The power dynamics in The Righteous Gemstones season 3 have kicked off with a bang. The show delves into the intense rivalry between the influential megachurches and the internal struggle for leadership within the Gemstone ministry. As the season begins, the battle has reached new heights, with a wave of formidable opponents emerging to challenge the Gemstones.
At the end of season 2, the Gemstone family found themselves in a relatively stable place, with Eli retired and the siblings sharing leadership of the church. Even Baby Billy Freeman managed to mend his relationship with his family. However, season 3 throws a fresh set of challenges their way. In the first episode, the Gemstones discover that a major donor is defecting to their rival, the Simkins. The situation worsens in episode 2, as they become the target of a group of militant preppers. As the story unfolds, let's take a look at where each character stands in the power hierarchy of The Righteous Gemstones.
9 May-May Montgomery
May-May Montgomery, the younger sister of Eli Gemstone, the patriarch of the Gemstone family, becomes a central figure in The Righteous Gemstones season 3. However, her past actions, particularly her attempt to harm Eli's wife Aimee-Leigh, have led to a deteriorating situation for her. Compounding her troubles, May-May's husband and children have joined a far-right militia, severing ties with her. Additionally, the Gemstone family, including Eli, has grown to despise her. With Eli having obtained a restraining order against her, May-May finds herself with little sway over the church and emerges as the least influential character in the intricate power dynamics of The Righteous Gemstones season 3.
8 Baby Billy Freeman
Baby Billy Freeman, once the head pastor of his own Gemstone church, lost all his influence after attempting to betray his own family. However, he has since redeemed himself and now finds contentment in his new role. Although he lacks significant power, Baby Billy's presence is notable as he is seen performing at the Zion's Landing beach resort, indicating that he still holds some level of influence.
7 Judy Gemstone
Judy Gemstone, along with her two siblings Jesse and Kelvin, is a part of the Gemstone Ministries church network. However, compared to her brothers, Judy holds considerably less authority. In the first episode of season 3, Jesse and Kelvin discover that Judy is having an affair with the guitarist from the Gemstone praise team. This revelation puts Judy in a vulnerable position, as her brothers now have significant leverage over her. Additionally, Judy's influence within the Gemstone churches is primarily limited to the music ministry. Despite still being an integral member of the Gemstone family, the exposure of her infidelity has significantly diminished her power ranking.
6 Kelvin Gemstone
Kelvin Gemstone, one of the co-leaders of Gemstones Ministries, takes charge of the youth programs within the church. Despite his influence being limited to the younger members, Kelvin possesses a remarkable ability to garner unwavering loyalty from the students and children of Gemstones Ministries. They willingly carry out all sorts of extraordinary tasks for him, effectively forming a small army at his disposal. While Kelvin's following may not possess the same physical strength as his season 2 God Squad, the sheer number of students affiliated with the Gemstone church grants him control over the upcoming generation of devoted churchgoers.
5 Jesse Gemstone
Jesse Gemstone, the most dominant among the co-leaders of Gemstone Ministries, is also looked up to by his two siblings for guidance, a role he willingly fulfills. While Jesse's influence may be steering the Gemstone church in a questionable direction, it is undeniable that he holds the reins. Moreover, since the conclusion of season 2, Jesse has gained a significant amount of respect from his father Eli, thereby increasing his control over the Gemstone family's wealth. Although Jesse's stance on the militants' situation remains unclear, when it comes to overseeing the church, Jesse is nearly unparalleled in his authority.
4 Peter
Peter, the husband of May-May Montgomery, may not be a blood relative of the Gemstones, but he wields immense power in The Righteous Gemstones season 3. As the leader of a group of militant doomsday preppers, he commands an army of trigger-happy killers who are relentless in their pursuit of the Gemstones. Peter has already displayed his dangerous nature by eluding the ATF and cruelly mutilating one of his followers for mere amusement. Undoubtedly, Peter's formidable strength will continue to pose a significant menace to the Gemstones in the upcoming episodes, making him a force to be reckoned with.
3 Eli Gemstone
Although Eli Gemstone is said to be retired, he still holds significant influence over Gemstone Ministries. The members of the Gemstone churches continue to seek guidance from Eli, who has been the ministry's leader for many years. Additionally, Eli has complete control over the Gemstone fortune, further enhancing his leverage. Unlike his children, Eli possesses a deep understanding of how to handle the group of preppers, giving him an advantage over his siblings. Moreover, instead of facing problems alone, Eli can rely on his henchmen to handle them, which is a major advantage.
2 The Simkins
The Simkins, a formidable trio, emerged as secondary antagonists in the third season of The Righteous Gemstones. Their dominance is undeniable as they lead a rival ministry, seizing control of territories once held firmly by Gemstone Ministries. Notably, the Simkin siblings even managed to secure the patronage of Dusty Daniels, one of the wealthiest donors to the Gemstones, amplifying their power and diminishing that of their adversaries.
1 Dusty Daniels
Dusty Daniels, a wealthy racecar driver, holds a position of great influence in The Righteous Gemstones season 3. Both the Gemstones and the Simnkins are willing to go to great lengths to win him over, highlighting his immense sway. In a display of his power, Daniels orchestrates a race between the Simnkins and the Gemstones purely for his own entertainment. Although he currently aligns with the Simnkins, it remains uncertain if his loyalties will shift in the future, solidifying Dusty Daniels as the most dominant figure in The Righteous Gemstones season 3.