The third episode of The Righteous Gemstones Season 4, titled “To Grieve Like the Rest of Men Who Have No Hope,” brings another mix of chaos, family drama, and comedy. A storm damages Kelvin’s childhood treehouse, making him reflect on the past and his feelings of helplessness. Meanwhile, Jesse’s failed Prayer Pods become a source of humiliation, and tensions rise when Eli reveals a surprising new relationship. At the same time, rival preacher Vance Simkins continues to challenge the Gemstones, threatening their hold over the church. As the family struggles to keep control, their problems only seem to be getting worse.
A NIGHTMARISH BEGINNING
A storm rages over the Gemstone mansion in 2002. Amid the howling winds and flashing lightning, a gloved intruder moves through the house, smashing picture frames and destroying valuables. The most significant theft? A gold-plated Bible, taken from its glass case.
A terrified child hides under his bed, his small hands covering his mouth to suppress his panicked breathing. As the shadowy figure enters his room, the tension builds. The intruder lifts the bed, revealing the child, who lets out a blood-curdling scream. A flashback hints that young Kelvin might have seen the thief, but the show leaves this mystery unresolved.
KELVIN’S NIGHTMARES RETURN
Fast-forward to the present, where Kelvin (Adam DeVine) wakes up from the nightmare, drenched in sweat and screaming. Keefe (Tony Cavalero), his ever-loyal right-hand man, turns on the light and calmly points out that Kelvin’s nightmares and sweating have been getting worse. Kelvin, of course, denies it, blaming it on the storm outside. He admits that he has always hated storms, describing them as “like the Devil’s peeing on you.”
Keefe, in one of the most hilarious moments of the season, launches into an overly dramatic monologue about Satan urinating on humanity with a “foul-smelling stream.” He describes the temperature, color, and deceptive appeal of the devil’s urine with intense seriousness. As Kelvin drifts back to sleep, Keefe turns to the window, bravely telling the storm (and Satan) that they are safe inside. But when a massive thunderclap strikes, Keefe gasps in terror, and an awkwardly timed reaction from his body leads to a quick smash cut to the title card.
FAMILY SUPPER CHAOS
Meanwhile, Eli (John Goodman) and Lori (Megan Mullally) are moving at full speed in their newfound romance, knocking items off the bathroom counter as they passionately make out. However, Lori puts a pause on their intimate moment, eager to get to the family dinner outside.
At dinner, we meet Corey (Seann William Scott), Lori’s son. The gathering quickly turns chaotic when Jesse (Danny McBride) and BJ (Tim Baltz) show up with matching mustaches, prompting laughter. Kelvin proudly announces that he is nominated for “Top Christ-Following Man of the Year,” much to Jesse’s dismay. However, Jesse gets the last laugh when it is revealed that Kelvin’s Prayer Pods are a complete disaster—people have been misusing them for indecent activities in public places.
Corey, eager to fit in, hurls insults at family members, including his wife Jana (Arden Myrin), whom he mistakes for his sibling. When she angrily corrects him, he casually shrugs it off, showing his Gemstone-worthy ability to thrive in family dysfunction.
JESSE’S POWER STRUGGLE
Jesse is eager to prove his dominance, especially when it comes to his son Gideon (Skyler Gisondo). To assert his wisdom, Jesse gathers his crew, including Martin (Gregory Alan Williams) and other familiar faces, but their meeting is interrupted by news that Vance Simkins (Stephen Dorff) has opened a church right across from a Gemstone location.
Jesse, seething with rage, wants to retaliate violently, but Martin advises against it. Instead, Martin suggests strengthening their own congregation so they can’t be poached. Surprisingly, Jesse listens and begins strategizing a non-violent response.
A DISASTROUS PERFORMANCE
Elsewhere, BJ enters a pole-dancing competition with Judy (Edi Patterson) as his enthusiastic cheerleader. At first, BJ impresses with his moves, but he loses control, slipping down the pole and faceplanting onto the floor in a painfully awkward moment. As he groans in agony, Judy frantically calls for an ambulance.
Later, at the hospital, Judy stays by BJ’s side, but she’s suspicious when Lori somehow arrives knowing all the details of the accident. Amber (Cassidy Freeman) makes the connection that Eli and Lori arrived at the same time, suggesting they are together. Their feeble denials only add to the humor of the situation.
CHURCH RIVALRIES AND FAMILY TENSIONS
Jesse’s feud with Simkins escalates at the Cape and Pistol Society, where they engage in an intense exchange of insults and grandiose robe flourishes. This scene, though not advancing the plot significantly, is pure comedic gold as the two men try to outdo each other with exaggerated gestures.
Back at the hospital, BJ is discharged, but his injuries make everything a challenge. Judy tries to help him into the car while aggressively shooing away onlookers. At a family dinner, BJ’s embarrassment grows when he accidentally spills a glass, leading to teasing from the siblings.
Tensions rise when Corey bluntly points out the obvious chemistry between Eli and Lori. Finally, Eli decides to confess—he and Lori are seeing each other. The revelation sends the Gemstone kids into a collective meltdown, and they flee the table in dramatic fashion, retreating to the restaurant kitchen to process their emotions.
ELI’S EMOTIONAL BREAKDOWN
Eli finds his children huddled in the restaurant freezer, refusing to accept their father’s new relationship. He confronts them, asking if they expect him to live in mourning forever. Without hesitation, they say yes.
This triggers an emotional outburst from Eli. He confesses that he would give anything to have Aimee-Leigh back, but he is tired of being alone. His voice cracks as he admits his deep loneliness, and for the first time in a long while, we see the true weight of his grief.
Jesse, seeing his father’s pain, reaches out first, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. One by one, Kelvin and Judy follow, setting aside their immaturity to embrace their father as he sobs. It’s a rare, genuinely touching moment amidst the show’s usual absurdity.
JESSE TAKES CHARGE
Determined to fight Simkins in his own way, Jesse delivers a passionate sermon to his congregation, emphasizing commitment and faith. As he preaches, the camera cuts to Eli at home, gazing at a statue of Aimee-Leigh, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Lori explores Eli’s home, wandering into Aimee-Leigh’s old recording studio. As she picks up Aimee-Leigh’s glasses, a silent moment lingers—one that suggests Lori may have bigger plans for her presence in the Gemstone household.
This episode seamlessly blends outrageous comedy with genuine emotional weight. From Kelvin’s bizarre nightmares to Eli’s heartbreaking confession, “To Grieve Like the Rest of Men Who Have No Hope” balances its signature humor with character-driven depth. As the Gemstones struggle with grief, rivalry, and family bonds, it’s clear that things are only going to get more chaotic from here.
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