The Righteous Gemstones (2×09) I Will Tell of All Your Deeds Review

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

Synopsis: While the Gemstones celebrate the launch of Zion’s Landing, Baby Billy faces a chance to embrace fatherhood. (HBO)

After an arduous journey for each member of the Gemstone family this season, the finale seeks to answer all of the impending questions that have been looming as the family celebrates the grand opening of the Christian couples retreat, Zion’s Landing in true Gemstone fashion leaving nothing short of the spectacular for all in attendance.

First, the true events of the night at Thanial Block’s cabin are revealed to show that Lyle Lissons was at his house the night he died to continue feeding him information to help with his investigations into churches and their financial dealings. Of course, this leads to an altercation that expectedly results in Block crying out, “Brooklyn Bitches!” while retreating into his house and subsequently killing himself via a ricochetted bullet. Despite this mishap, Lissons still resumes covering up his misdeeds resulting in more murder just before the Gemstones arrive to confront Thanial for over the same concerns as Lissons.

More importantly, the finale extends beyond the Lissons’ motives for silencing Block and reveals him to be the true mastermind behind everything that has been plaguing Jesse, Amber, and Eli this season. The extent of his depravity is on full display through the revelation that the Lissons Kiddo Ranch is essentially used as a farm system to create more cycle ninjas to carry out Lyle’s bidding, but things turn tense as his child army revolts by extorting him for more money. And it should not be overlooked that the dress code for both employees and residents at the Ranch is a Canadian Tuxedo aka full denim. Lissons is truly evil for that decision.

But things are not all sour as the grand opening for Zion’s Landing is finally happening with all of the Gemstones, Lissons, other investors, and Joe Jonas in attendance. This marks the perfect occasion for Baby Billy to explain his reasoning for abandoning Tiffany at her most vulnerable for fear of pulling her and baby Lionel down with him. Baby Billy’s reconciliation with Harmon helped him on the path to redemption, a sentiment he is seeking with Tiffany in order to become the father he never thought he could be. This gesture is quickly interrupted as the magical powers of Funyuns help induce Tiffany who goes on to deliver Lionel as a toilet baby with Baby Billy’s help.

But things finally reach a fever pitch between Jesse and Lyle leading to a confrontation over Lyle’s intent of assassinating Eli resulting in Jesse’s clever use of a rock and sling. Ultimately, a showdown between the Gemstones and the Lissons ensues leading to traded insults and threats and culminating with BJ getting shot in the leg, a moment I must admit made me do an actual spit-take. And while BJ’s roller-blading ability is left in question, things begin to look bleaker for the Gemstones as the Lissons appear to get away with everything.

Only to jump forward one month later…

Time seems to have enabled a new and better chapter for each of the Gemstones as Jesse and Amber continue to build upon their couples counseling, BJ and Judy realize their potential for parenting as they see Baby Billy, Tiffany, and Lionel back to Freeman’s Gap, and Kelvin shifts his approach with the God Squad from roided-out men to ministering to kids that appears to be one lawsuit away from cratering horribly. Despite the Gemstones perceived to have been beaten by the Lissons, revenge is not on any of their minds. And while this could be derived from Biblical teachings being carried out, the truth finds that the threats of cycle ninjas, now snowmobile ninjas, are inescapable to even their creator. In truly spectacular fashion, they return to exact their revenge to which the Lissons hilariously attempt a recreation of the Young Guns finale which goes horribly wrong putting an end to this season’s conflict and leaving all of the Gemstones in a positive place.

This second season has been something remarkable as each Gemstone underwent significant growth. This was unexpected, yet welcomed, due to the earlier episodes resembling a recreation of the first season which was worrisome at times. As the stories progressed, this thought process quickly changed leading to an incredible finale that was worth the wait and complemented an expertly paced buildup across its 9 episodes. Furthermore, it leaves fans in a place of comforting closure for the Gemstones while evoking excitement and anticipation for what is to come in their third season.

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