What I’m Watching: The Righteous Gemstones

The Righteous Gemstones: Season 1, Episode 5 “Interlude” (B)

I wasn’t prepared for this flashback episode, one that took place almost entirely in the past and wasn’t particularly necessitated by anything that happened in the previous hour. I will say that it was worthwhile to see the fantastic performance from country singer Jennifer Nettles, who embodies Aimee-Leigh with a truly kind energy, something that has been lost in the way that even Eli interacts with the people around him, both his family and his flock. We also got to understand how Baby Billy ended up in the place he did, sidelined by Eli after doing the same to him on purpose because he thought that Eli was trying to encourage his sister not to tour with him after she found out about her surprise pregnancy. The scene where they performed the song and dance was spectacular, and represents a much more wholesome vibe than the Gemstones now emanate. Baby Billy casually mentioning that he had already sold some of the land without talking to her was a crucial turning point, and that was also likely the loss of innocence on Eli’s part since he had to go to bat for his wife, whose eventual death turned him into a much less friendly and happy man. Both Jesse and Judy were recognizably horrible, with Jesse openly complaining about how much he hated the idea of getting a younger sibling and Judy shouting down anyone, including her parents, who dared to give her a birthday present that didn’t satisfy her. I’m eager to return to the present in the next outing to see where everyone is now after this moderately helpful and informative trip to the past.