The Righteous Gemstones has returned with season 4, episode 5, breaking a longstanding pattern established throughout its previous seasons. While the show is known for introducing new members of the Gemstone family each season, this latest installment has stepped away from another familiar structure that fans have come to expect.
In this pivotal episode, the narrative threads from prior installments converge. The ongoing rivalry between Jesse Gemstone and Vance Simkins, first highlighted in episode 3, is deftly interwoven with Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin’s attempts to interfere in Eli and Lori’s relationship, initially introduced in episode 4. This episode moves the plot forward significantly, marking a notable departure from previous narratives. This decision is a smart move for the show’s creators, particularly after the divisive cliffhanger involving Vance’s church burning in the previous episode.
A Departure from the “Interlude”Format in Episode 5
A Standard Episode Instead of an “Interlude”
Episode 5 has notably deviated from the “Interlude”concept that characterized the fifth episode of each previous season. In contrast to earlier seasons, where the fifth episodes acted as flashbacks revisiting pivotal moments in the lives of the Gemstone family, this episode follows a linear storytelling format. These flashback-centric episodes, particularly those focused on Aimee-Leigh Gemstone and younger versions of the main characters, were well-received. Fans eagerly anticipated the fourth season’s “Interlude IV,” only to be met with a standard narrative approach in this episode.
Compensating for the Change with Flashbacks
Including an Unforgettable “Prelude”Episode
While the fifth episode did not follow the “Interlude”theme, season 4 has cleverly compensated for this shift. The season kicked off with episode 1, titled “Prelude,”which presented a flashback detailing Elijah Gemstone’s experiences during the Civil War. Although the episode received mixed reviews initially, it has since gained a reputation as one of the series’ finest installments.
Additionally, viewers can look forward to episode 6 being designated as an “Interlude.”Although it might seem unconventional, this approach helps maintain a connection to the beloved format the series established in its earlier seasons, thereby preserving a sense of continuity for its devoted fans.