HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones sees a promising start

Danny McBride and HBO are just one of those things that when their names are paired together, I instantly am interested in whatever they are working on, similar to when you hear the names James Cameron and Terminator. And this project ain’t no Judgement Day but it is the latest series from the creators of Eastbound and Down and Vice Principals.

While there are only two episodes currently, this is a PSA on why you should watch it if you are looking for a nice late night comedy to watch on Sunday. And, if you have watched the shows Vice Principals or Eastbound and Down, then don’t worry this show is exactly the same tone and the outrageous comedy that those previous shows were.

This story about a wealthy, powerful family that owns a franchise of churches and religious missions, taking a satirical approach on the negative side to religious leaders and mega churches. 

The main cast consists of John Goodman, Danny McBride, Adam DeVine, and Walton Goggins. Every one of these actors have been leads on their own shows, key to why this show is going to be big- it simply has to be in order to contain all of the craziness that goes on in the show. 

In the first episode, the first half kind of dragged while getting the plot set up. But, when it got going, it really got going. I feel like the writers room is just them coming up with the craziest possible scenarios to put their characters in and what’s great about the show is the fact they actually put effort into the story. It’s not just a bunch of cheap gags for cheap laughs; there is a purpose for everything.

Then, the second episode really surprised me because there was very little comedy and the more serious tone  made it feel like a drama rather than a comedy. While it was still funny, I was kinda disappointed. However, that’s not to say the show won’t pick up and find its groove, but as of now the show is playing into the serious notes.

Again, it is not a bad thing that they are doing it that way, but I started watching the show for the comedy not the gritty dramatic tones of the show.

I will definitely continue to watch the show in the weeks to come because it is the only good show that’s out right now to hold me off until this fall’s amazing lineup of tv shows.