collider’s Ross Bonaime emphasizes that the series “concludes with the same delightful strangeness, the blissfully hilarious humor, and the occasionally unexpected emotional depth that we’ve come to cherish from this show throughout the years.”

The Righteous Gemstones airs weekly on Sundays on HBO. Keep an eye on Collider for the latest updates and insights.

Source: IndieWire