For I Know the Plans I Have for You

Last updated
"For I Know the Plans I Have for You"
The Righteous Gemstones episode
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 1
Directed by Jody Hill
Written by
Produced by
  • J. David Brightbill
  • S. Scott Clackum
Cinematography byPaul Daley
Editing byTodd Zelin
Original release dateJune 18, 2023 (2023-06-18)
Running time36 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"I Will Tell of All Your Deeds"		Next →
"But Esau Ran to Meet Him"

"For I Know the Plans I Have for You" is the first episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones . It is the nineteenth overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer John Carcieri, and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on June 18, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date. The episode aired back-to-back with the follow-up episode, "But Esau Ran to Meet Him".

Contents

The series follows a family of televangelists and megachurch pastors led by widowed patriarch Eli Gemstone. The main focus is Eli and his immature children, Jesse, Kelvin and Judy, all of whom face challenges in their lives. The series depicts the family's past and scandals, which unleash consequences. In the episode, the children are now trying to lead the church following Eli's semi-retirement, which creates friction.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.238 million household viewers and gained a 0.06 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the new characters, storylines and character development.

Plot

Flashback

At the Rogers County Fair in 2000, the Gemstones host a monster truck event. A young Jesse (J. Gaven Wilde) serves as a presenter, although Aimee-Leigh (Jennifer Nettles) opposes being part of it. While smoking near a barn, Aimee-Leigh is confronted by an old friend, May-May Montgomery (Kristen Johnston), who accuses her of faking her personality on camera. May-May chases her through the fair to attack her, until she is hit by a car.

Present day

Eli (John Goodman) has semi-retired from the church services, joining a new society, The Cape and Pistol Society, to relax. Jesse (Danny McBride) has helped in taking over Zion's Landing, including firing their driver for leaking information to the media. Judy (Edi Patterson) is coming off a tour, but has no time left for BJ (Tim Baltz). Kelvin (Adam DeVine) has formed a new squad with Keefe (Tony Cavalero), called "Smut Busters", which raids sex shops.

Martin (Gregory Alan Williams) informs the Gemstones that the church's attendance has declined since Eli's semi-retirement, and one of their benefactors, stock car racing driver Dusty Daniels (Shea Whigham), has cut ties with them. They visit him at the raceway, where he reiterates that he does not trusts them in leading the church. Dusty has gotten in business with their fellow competitors, the Simkins. The Simkins are led by Vance (Stephen Dorff), his sister Shay (Iliza Shlesinger) and their adoptive brother Craig (Gogo Lomo-David). Dusty decides to have them test their loyalty by competing in a race. Jesse competes with Vance, and loses after his car struggles to start and runs off the raceway

During a book signing, Eli is approached by an older May-May, who needs his help. Eli refuses to speak to her and has security take her out of the signing. Jesse feels he is unable to lead the church, and feels frustration that Amber (Cassidy Freeman) spends more helping other couples before helping their own marriage. He apologizes to Kelvin for previously insulting him, asking for help in getting Dusty back. They visit Judy during a rehearsal, discovering that she has an affair with one of the crew members, Stephen (Stephen Schneider). They fire Stephen and convince her to help them. Later, Jesse's crew brutally attacks Vance in a parking lot. Eli reconsiders his position and decides to visit May-May at her old church, agreeing to help her, revealing that she is his younger sister.

Production

Development

The episode was written by executive producer John Carcieri and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer David Gordon Green. This was Carcieri's eleventh writing credit, McBride's nineteenth writing credit, and Hill's ninth directing credit. [1]

Casting

In May 2022, it was reported that Stephen Dorff, Shea Whigham, Stephen Schneider, and Iliza Shlesinger would join the series in recurring roles. [2] The following month, Kristen Johnston was also announced to join the series. [3]

Reception

Viewers

In its original American broadcast, "For I Know the Plans I Have for You" was seen by an estimated 0.238 million household viewers with a 0.06 in the 18-49 demographics. This means that 0.06 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode. [4] This was a 41% decrease in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 0.402 million household viewers with a 0.1 in the 18-49 demographics. [5]

Critical reviews

"For I Know the Plans I Have for You" received positive reviews from critics. Matt Schimkowitz of The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B–" grade and wrote, "A reliable laugh machine, the episode spends too much time retreading ground, particularly about our villains of the week, May-May and the Simkins. After last season, in which the show brought its satire and style to another level, separating itself from McBride's other HBO projects, the season three premiere skates by because the jokes and performances are still top-notch." [6]

Scott Tobias of Vulture gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "The Righteous Gemstones sets up the Gemstones-Simkins rivalry quite well, including the now-requisite act of violent stupidity that occurs whenever Jesse feels backed into a corner." [7] Breeze Riley of Telltale TV gave the episode a 4.5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "Season 2 spent its premiere introducing a convoluted plot of murder and cover-up, while Season 3 chooses to go a much simpler route. With the three siblings jockeying for power within the church, there’s enough going on with them to provide plenty of tension and humor." [8]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Righteous Gemstones</i> American comedy television series

The Righteous Gemstones is an American black comedy crime television series created by Danny McBride that premiered on August 18, 2019, on HBO. The series follows a famous and dysfunctional family of televangelists. It stars Danny McBride, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Adam DeVine, Cassidy Freeman, Tony Cavalero, Tim Baltz, Skyler Gisondo, and Walton Goggins. In September 2019, HBO renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on January 9, 2022. In January 2022, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on June 18, 2023. In July 2023, the series was renewed for a fourth season.

"The Righteous Gemstones" is the series premiere of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. The episode was written and directed by series creator and lead actor Danny McBride. It was released on HBO on August 18, 2019.

"They Are Weak, But He Is Strong" is the third episode of the first season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. The episode was written by series creator Danny McBride and executive producer John Carcieri, and directed by executive producer David Gordon Green. It was released on HBO on September 1, 2019.

"Now the Sons of Eli Were Worthless Men" is the sixth episode of the first season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. The episode was written by Grant Dekernion, series creator Danny McBride, and cast member Edi Patterson, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on September 22, 2019.

"Interlude" is the fifth episode of the first season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. The episode was written by executive producers John Carcieri, Jeff Fradley and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer David Gordon Green. It was released on HBO on September 15, 2019.

"Wicked Lips" is the fourth episode of the first season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. The episode was written by executive producers John Carcieri, Jeff Fradley and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on September 8, 2019.

"Better Is the End of a Thing Than Its Beginning" is the ninth episode and season finale of the first season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. The episode was written by executive producers John Carcieri, Jeff Fradley, and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on October 13, 2019.

"After I Leave, Savage Wolves Will Come" is the second episode of the second season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the eleventh overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Danny McBride, executive producer John Carcieri and executive producer Jeff Fradley, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on January 9, 2022, airing back-to-back with the previous episode, "I Speak in the Tongues of Men and Angels".

"As to How They Might Destroy Him" is the fourth episode of the second season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the thirteenth overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Danny McBride, executive producer John Carcieri, and main cast member Edi Patterson, and directed by McBride. It was released on HBO on January 23, 2022.

"Never Avenge Yourselves, but Leave It to the Wrath of God" is the sixth episode of the second season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the fifteenth overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Danny McBride, executive producer John Carcieri, and executive producer Jeff Fradley, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on February 6, 2022.

"And Infants Shall Rule Over Them" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the sixteenth overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Danny McBride, executive producer John Carcieri, and executive producer Jeff Fradley, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on February 13, 2022.

"I Will Tell of All Your Deeds" is the ninth episode and season finale of the second season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the eighteenth overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Danny McBride, executive producer John Carcieri, and executive producer Jeff Fradley, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on February 27, 2022.

"But Esau Ran to Meet Him" is the second episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 20th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer John Carcieri, and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on June 18, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date. The episode aired back-to-back with the previous episode, "For I Know the Plans I Have for You".

"For Their Own Nakedness Is Your Own Nakedness" is the third episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 21st overall episode of the series and was written by Kevin Barnett, series creator Danny McBride, and Chris Pappas, and directed by McBride. It was released on HBO on June 25, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date.

"I Have Not Come to Bring Peace, But a Sword" is the fourth episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 22nd overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer John Carcieri and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on July 2, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date.

"Interlude III" is the fifth episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 23rd overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer John Carcieri and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer David Gordon Green. It was released on HBO on July 9, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date.

"For Out of the Heart Comes Evil Thoughts" is the sixth episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 24th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer John Carcieri and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by co-executive producer Jonathan Watson. It was released on HBO on July 16, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date.

"Burn for Burn, Wound for Wound, Stripe for Stripe" is the seventh episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 25th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Jeff Fradley, executive producer John Carcieri, and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by co-executive producer McBride. It was released on HBO on July 23, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date.

"I Will Take You by the Hand and Keep You" is the eighth episode of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 26th overall episode of the series and was written by Scott MacArthur, series creator Danny McBride, and main cast member Edi Patterson, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on July 30, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date, airing back-to-back with the follow-up episode, "Wonders That Cannot Be Fathomed, Miracles That Cannot Be Counted".

"Wonders That Cannot Be Fathomed, Miracles That Cannot Be Counted" is the ninth episode and season finale of the third season of the American dark comedy crime television series The Righteous Gemstones. It is the 27th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer John Carcieri, executive producer Jeff Fradley, and series creator Danny McBride, and directed by executive producer Jody Hill. It was released on HBO on July 30, 2023, and also was available on Max on the same date, airing back-to-back with the previous episode, "I Will Take You by the Hand and Keep You".

References

  1. ↑ "The Righteous Gemstones – WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  2. ↑ Bell, BreAnna (May 31, 2022). "'The Righteous Gemstones' Adds Stephen Dorff, Iliza Shlesinger, Sturgill Simpson, and Five Others to Season 3 Cast". Variety . Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  3. ↑ Otterson, Joe (June 27, 2022). "'Righteous Gemstones' Season 3 Adds Kristen Johnston (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  4. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (June 21, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 6.18.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  5. ↑ Metcalf, Mitch (March 1, 2022). "ShowBuzzDaily's Sunday 2.27.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 19, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  6. ↑ Schimkowitz, Matt (June 18, 2023). "The Righteous Gemstones season 3 premiere: Succession comes to those who pray". The A.V. Club . Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  7. ↑ Tobias, Scott (June 18, 2023). "The Righteous Gemstones Season-Premiere Recap: Succession". Vulture . Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  8. ↑ Riley, Breeze (June 19, 2023). "The Righteous Gemstones Season 3 Episodes 1 and 2 Review: For I Know the Plans I Have for You/ But Esau Ran to Meet Him". Telltale TV. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.