Overview

• The Season 4 premiere of 'The Righteous Gemstones' departs from its usual cast and timeline, focusing on the origin story of the Gemstone family during the Civil War.
• Bradley Cooper plays Elijah Gemstone, a roguish figure whose actions set the foundation for the family's legacy of greed and faith.
• Creator Danny McBride revealed that Cooper, who had never seen the show prior, accepted the role after reading the script and delivered a performance praised for its charisma and depth.
• The unconventional episode, directed by McBride, features dark humor and explores themes of moral contradiction, setting the tone for the show's final season.
• The remaining episodes will return to the present-day Gemstone family as they grapple with personal growth and their late matriarch's legacy.