‘The Righteous Gemstones’ Season 4 Begins with a Bold and Unconventional Premiere

The final season of HBO's dark comedy opens with a Civil War-era flashback featuring Bradley Cooper in a pivotal guest role.

The Season 4 premiere of 'The Righteous Gemstones' departs from its usual format, focusing on a 40-minute flashback set during the Civil War.
Bradley Cooper guest stars as Elijah Gemstone, an ancestor of the family, marking a key origin story for the Gemstone dynasty.
The episode explores themes of faith, hypocrisy, and survival, blending dark comedy with dramatic historical elements.
Creator Danny McBride described the episode as a creative risk and a way to set the tone for the final season's unpredictable narrative.
Critical reviews praise the premiere’s ambitious storytelling and performances, setting a strong foundation for the series' conclusion.