It’s definitely Jesse. It took several minutes for me to register why I recognized that young actor, and then I realized it’s the same one who always plays Jesse in the flashbacks. I don’t think he’s ever identified by name in the scene though.
I agree. Danny McBride is a truly unique screen presence. It’s no small feat that the actor playing young Jesse (J. Gaven Wilde, according to IMDB) is able to capture the essence of McBride’s portrayal without it seeming like mere imitation.
Yeah, and I would guess they are at the Gemstone amusement park place, not a county fair. Not super important to the review, which I definitely enjoyed otherwise. I like this show and really loved these first two episodes. Donna, I look forward to your upcoming recaps in light of your background!!
so excited that you’re reviewing this show Donna! and I’ll take your thoughts on modern Christian culture wherever they’ll flow best.
loved these eps, what a return for the show. was watching these with a friend who this was her first episode and I can’t imagine a better intro to the show’s vibe than the opening flashback, followed by the inane scenes of what Eli and his kids are up to since the break.
incredible end of episode 2 car chase as well, complete with a wonderful face acting performance from Skyler Gisondo. hopefully we get more of him this season than last one.
Personally, as someone who grew up in the South and has plenty of my own experience with evangelicalism and apocalypse cults, I'm fine with working that kind of discussion into the reviews.
Really enjoyed these first two, but I'm a huge fan of the show, so the thrust of my notes is "WE ARE SO FUCKING BACK" to some repeated degree.
That's Casey Wilson as Stephen's wife! I assume we'll see more of her; I might be wrong, but I imagine they wouldn't cast her without more of a role in mind.
"That’s right, it’s Succession with (ironically) less chance of redemption."
Aw, now, see, that I don't agree with. I think there is some sense of right and wrong, desire to do good, and even belief in the divine in some of the Gemstones, at least. (Eli most notably, but I think Kelvin has some real belief and spiritual connection, as we saw in some key moments in season 2.) They're just so buried under a lifetime of wealth and privilege that it often takes extreme circumstances to bring those elements out. But they're there! If only they could listen to them more often instead of jockeying for power and fame and more money and... whatever kind of sexual transference Kelvin and his seasonal projects are jockeying for.
i avoided this show for a while because of the religious stuff but i wouldn’t mind seeing you weave theology into the review. this show is the complete opposite of what i thought it would be (which was stupid by me just based on the cast alone) and that damn shoe fight is so ridiculous and dumb but they know how to make it hilarious.
The child preaching at the monster truck rally was Jesse Gemstone, not the old dude.
Oh boy, is that right? If so, sorry for misinterpreting!
It’s definitely Jesse. It took several minutes for me to register why I recognized that young actor, and then I realized it’s the same one who always plays Jesse in the flashbacks. I don’t think he’s ever identified by name in the scene though.
They got a great kid actor to play the young Jesse. He really nails McBride's mannerisms and patterns of speaking as present-day Jesse.
I agree. Danny McBride is a truly unique screen presence. It’s no small feat that the actor playing young Jesse (J. Gaven Wilde, according to IMDB) is able to capture the essence of McBride’s portrayal without it seeming like mere imitation.
Yeah, and I would guess they are at the Gemstone amusement park place, not a county fair. Not super important to the review, which I definitely enjoyed otherwise. I like this show and really loved these first two episodes. Donna, I look forward to your upcoming recaps in light of your background!!
Welcome back Donna!
Seconded! As a baptized and confirmed Catholic (no longer practicing)), sprinkle your religious asides wherever they make the most sense is my vote.
so excited that you’re reviewing this show Donna! and I’ll take your thoughts on modern Christian culture wherever they’ll flow best.
loved these eps, what a return for the show. was watching these with a friend who this was her first episode and I can’t imagine a better intro to the show’s vibe than the opening flashback, followed by the inane scenes of what Eli and his kids are up to since the break.
incredible end of episode 2 car chase as well, complete with a wonderful face acting performance from Skyler Gisondo. hopefully we get more of him this season than last one.
Personally, as someone who grew up in the South and has plenty of my own experience with evangelicalism and apocalypse cults, I'm fine with working that kind of discussion into the reviews.
Really enjoyed these first two, but I'm a huge fan of the show, so the thrust of my notes is "WE ARE SO FUCKING BACK" to some repeated degree.
That's Casey Wilson as Stephen's wife! I assume we'll see more of her; I might be wrong, but I imagine they wouldn't cast her without more of a role in mind.
"That’s right, it’s Succession with (ironically) less chance of redemption."
Aw, now, see, that I don't agree with. I think there is some sense of right and wrong, desire to do good, and even belief in the divine in some of the Gemstones, at least. (Eli most notably, but I think Kelvin has some real belief and spiritual connection, as we saw in some key moments in season 2.) They're just so buried under a lifetime of wealth and privilege that it often takes extreme circumstances to bring those elements out. But they're there! If only they could listen to them more often instead of jockeying for power and fame and more money and... whatever kind of sexual transference Kelvin and his seasonal projects are jockeying for.
Reading this late as I finally watched the first two episodes. I am happy to have your deep dives integrated into the reviews.
Hooray! I'm happy to see you on this beat, Donna. No need to segregate the church stuff. Let it flow where it makes sense.
the show rings so true to those of us who have interacted with megachurches. Please give us that insight. Glad to have you back.
Hope we get to see more of Casey Wilson (Penny!) this season.
i avoided this show for a while because of the religious stuff but i wouldn’t mind seeing you weave theology into the review. this show is the complete opposite of what i thought it would be (which was stupid by me just based on the cast alone) and that damn shoe fight is so ridiculous and dumb but they know how to make it hilarious.
i fucking love these morons