Walton Goggins On Getting To Pull Off Some Of Television’s Most Absurd Lines In ‘The Righteous Gemstones’: “Danny McBride Spins Gold”

New York Post - Apr 19th, 2025
Open on New York Post

In the hit HBO series 'The Righteous Gemstones,' Walton Goggins captivates audiences with his portrayal of Baby Billy Freeman, a character that blends absurdity with heartfelt realism. Known for his versatility, Goggins brings Baby Billy to life with unmatched charisma and comedic timing. His latest character arc involves a humorous yet poignant storyline where Baby Billy, struggling with cocaine addiction, attempts to fund a TV show about a teenage Jesus Christ. Goggins attributes his success in the role to understanding the character's depth and delivering lines crafted by talented writers, who provide a rich comedic canvas for him to explore.

The significance of Goggins' performance lies not only in his own acting prowess but also in the collaborative environment fostered by his co-stars, many of whom are seasoned improv and stand-up comedians. With a history of strong dramatic roles in series like 'Sons of Anarchy' and 'Justified,' Goggins' venture into comedy has challenged him to hone his comedic skills alongside his dramatic ones. Despite his experience, Goggins admits to frequently breaking character due to the hilarious nature of his lines, adding a genuine touch to his performances. Currently, fans can enjoy the first six episodes of Season 4 on Max, with new episodes airing Sundays on HBO and Max.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging and accurate portrayal of Walton Goggins' role in 'The Righteous Gemstones,' highlighting his acting skills and character development. It excels in clarity and timeliness, making it accessible and relevant to current audiences. However, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and sources to enhance balance and source quality. While the article is not controversial, it effectively engages fans of the show and Goggins, offering insights into his acting process. Overall, it serves as an informative piece for those interested in entertainment, though its impact beyond this sphere is limited.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately describes Walton Goggins' roles and contributions to 'The Righteous Gemstones' and other shows like 'Vice Principals' and 'The White Lotus.' His portrayal of Baby Billy Freeman is well-documented, and the description of his character's arc in Season 4 matches known plot details. The claim that Goggins is currently filming the second season of Prime Video’s 'Fallout' adaptation is also consistent with recent news. However, the article's assertion that Goggins played Rick in 'The White Lotus Season 3' cannot be verified, as his involvement in this show is not supported by external sources. Most other claims about his career and the show's dynamics are verifiable through IMDb and HBO resources, ensuring a high level of factual accuracy.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Walton Goggins and his role in 'The Righteous Gemstones,' providing a detailed perspective on his acting skills and contributions. While it offers a rich portrayal of Goggins' experiences and opinions, it lacks input from other cast members or the show's creators, which could provide a more balanced view of the production. The piece is favorable towards Goggins, highlighting his talents and achievements without addressing any potential criticisms or challenges he might face. This creates an imbalance by not exploring contrasting viewpoints or discussing the show's reception more broadly.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, engaging language to convey its points. It logically flows from discussing Goggins' role in 'The Righteous Gemstones' to his broader career. The tone is conversational and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow. However, some readers unfamiliar with the show or Goggins' previous work might find the article assumes a certain level of prior knowledge. Overall, the clarity is strong, but a bit more context for newcomers would be beneficial.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on quotes and perspectives from Walton Goggins himself, which provides an authoritative view of his experiences. However, it lacks diverse sources that could offer additional insights or corroborate his statements. The absence of input from other actors, producers, or critics means the article's reliability is primarily based on Goggins' personal account. While his authority on his character and role is undeniable, a broader range of sources would enhance the article's credibility and depth.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in presenting Goggins' views and experiences, clearly attributing quotes to him. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology, such as how the interview was conducted or the context in which Goggins' statements were made. There is no disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the article's impartiality. While the basis for the claims is clear, more context about the interview process and potential influences on Goggins' perspectives would improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne-7xRH826Q
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8634332/characters/nm0324658
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD2WT8SeOSw
  4. https://www.tiktok.com/@streamonmax/video/7478552518373461278?lang=en
  5. https://www.tiktok.com/@hbo/video/7369771131567361311?lang=en