Last night’s episode of “Justified” was probably my favorite of the season, not just because it was co-written by our buddy Jon Worley. It featured moments that were creepier than most horror movies, more touching than most rom-coms, and funnier than most comedies, all in under 45 minutes of actual screen time. That’s range. Also, someone got shot THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON, which — to be perfectly clear — is more metal than a Slayer concert in a steel mill. I think that’s important. To the highlights.
- Crank 3: The Ballad of Dewey Crowe
- The confirmation of my theory that all men with ponytails are psychopaths.
- Dr. Blowjob
- The creation and destruction of Team Layla (unless some of y’all are into that kind of thing).
- “Granted, she’s a nine-and-a-half and you’re a six, but I figured you’d be good for a grand or so.”
- Boyd and Ava, you guys. <3 <3 <3 <3
- “Your kidneys are for pissing!”
- “You mean I had four kidneys?”
- An important discussion about literature and regional prejudices between Boyd and Quarles.
- LIMEHOUSE GOT SPIES, Y’ALL.
- Winona’s letter, which I seriously doubt said “Hey, I’ve got yoga in the morning. DVR my stories. <3, Nonies”
As always, we’ve got a collection of GIFs from Chet Manley on the next page. Jon Worley will be swinging by in the comments again, so feel free to discuss the show spoilers and all, and ask him any questions you might have. The AV Club and Sepinwall both gave the episode really high marks, understandably so, so maybe also toss him a congrats — for the sick bourbon and literary references if nothing else.
(I am very sorry for the pun in the headline.)
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Maggie Lawson = delightful, even as a surgical incision making criminal.
Will Quarles and Boyd start a book club? If so, where can I join and be amazed?
Goggins and McDonough wrapped Emmy’s last night. Either that, or they should just do away with the awards.
This episode was badass. Enough said.
Verified
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The only part about this episode that disappointed me Jubbs, is that I didn’t get to see Limehouse’s barbeque. I would love a piece of that … meat.
Also Boyd Crowder has some serious wardrobe swag. Man knows how to rock a cardigan. He’s always looked good, but damn! Also Walton Goggins has lovely eyes <3
Excuse my density for asking this question, but are we to assume that Dewey’s kidneys were not taken because he was able to piss in the janitor’s sink? So the incisions were fake? I mean, the incisions were real, but were there to indicate a (fake) kidney removal?
Yeah, it was just to make him think they took his kidneys so he would steal the money for them. The organ black market exists, but its still kinda a bitch to deal with, what with the limited lifetime of organs out of a body. They just wanted quick money.
I like to believe that Winona’s letter was simply a reminder that Raylan barely wore his hat for this episode. Sometimes he needs to be reminded of this. And then he got sad when he realized that she was right. He WAS hatless for too long last night.
Jubbs/Jon Worley took the hat during a break in filming, went on a bender, put it in his trunk and forgot he had it. They had to film around it.
True story.
Verified
Yep.
Enrico Pal…
…I am sure you are correct…..Winona LIKES it when Raylan has a hat-on…
Then I blame her leaving on the thoughtless disregard for headware.
I don’t know who my favorite background character was this week. Either the Christian convenience store clerk (don’t blaspheme) or the local cop who kept wanting to break down doors.
Also, Dewey Crowe or GTFO
I have nothing to say about this week’s episode except fuck and yes.
A couple of magic moments: The look Raylan gives the local Po-lice when he says” If he don’t respond sooner then we are gonna have to take down the door” and the muffled “Thank you, sir”(?) from Dewey on the gurney after the store owner says “God bless you, son”.
Some top notch trolling down below, not that that sort of thing should be encouraged.
The “Thank you sir” was so cute. Dewey needs some webisodes of his adventures. I also thought Dewey was super sweet when he jumped in to defend Dickie last episode.
Raylan explaining his jokes? Excellent. Rachel not giving a good goddamn about his jokes? Even better.
Yeah, that was a great moment.
I’m not sure “Justified” is a comedy or even a dramedy……but I have to admit I laugh my balls off at many of the shootings…..
“So I’ve got four kidneys then?”
Oh Dewey Crowe…
Great episode, Jubbs, all the praise is well deserved. Tim’s been pretty absent this season, will we get to see more of him in future episodes?
Verified
Yes.
Boyd’s hair is going seriously underutilized so far this season. I desperately hope that it makes a return as the crazy ante gets steadily upped.
It amazes me they were able to get into so many storylines without making any of them feel rushed or cheap. Fun episode.
Layla, you stole my heart you pyscopathic bitch.
Will we ever see Ian McShane on the show. I’m sure FX wouldn’t mind bending the rules for a few ‘cocksuckers’ here and thar’
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That would be pretty amazing.
Hey Jubbs, love the show, one of our favorites. Did you get to produce the episode as well? And if not, who delegates any on set rewrites? I imagine Yost can’t be there all the time.
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Ben & ! were on set producing and tossing around ideas, yes.
Did I miss something on my viewing but how did Raylan beat the drugs that were in the needle? Was it just action hero mojo or?
He didn’t beat them, he was exactly as fucked up as he should have been but instead of just sitting there like a lump, he reached up and tried something crazy. It worked.
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No sedative can keep Raylan Givens down for long.
Layla did say she was going to get more tranqs, so I’m guessing whatever he was injected with was a short-acting sedative.
OK cool. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss something.
Layla DID explain to the nurse guy (I forgot his name because he did not have juicy tits) that she had to load up a new syringe for when the first drug began wearing off……
….and technically speaking….the script has previously explained that Raylan is a trained shooter….
He’s slowly building an immunity to tranquilizers.
Yayobe…..
…AND Iocane powder….
“No sedative can keep Raylan Givens down for long.”
I have a feeling this statement has shattered some dreams.
I’m curious regarding the intended implication of Raylan’s surprise at shooting Layla. Was he surprised because he shot a woman, as implied by his subsequent discussion with Art? That doesn’t entirely seem right to me, as his character hasn’t really quailed at doing what’s necessary regardless of the situation. Perhaps it just felt like it was used as a convenient excuse.
If not that, what other reason would there be? I thought it might be because he was surprised he had his aim back, but it’s been a couple episodes since that was referenced.
I thought it was because he was all drugged up and could not believe he hit his target. That or maybe because he was surprised he would shoot such a pretty lady like Maggie Lawson.
Hmm, I hadn’t considered that aspect. It’s a shame that I assume we won’t see a whole lot of Lawson here, but I imagine USA keeps her fairly busy. Any chance she and icepick both get to reprise their characters at some point later on?
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Tankhead’s right. I think he has conflicted feelings about having shot a woman, even given the circumstances. Also, surprise that his shooting-through-a-corpse gambit worked.
Everyone KNOWS that bullets zip right through flesh……even wad-cutters…..
…maybe he was trying to unclasp her bra and was regretting the miss….
0tarin, you ever had an operation? When you wake up, you’re kind of in shock at everything. You look at the nurses closely when they check your pulse and so on.
So I like to imagine that is the same thought process that Raylan was going through. Then his survival instinct took over when Layla’s boyfriend landed on him.
This was the first episode of Justified that I made my parents watch, and I prefaced it by calling it the best show on TV. I think they were puzzled haha. This show stylistically was certainly not the essence of Justified, but it shows the versatility (namely Raylan’s versatility, I dare say) and it did have the pace of a typical episode. A nice departure.
My parents are 73 and think this is the best show on TV. They’re always disappointed that it seems to end so quickly. The part that really blows my mind is that my dad likes the theme song. He thinks there are only two kinds of music — country and western.
Yeah it definitely is the best show on TV, but I found it funny that I convinced my 60 year-old parents to watch this episode not knowing it would be one of the furthest deviations from the western/John Wayne feel that I know would appeal to them.
Re: Limehouse’s lady spy. Anyone think Boyd was aware word would get back to him. She goes to get up and is made to sit back down while the Crowders give their message and drink specials
Of course Boyd knew, he is Boyd after all.
I did not even noticed the connection I knew it was the same girl but that makes perfect sense why she was not permitted to leave. Good look Rock n Rye
I love justified and I’ve been a fan of warming glow since day one (rip matt ufford). I’m not afraid to say it – Jon Worley is a hack. Last nights episode was a bunch of plot lines stolen from other shows/movies. Several times I felt the characters were speaking in the voice of some masturbatory wanna be sorkin writer rather than the rich characters that have been developed over the last three seasons. Its no surprised worley only co wrote two episodes of the entire season – someone must have owed his agent a favor. It broke the mold of the typical justified ‘do more – say less’. The show is a modern day western, not a crank desperate housewives rip off. Don’t suck worley’s dick because he gave you an interview. He did it because he’s another LA fame whore with not talent and nothing better to do.
Verified
Aaaaand away we go to troll town! All together now! [www.youtube.com]
Don’t sugar coat it, buddy. But I do agree that this episode was perhaps the weakest of the season.
That’s no way to speak to WriterBro. Also, totally disagree.
Obviously you folks don’t properly appreciate the entity that is Dewey Crowe.
I must confess that I do not understand the “giving everyone the name bro” gimmick you are going for.
You’re the one slumming in troll town buddy – sell your own series and then I’ll respect you as a writer. Soak it up while you can, this praise from a bunch of blog lemmings should keep your ego intact for at least another two months.
“Unlamented” is a good nickname for you, because no one cares what you think and you won’t be missed when you’re gone.
thanks captain obvious – at least i’m upfront about it. otto man on the other hand – right up there with shakespeare!
I’ll never understand the need to make sure everyone knows how unhappy you are about something.
Losco – I don’t usually share my discontent but I’m the EP of a show (admittedly not nearly as good as justified) and the industry is full of people like our friend jubbs that will gladly take credit for something they barely helped create. I make it a point to always give credit back to the all the people the helped make the show that go unrecognized. This type of self aggrandizement drives me crazy – I know scores of writers like this and when they come to play in a little corner of the internet that used to be dbag free, I just can keep my mouth shut.
Verified
I have to say in response to unlamented, I really don’t feel like jon is taking unwarranted credit for anything, no idea where you’re getting that idea. He was asked to answer questions on this site and he’s doing that. And if you have a problem with the episode, blame all of us on the staff, not just one guy. as an EP of a show, you obviously realize it’s a group effort.
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Relevant:
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ok fine worleys officemate – now you made me feel bad. I’ve been put in my place This is why I stay off of the internet boards. I get myself all worked up and open my big mouth. I went back and read the interview, which honestly I skimmed before and mr. worley – you don’t seem half bad. I rushed to judgement, I haven’t had much sleep in the last week. And while last nite’s episode wasn’t my favorite – I can appreciate trying to keep things fresh. My apologies, I was a dick, a big one (insert ron jeremy joke)
There’s a difference between being honestly critical and just being an asshole.
I was an ahole – hands down. An uniformed ahole, i’m disappointed in myself and will now go and cry real tears for the hate I’ve laid upon this world.
Wow, give unlamented credit for seeing his own mistakes and apologizing. I understand that people in today’s world (in all industries) are quick to credit for things, but that wasn’t Mr. Worley’s play here. Glad to see you noticed. Good luck to your show (unless it is on CBS, is Whitney, or is a show that at any point has involved Chelsea Handler).
Ugh, quick to take credit*
and just to complete my therapy session – my uncalled for hate is mostly born of jealousy that I don’t write for or create an awesome show like justified.
Wildly entertaining episode. Damon Herriman was just tremendous. Quick question for Jon / Jubbs on the process- do you write the episode as basically self contained and then see where you have room to advance the overall season story?
Verified
The Dewey thing was self-contained, in a way, even though it piggybacked on the great prison escape of 304. We had been trying to find a way to adapt the kidney storyline of Elmore Leonard’s new book RAYLAN, and it seemed like the natural place. The Boyd / Quarles stuff was always intended to be connective, serialized arc material.
Loved the headline, it was totally justified.
Dewey Crowe is my most favorite dirtbag ever.
I have a hard time believing Winona would just up and peace out after that speech she made earlier in the episode. Next wee’s preview has two .0001 second shots of a woman that’s vaguely Winona-ish, no?
*week’s. d’oh!
Verified
Maybe, maybe not.
I don’t see the speech as a big qualifier. She said she loved him, but that she realized he’d never change.
You can spin that as “I’m going to stay with you despite what my brain says” or “I’m going to leave you despite what my heart wants.”
Next up we have Darrell from Dubuque. You’re on with Dr. Phil.
Boy, that would reveal Winona as kind of a bitch if she left now, of all times. Raylan seems to have his shit together and is not in any more danger than usual, they are selling her house, and she is pregnant with Raylan Jr. (If that’s not the fetus’ name then GTFO).
…Although, there could be something to why Raylan is getting home at 2 in the morning.
@Otto:
Agreed. After the closing scene last night, I reflected on how well-played the previous speech had been precisely because in retrospect, it totally *could* be read either way; it just didn’t occur to me until the second possibility was revealed.
As a member of Team Winona, I refuse to believe she would take off at this particular point in time. She’s been…ummm…kidnapped! Thereby driving Raylan into a downward spiral of murderous rage and insanity.
I’m going to say it was a sonogram revealing that the baby is going to be a masculine child, thus ensuring that Givens men will continue their badassery into the future.
I’m hoping that Winona was kidnapped…..nothing else makes sense…
I think ‘Nona needs a good old fashioned Holler beatin’.
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Dislike.
Well I dislike uppity whores! Well I like whores, I just hate uppity ones.
This was absolutely the best episode thus far this season. Perfectly paced, nary an unnecessary moment, and still kept things going forward. Magnificently done.
I’m rather shocked that Boyd’s shithole bar has Van Winkle on hand. Makes me all the more jealous. Maybe I’ll see if Lady 0t would be willing to uproot and head eastward…
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I like to imagine shitty Kentucky bars carry top-shelf bourbon, but I’m not sure if it’s true.
And doesn’t Boyd make a point of telling Raylan they’ve got 20 kinds of bourbon in the bar after the disturbance in the force?
Not in my experience. But you can get decent ‘shine at some of them if you ask politely.
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Yeah, Boyd’s just a connoisseur, I guess. Yes, I just had to look up how to spell “connoisseur.”
I actually expected them to try and slip Quarles some cheaper substitute, only to have him taste it and throw it in their faces or something. I think I prefer your way better anyway.
The actual town of Harlan is dry, but there are other towns within the county that permit sales of alcoholic beverages. Cumberland is a town in Harlan County that is wet.
No Kentucky bar will be without Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, and Maker’s Mark. It’s the law.
Whether they’ll have any other bourbon on hand is a crap shoot.
When Yost said in that EW interview that the plan was to rehabilitate Winona this season, is this what he meant? That she’d just steel her resolve and peace out? Or is there a ways still to go on her journey?
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She’s not going to disappear from the show, I’ll say that.
Let’s keep Winona around, only if to screw with Raylan’s head, and occasionally other parts. Better than hearing her shriek about “giving up the butt” to Hank Moody..
Thomas Jefferson, Saul Bellow and Pappy Van Winkle?
FUCK AND YES.
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I was surprised Saul Bellow made the cut. A hillbilly with swastika tattoos quoting a Jewish intellectual gave me such delight. It’s from Saul Bellow’s LETTERS, specifically one to Phillip Roth, and he’s referencing journalists.
Harlan strippers can only make so much at 10am, Dewey. No need for the insults.
Seriously though, that thing with Boyd and Ava was the cutest goddamn thing I’ve ever seen.
Really? You are in charge of the Corgi Posts on here yes?
Jubbs/Jon Worley, good job. Best episode yet this season.
One question: How cute is Maggie in real life?
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Super cute.
Dewey Crowe should be in everything (movies, radio, breakfast cereals). Also, loved the nice touch of the Righteous store owner dropping a “God bless you, son” as Dewey was being wheeled out.
Seriously though — when can I expect the 5SF crew to start popping up in episodes? (Obviously, I only care about Kelsey and Olivia. Seriously, kill off Winona and bring on of ‘em in.)
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Kelsey and Olivia are too classy to play whores and strippers. Oh, wait, they’ve played whores on 5-second films.
I would definitely buy a cereal called “Dewey Cr-ohs”
Who was the actress that played Layla? I know I recognize her from something and imdb is no help. @BobbyBigWheel Point blank with jacketed ammo (non-hollow point) through soft tissue would certainly go through.
Maggie Lawson from Psych.
Yuuuup! Thanks man. I’ve been waiting for the recap all day so I could consult the Justified braintrust.
Amazing episode but something kept bugging me. How the hell did Raylan get the gun when Lance had it in the front of his waistband when he put Raylan in the tub? I know it was originally in the back, but he had it up front in bathroom?
That and Raylan explaining shitty jokes may be my new favorite thing. Fantastic work as always
Raylan always keeps a drop piece on his ankle.
They made a big deal about Ponytail bro putting raylan Bro’s piece in the back of his pants. And when he fell in, it basically put Raylan Bro’s gun back in his hand.
@whohah: I thought the backup was the once Doc Ponytail took
@Snookis: That’s why I was confused, they made a big deal out of it, but then in the bathroom it was in the front of his pants, and when he was about to turn around to Layla, showed no gun there.
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May have been a confusing close-up, but yes, the idea was that Raylan pulls the gun from the back of Lance’s pants.
Ok, thanks Jubbs, just got confused when Lance didn’t have it in back right before he got shot. Much appreciated. Great stuff last night
The way I saw it, Doc Ponytail had his own gun in the front of his pants and the one he took from Raylan was in the back of his pants. Maybe I need to re-watch
Jubbs, did you have to research to see if you can shoot a person through a corpse? Because you’d figure that’d rob a bullet of a lot of momentum.
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What’s research? (no, we didn’t)
Well – Timothy Olyphant was shot through Bruce Willis in Live Free or Die Hard so perhaps Mr. Olyphant dropped some knowledge.
/yes, I’ve seen that particular Die Hard at least 4 times. Olyphant makes an excellent bad guy so shut up.
Ah, hope that wasn’t too “is this some type of magic xylophone” for you. I loved the episode.
True story -
I shot a guy once with a Beretta 92G chambered with 185 grain 9mm +P HydraShoks. I was 19 yards away and hit him just above his belly button. The round hit his spine, ricocheted at about a 45 degree angle, exited his back through his left (my right) kidney, and embedded itself in the siding of a house about ten feet away.
Assuming the round’s path was not altered by hitting a rib, it very much could zip right through Doc Ponytail’s soft tissue and into Layla across the bathroom…especially when fired point blank against his back.
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If that’s a true story you’re either a hero or a madman. Either way, thanks for legitimizing that.
Neither. Just the situation I found myself in while doing my job, at the time, to get a very, very bad man off of the streets.
In the hospital we see alot of bullet wounds pass through bodies as long as they dont hit bone. That’s why hollow point rounds are considered “safe rounds,” not because they don’t kill (they shred the crap out of whatever organs they hit), but because they don’t pass through and cause collateral damage.