After four seasons of televangelist mayhem, moral chaos, and divine dysfunction, HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones wrapped up its series on May 4, 2025, with a finale that was as explosive, emotional, and unexpected as fans could have hoped. Titled “That Man of God May Be Complete,” the episode delivered both satisfying closure and surprising developments that honored the show’s core themes of family, redemption, and faith in the most Gemstones way possible.
A Violent Confrontation with a Devastating Outcome
The final episode wastes no time plunging the Gemstones into chaos. The long-simmering threat of Corey Milsap (Seann William Scott), who had blamed the family for his parents’ divorce and his downward spiral, finally explodes into violence. Corey crashes a Gemstone gathering, armed and unstable, forcing Jesse, Kelvin, and Judy into a life-or-death confrontation.
Tension rises quickly as Corey opens fire. In a moment that showcases Jesse’s emotional growth, he does not act rashly. But when it becomes clear that Corey is willing to kill, Jesse fires in nest thermostat fatally shooting Corey.
This climactic moment feels like more than just the end of a plot thread. It’s a symbolic cleansing the past literally trying to destroy the family, only to be met with a more self-aware and unified response. Jesse doesn’t revel in the violence; instead, he collapses emotionally, finally understanding the weight of his legacy and actions.
Love Wins: Kelvin and Keefe’s Wedding
Balancing the grim events of the shooting is one of the most heartwarming scenes in the entire series. Kelvin (Adam DeVine) and Keefe (Tony Cavalero) long one of the show’s most complex and beloved relationshipsfinally tie the knot.
Their on-screen wedding is not played for laughs. Instead, it’s presented with surprising sincerity and tenderness. It’s a bold move for a series that often leans heavily into irreverence, and it pays off. The moment underscores a recurring theme in the final season: the importance of chosen family and unconditional love.
Kelvin and Keefe’s union is also a triumphant moment for queer representation in mainstream comedy. It was a long-awaited payoff for fans who had followed their journey from religious repression to joyful self-acceptance.
B.J. Reunites with Dr. Watson (Yes, the Monkey)
In true Gemstones fashion, the finale still sprinkles in absurdity alongside its pathos. Case in point: B.J. (Tim Baltz) reuniting with his beloved pet monkey, Dr. Watson.
This subplot, while humorous on the surface, also acts as a metaphor for restoration. B.J. has endured betrayal, heartbreak, and humiliation across the series. His reunion with Dr. Watson, a quirky but meaningful symbol of his identity, signals that he’s finally reclaiming his dignity on his own terms.
Eli and Lori’s Fresh Start
Meanwhile, Eli Gemstone (John Goodman) the patriarch of the family and Lori (Megan Mullally), a late-in-the-series love interest, reconcile and embark on a literal and figurative journey together. The two board a yacht and set sail, leaving behind the stage lights and sermons for something quieter and more personal.
For Eli, a man haunted by loss and past sins, this quiet departure marks a full-circle moment. After years of controlling the pulpit and the family, he finally chooses peace over power.
One Final Prayer and One Final Bond
In the emotional closing scene, the surviving Gemstone siblings Jesse, Judy (Edi Patterson), and Kelvin gather around Corey’s body. Rather than spiral into chaos or conflict, they kneel in prayer.
It’s not the typical performative prayer the series often mocked. It’s intimate, broken, and heartfelt. This moment reflects how far they’ve come trom egotistical, self-serving schemers to something resembling a real family.
The prayer serves as a spiritual bookend to the series. While the Gemstones may never be perfect, they have finally become complete, just as the episode’s title suggests.
The Balance of Absurdity and Authenticity
The Righteous Gemstones was never just a comedy. Beneath its outrageous humor and satirical jabs at prosperity gospel culture, the show consistently explored themes of trauma, faith, dysfunction, and healing. The finale honors that legacy.
By weaving a complex emotional tapestry balancing gunfire and prayer, weddings and funerals, monkeys and yachts the creators reminded viewers that growth often happens in contradiction. Danny McBride, who wrote and directed the finale, stuck the landing with his signature tone: dark, hilarious, but deeply human.
What’s Next for the Gemstones?
Although the show has ended, the final moments leave just enough open-ended possibility. The family business still exists. Jesse appears poised to take over in a more mature, grounded way. Judy has reconciled with B.J. Kelvin and Keefe are embracing life openly.
While there are no official spin-off announcements, HBO hasn’t ruled anything out. In an interview with Vulture, Danny McBride teased that the Gemstones’ world still has “room to grow”perhaps in the form of a film, a limited series, or a future return. For now, though, the show ends exactly where it should: not with a cliffhanger, but with completion.
Where to Watch
All four seasons of The Righteous Gemstones are available for streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max). If you haven’t watched or want to relive the chaos it’s the perfect time to binge and witness one of the most original dark comedies in recent TV history.
Final Thoughts
The Righteous Gemstones series finale wasn’t just an ending it was a graduation. It proved that even the most broken families can evolve, even if they take the long (and ridiculous) way around. With sharp writing, excellent performances, and emotional payoff, the show leaves behind a legacy of faith, farce, and family that’s hard to forget.
Leave a Reply