“Righteous Gemstones” on HBO Has Charlotte-Concord Ties!
“The Righteous Gemstones” debuted on HBO August 18th and only two episodes have aired. I was hooked :45 into the premiere. One of the main reasons is Danny McBride. You’ll remember Danny from “Eastbound and Down”, another HBO comedy hit. The Righteous Gemstones was filmed in Charleston, S.C. and seems to be a not too subtle take on the PTL Ministry of Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker and their huge MEGA-CHURCH down in Ft. Mill.
Another area connection is Concord’s Jody Hill
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 25: Jody Hill attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of New HBO Series “The Righteous Gemstones” at Paramount Studios on July 25, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images,)
Jody Hill has been involved with Danny McBride for some time and they even filmed “Foot, Fist Way” in Concord several years ago, a campy comedy centered around Tae Kwon Do. The comedy here is fun, outrageous and “cringeworthy” in places but I haven’t stopped laughing. The series, written and created by McBride also stars Adam Devine from “Modern Family” and “The Pitch Perfect” flicks. Edi Patterson steals the show as the “quirky” sister who’s not allowed to preach or have the same place in the family ministry as her brothers (McBride & Devine). John Goodman as the patriarch rounds out this cast that also includes Jody Hill and Durmot Mulroney.
But we’re not done with local connections here! Michael Mitschele, a Charlotte musician who’s played with numerous bands around the area (Jolene, Hard Soul Poets) is the Musical Director of the Gemstone’s MEGA-CHURCH. His sister, Kristen Honeycutt, who was my partner on a radio show called “The Lounge” many years ago also did the female backup singing parts during the church service! Many local connections for this new HBO offering. The pilot was an hour long, the rest of the episodes are :30 and it’s well time spent if you like irreverent comedy!
https://youtu.be/KqJRIQO7sqw
