The Righteous Gemstones Review: And Infants Shall Rule Over Them (Season 2 Episode 7)
For better or worse, no one knows you like your siblings. It’s the reason they can be your worst enemy or your greatest ally. On The Righteous Gemstones Season 2 Episode 7, “And Infants Shall Rule Over Them,” we see the Gemstone children rebuild a united front after the second assassination attempt on Eli.
As evidenced by everything that goes right this time, the siblings thrive when they’re working together. In their grief and fear, they need each other more than ever.
After seeing their daddy in the hospital, Judy and Jesse give a new meaning to the expression “crying and throwing up.” Their emotions get the best of them, and they start projectile vomiting.
It’s so gross it might make you turn away, but you have to admire that The Righteous Gemstones doesn’t let a more serious storyline prevent its extreme comedy. The gag doesn’t detract from the emotion of the scene but rather underlines that these characters aren’t so much heartless as they are people whose feelings consume them.
It’s a common thread throughout that under their petty selfishness they also care for each other. After Martin calls them out in a surprising outburst, they confront what the loss of their daddy would mean.
Jesse admits he’s not ready to be the head pastor. Judy promises to be a better person if Eli wakes up. Even Kelvin sets aside his pride to admit his dad was right.
With them all on the same page, the real action can begin. After some much-needed guidance from Martin, Jesse hatches a plan that just might work. They’ll set up the cycle ninjas by announcing Eli is doing better and pretend he’s a sitting duck at the hospital.
If you’re thinking that’s way too smart for Jesse to pull off, you’re right. He sabotages the genius plan by sending away his hired ex-military guards before the gang even shows up.
This botched scenario does provide a nice setup for Gideon and BJ to prove themselves to Jesse and strengthen the family bonds. Who knew it would take Eli almost dying for his family to start acting the way he wants them to?
The Righteous Gemstones chooses to lean into the power of family on this episode with Gideon using his stunt experience to chase down the gang members who get away. Between throwing stars, motorcycle tricks, and cattle prods during the showdown with the cycle ninjas, it’s never boring with this family.
That’s just the way it should be.
Things are slightly less explosive at the compound, but there is still plenty of healing going on. Judy and Amber find some common ground over the fact that men are unnecessary.
I truly love that Amber shows some real teeth in this season. This scene is the overdue girl power moment the show has needed.
Keef, who is the closest thing Kelvin has to a partner, encourages him to make amends. Like Judy earlier, Kelvin prays for Eli to heal and this time he actually wakes up.
The Righteous Gemstones‘ relationship with religion is always a bit tenuous since none of the characters are particularly pious. Still, there’s something nice about seeing the power of prayer seem to work when the Gemstone children are using it for something other than their own gain.
The weakest part is again the Baby Billy storyline, which starts to feel stretched thin. Valyn Hall’s performance sells Tiffany’s heartbreak, and there is something empowering about seeing Judy confront her uncle, but what is going on here?
His excuse about wanting to provide for his family feels more like a half-truth than a lie since that’s what caused him to abandon Harmon. The show strings the audience along rather than give answers, and at this point, the plot loses its appeal.
Overall, this episode sets up the core Gemstones to end the season in triumph, which is what you want to see after all their missteps and blunders. Although the Gemstones are mostly horrible people, there’s a part of you that roots for them and believes maybe they can learn something from Eli’s near-death experience.
Additional Thoughts:
- Kelvin showing up in a green cloak to Sunday lunch has “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” vibes.
- Pour one out for all the social media managers who had to cringe through Amber telling the congregation to make “#EliGemsHome” go viral.
- “Thank you Dr. Dickwad.”
- Finally, Gideon gets something to do on this episode. His lack of presence in the plot for most of the season has been puzzling.
- “Sassy on Sunday” is a certified bop. It’s definitely going on the playlist.
- There are too many great details to list them all, but Jesse using a modified Chili’s table pager when they all have cell phones is perfection.
What did you think of this episode of The Righteous Gemstones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
The Righteous Gemstones airs Sundays at 10/9c on HBO.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Breeze Riley
Breeze Riley is a pop culture enthusiast who decided to turn her love of watching too much TV into a hobby writing about it. Although she's a convention-going sci-fi and fantasy nerd, she's just as likely to be watching an off-beat comedy or period drama. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic.