The Righteous Gemstones (1×06) Now the Sons of Eli Were Worthless Men Review

For our review of the last episode of The Righteous Gemstones, click here.

Synopsis: Jealous of Kelvin’s rising star, Judy seeks her moment in the spotlight under Baby Billy’s tutelage. Jesse procures a key piece of evidence he hopes will lead to the blackmailers. (HBO)

Just when we thought one episode featuring “Misbehavin” was enough, we get TWO!

In what feels like a setup episode for the final act of this season, Now the Sons of Eli Were Worthless Men jumps back to the present just after Jesse caught up with the van belonging to the blackmailers. Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin desperately try to find any clues that might lead them closer to those who seek to ruin their family but come away with nothing. However, Scotty and Gideon seek Jesse and his crew out as Jesse is forced to call their bluff allowing for him and his friends to finally put this ordeal behind them. This unexpected move forces Scotty into drastic measures as the episode ends with him infiltrating the Gemstone plantation under the guise of being a friend of Gideon.

Elsewhere, Baby Billy continues to stir up trouble, this time focusing on the Gemstone receiving the least attention – Judy. Under his mentorship, Billy gives Judy the chance to be accepted in the spotlight, something her father never did, as he begins to mold her into a performer able to step into the void her mother left years ago. Eli sees right through Billy’s true motives but is pleasantly surprised when Judy does well in front of a crowd.

As much fun as it would’ve been to stay with the Gemstones in the 1980s, the story must move forward. Now the Sons of Eli Were Worthless Men saw Gideon and Scotty have been forced into action, albeit reluctantly on Gideon’s part, while Jesse believes that all of his troubles are in his rear view. What Billy intended for selfish gain, might actually be the missing piece of confidence that Judy had been seeking. This episode felt like a maneuver to place all of the pieces into position for the story’s fast approaching resolution. Despite this, it still managed to produce hilarious moments while still advancing the narrative to a place of anticipation for next week.

GEM of the episode: TIE

1. “Ugh, cool mushroom tip” – Judy
2.  BJ hissing at Judy backstage before her performance

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