Last night's episode of Justified wasn't my favorite of the season. That's not to say it was bad. Not at all. I'll take B/B+ episodes of Justified over the best episode NCIS has ever made every day of the week. But after the excellent run of episodes to start the season, this one just felt a little off. There was a lot going on, and a lot of important stuff that I assume will be paid off in future episodes (this is one of the downsides to reviewing individual episodes throughout the course of a season. My feelings about this one could change entirely as all the pieces from it come together), but it didn't flow together quite like the best episodes of Justified do.
That said, it still featured Raylan and Shelby teaming up to go after Boyd, Tim going on adventures, a guy at a urinal getting a gun pointed at his ding-a-ling, and one of the sweetest moments involving two murderers, a pick-up truck, and a box filled with stacks of ill-gotten hundreds that I've ever seen. So, you know, take my whining with a grain of salt.
And now, the highlights:
- Dale's poem: "And as I watch her kiss Curt, my heart fills with hurt. My soul fills with sorrow, the size of Kilimanjaro." We've all been there, Dale. Maybe we've articulated it a little better, but we've all been there.
- "That's what assholes do, Raylan. They get old and die from being assholes."
- I wish Art had kept doing foot puns for another 5-10 minutes. Open up that bottle of Pappy, pour yourself a drink, and let 'em fly, fella.
- Nothing -- and I mean NOTHING -- says love like a ring buried under a stack a money inside a crappy tin box. Valentine's Day is tomorrow, guys. Take notes.
- SHOUTOUT TO BLOSSOM'S JUNKIE BROTHER
- "I think Lynyrd Skynyrd's overrated. I know you're in Boyd's pocket." Raylan Givens speaking truth to power.
- Speaking of Raylan talking trash, I loved the scene at the beginning where he was giving the local cops the business. Raylan ain't care.
- Arlo's lawyer double-crossed Arlo, then double-crossed Boyd, and ended up getting arrested with two idiot convicts (one of whom was holding a blowtorch and threatening to kill her). This is why I'm blogging instead of using my law degree. I feel like that's an easier hole to fall into than you think. I do not want to be involved in backwoods foot amputations.
- Roz's new boyfriend, "Teddy Rapes-With-A-Smile," seems like a pretty neat guy.
- To recap: Boyd and Ava got engaged the same night they were invited to a swingers party. They're a fun couple. (EW has a Q&A with our pal Joelle Carter about the whole thing, if you're interested.)
- Jim Beaver and Timothy Olyphant, together again. DEADWOOD REUNIONS FOREVER.
- $100 says Tim and Colton end up in a shootout and Tim pops him in the apricot.
- Speaking of Colton, dude is straight-up unhinged, running around trying to score drugs on the sly because he doesn't want word getting back to Boyd, and pointing guns at dude's dicks to get info about dealers. I feel like this will be an issue. I am very perceptive.
As always, GIFs (and two necessary screencaps) from Chet Manley on the following pages. Please do not try to cauterize my wounds with a blowtorch.
Achieve Raylan Givens Levels of Badassery
The more Justified related content you read, discuss, and share on Facebook and Twitter, the faster you move up the ranks in badge form. First Up: "Constable Bob". More details
How To unlock:
Log into UPROXX or create an account and participate.
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/no-prob-bob-150x150.gif)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/fxs-the-bridge-gets-its-first-extended-promo-150x150.jpg)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/tumblr_kyll8uJMIS1qa1vdfo1_r1_1280-150x150.jpg)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/tumblr_mj0jbq9Dhi1qg0odto1_500-150x150.jpg)
Have a funny feeling the latest Crowder/Crowder marriage won’t end well. Did we ever find out Ava’s maiden-name?
Way late to the party on this ep, but one quick point, I did not enjoy the 80s movie soundtrack to the scene of Boyd’s proposal. You’re better than that, Justified.
Please, please, please, bring in Ian McShane next season.
The puns and one-liners of this show always get me
Boyd and Ava are getting married omgomgo,gftgjbjchdjvj
Beats the shit out of an Office wedding.
Aaah. I was worried where this season was going to go when Graham Yost said there were a few “arguments” when the season was in writing over one big story arc or several small ones like in the latest Elmore Leonard book “Raylan”–but this Drew Thompson story and its various twists and turns have me quite happy.
Boyd Crowder continues to be the most lovable villain I’ve seen on TV. I didn’t think Walton Goggins could get better when The Shield ended, but he’s taken things to a whole new level with Justified. Boyd’s so believable in everything he does that you can’t help but see a guy like this legit existing somewhere. Wynn Duffy on the other hand–not a fan. Just a little too “mobish”–especially for the legendary Dixie Mafia. And I wish he’d get rid of the mobile home.
The “Rapes With a Smile” bit had me cackling too…
I actually like the fact he’s in a mobile home. The only thing that says “mobish” is his suit, but other than that, I wouldn’t really say he fits the stereotype. Plus, his mustache is awesome.
and i love the subtle line of teddy rapes with a smile. snickered out loud.
Fuuuuuckkk! I knew the dealer looked familar but couldn’t place him, Blossom’s brother……
I was kinda hoping the sheriff would let Raylan in on Ellen Mae, I don’t know what his end game is, he should be putting her into witness protection by now or something.
Also Ava + Boyd forever.
Poor Raylan’s single as anything.
I was thinking Tim would run into Colton at the drug dealer’s place…oh well.
Even for a primarily set up episode, it was still pretty good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode for Art’s foot puns alone, but also because it set up a lot of things that will pay off in later episodes.
Also: Boyd is AWFUL at disguises. He’s wearing his fancy outfits and speaking all boyd-like, and he thinks he won’t be recognized in a ski mask?
I was thinking the same thing, he LITERALLY has the most tell-tale voice on the show.
Jim Beaver proves yet again he is awesome at everything he does.
/best character in supernatural
Gonna throw this out there-
While I’m sure the payoff at the season’s pinnacle will be amazing, and I’ll probably eat these words in a bowl of TOLDYA, I can’t help but miss the ‘Big Bad’ seasons. The mystery is intriguing, but its not quite on par with the fun ruthlessness of Mags/Limehouse/Quarles. We aren’t seeing those amazing performances this season like we have in the past. Goggins and Olyphant have been awesome, OBVS, but that’s pretty much expected now. I suppose Colton is the new Quarles, but he doesn’t have the same charm or gravitas. The past 2 seasons were so fantastic in large part because of those crazy awesome supporting villains. We haven’t even seen Drew Thompson yet. We’ve got very little Arlo, so far. And I know Yost said we wouldn’t be seeing Dickie (or Dewey) this season, but dammit I miss that psycho and the anarchy he brings to the table. Shit even the bartender is gone.
I know I’m complaining about shit I probably don’t need to worry about… and I have really enjoyed this season so far, its just got some work to do to reach the levels I expect Justified to be at consistently (which maybe isn’t fair, but fuck it).
We haven’t seen Drew Thompson yet…as far as we know. Dun, dun, dun!
The Promise Broken GIF on slide 15 is the most apt reaction GIF I’ve seen in a long time. +1000.
Pretty sure Drew Thomas is Mags Bennett. Lol
LOVED IT!! we’re building up something big here people!
big fan of this episode for a few reasons, all character related. the plot picking up the little line of the attorney asking Arlo for the name of the guy who was the real drew thompson a couple episodes ago was cool, but really it was the characters and just a couple moments that made this one one of my favorites of the season and another demonstration of why the writing is so good:
1) Turning a guy bad-guy lackey like Shelby into someone to root for
2) Taking a mostly-villain in Boyd Crowder and continuing to somehow make him ever so slightly redeemable, just when you think there is nothing left to redeem, that speech and reveal of his underlying plan and what it is, was just all so outstanding.
also per what Walton Goggins had done with the evolution of Shane Vendrell on The Shield and what he’s doing with Boyd Crowder, im calling for him to be in the same class as Bryan Cranston, he is tv’s best kept great actor secret.
His proposal to Ava was awesome. He really is a hell of an actor.
And don’t forget Venus Van Damme. It takes a special dedication to do a role like that.
If i had a nickel for every time a woman marries the brother of her abusive who she killed and then shot him.
I love that Boyd has a plan to make his family name respectable in 3-4 generations. It really adds alot to his character
I hope that the swingers party is catered by the Party Down crew. They got experience with that sort of thing.
Holy shit. This would be amazing.
Henry: “Are we having fun yet?”
Boyd: “Why, my dear, poorly dressed server, the fun is just about to begin.”
Why does FX’s program kick so much ass, but Fox’s network TV outside of the New Girl (even now…yuck) sucks asshole galore?
John Landgraf
Yuuuuuup.
Loved the asshole line. Glad they didn’t cut it out.
Several good asshole lines this season.
They have been the highpoint in several episodes for me.
Loved the asshole line?
Sounds like someone’s been visiting a brothel again.
Re: Shelby as Drew Thompson
Drew Thompson had to heal up broken legs with the hill people. Shelby told a story about being hit by a car when he shot his first man.
They said something about an “old lawman” knowing Drew. Shelby was a deputy back then too.
Maybe I’m looking too close and those two things are coincidental, but every time they said something about Drew, Shelby would perk up. I know, he’s investigating him, but I couldn’t get it out of my head that he’s investigating for himself.
The big box greeter as the guy that stole coke from Theo Tonin?
Stranger things have happened
He worked at the mine that Boyd blew up too. He’s just keeping a low profile.
Yeah the more I think about this the more it falls flat. But I just want Jim Beaver to hang around more.
Anyone else recognize Tim’s junkie friend as Tim Murphy from It’s Always Sunny?
holy shit! you’re right. i knew i recognized him from somewhere. but not really, tim’s junkie friend…as opposed to tim’s friend’s dealler.
He was on The Loop too, which was also hilarious.
For anyone who used to spend time in an EB Games, yes, that was Ian Kessler who used to be in those in store videos that played all day.
“Oh no, those stopped as soon as I got on birth control.” I love that Tim doesn’t even blink when he’s being mocked and just rolls with it. Also, that he’s no non-sense. YAY FOR TIM STORYLINE!
That was the line of the night for me. Pure awesomeness.
The whole Boyd, Raylan, Sheriff scene was the angriest I think I have ever seen Boyd in the history of the show. He usually calm under pressure, but man you could see the double team had him a little off his game.
Looking like things are not going to end well for Colton. Downward spirals are the worst.
Trying to figure out who Tim’s buddy’s dealer was was KILLING me. Thank you for making the correlation for me. Going to be interesting to see where this thing goes.
Who you think is going to be dead by end of the seaosn, Ava or Boyd? I mean they can’t live happily ever after, can they?
Ava. Boyd cannot die. I don’t think they’d kill off either of the two, but Ava would be the obvious choice to go.
If Ava and Boyd cannot find love than no one can. There needs to be a “We Found Love” mash up of Ava and Boyd. Five second flicks, you’ve found your next video.
Couldn’t help but feel that would be me and my friends if we ever kidnapped someone we thought was a master criminal. Like Three Stooges meets “Suicide Kings.”
“Everybody strips…”
We also have to ask VJ Boyd if the van was a shout out to Krieger.
Verified
It’s possible, but we (the writers) didn’t pick the van, the director/transpo people did.
“If I’m not mistaken that makes you a 20 year old high school senior.”
“I had to repeat third grade. And sixth”
“Explains the poetry.”
He ain’t no quitter!
Also how awesome was it that Ava and Boyd got engaged on the Valentines Day episode?
That was a hillbilly proposal if I ever did see one
So many great lines:
“That’s what assholes do Raylan, they get old and die from being assholes.”
“Oh, I’m sure you and Mr. Rapes-With-A-Smile here were just talking”
That whole exchange with Boyd and the guy with a heart filled with sorrow.
I want to imagine that Art has a big book of body part related puns he’s been dying to break out.
I assume he keeps it next to his bottle of Pappy too.
It’s a black Moleskin he keeps on in a jacket pocket just for an occasion like this.
Apropos of nothing, I just found out that a new bar down the street from my house serves Pappy. Just savin’ up my quarters.
@Vagabond Joe, I live near one that serves it too. Been savin’ for while now.
I’m sure that big book of puns comes into play quite a bit when one has a career in law enforcement. Definitely a wise investment by Art.
Let me be the first or maybe the forty-first to say congratulations to Ava and Boyd. Question about this wedding: does Raylan get an invite, and if so, does he bring a date or just try and hook up with one of Ava or Boyd’s kin?
How about if Raylon takes Ava into Elly may’s trailer bedroom and bones the shit out of her.
And hopefully, Ava will still be wearing her wedding dress when she turns around, hikes it up over her ass and Raylon takes her doggie-style
Can we all agree that ‘Rapes With a Smile’ is the greatest Native American name ever?
Definitely better than Rapes with a Fist
I just about shit myself when he said that.
I look forward to my Rapes With A Smile badge.
Every kiss begins with k…… kash?
God, you brought up that shitty commercial and almost by reflex I wondered if Boyd went to Jared’s instead. Damn you. God I hate those diamond commercials. The Family Guy BJ one was the best.
he found it in a coal mine and polished the stone himself!
I’m right there with you. Only now I imagine a Jared’s being held up at gunpoint by a well spoken outlaw in a ski mask, and I could go for that.
They borrow one of Krieger’s vans there? Nope, not awesome enough.
Im all for an FX universe.
And not Rush themed. Krieger has some standards… only Rush themed vans will do.
You’ll be the one who it sucks to be!
I still find it weird that Ava is Boyd’s sister in law, yet they are planning on getting married. However in defense to that….Kentucky
Second show that Timothy Olyphant was in that had this happen. Does this count as another Deadwood reunion??
boyd did lust after ava for quite some time. besides, maybe he didn’t like bowman that much either
I just kept thinking, “well, it worked out well for Ava last time she married a Crowder…”
So Ave your marrying the man you once despised, who is the brother of the man you were married to, who beat you enough that you finally shot him?
But hey, Kentucky.
Don’t forget she shot Boyd to
Except Ava would never shoot Boyd. I hope.
Colt has been a great addition to the show and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from television*, increasingly unhinged, drug addicted potential best friend betraying characters are in it for the long run.
*Sesame Street mostly. Fucking Bert.
Agreed. I enjoy a lot more than say a Devil, but not as much as a Dewey Crowe.
The one downside of FX shows is that you can always spot the characters that are going to have a one-season story arc.
Did anyone else notice in the “Next Week on ‘Justified’” teaser they showed a “that guy” actor who had not been on the show before? He was an older guy, looks like a cross between James Woods and the guy from Alf. Maybe that is Drew Thompson?
Are you talking about Sam Anderson?
[www.imdb.com]
If so, maybe. But I feel like he may just be a bad guy of the week with what he said to Boyd.
Bam! That’s it.
You guys do realize that Sam Anderson played Principal DeWitt on Growing Pains right? I only bring it up because someone mistook Tim’s drug addict buddy for Boner Stabone.
Damn he did!
Awwww, Boner
Boner was actually Chekov’s son. True story.
Think Boyd will break out the dance moves at the Swingers party?
I hope so! Love to see some cloggin’ again
That is exactly what I was going to ask numbersix! I sure hope so because I want Chet to GIF the hell out of that dance party.
more like the No Pants Dance…..
I will show myself out.
ooooh. limehouse badge! I miss him; when does he come back? it would be a real shocker if he ends up being drew thompson.
I think he may be hiding Drew up in Nobles Holler
I’m looking forward to the swingers party. I’ve got a new outfit picked out especially.
Shelby as Drew Thompson is my working theory.
Or completely wrong and it’ll be someone introduced at the swinger’s party
I’m increasingly just using Jim Beaver’s IMDB to decide what shows I like.
+1
Agreed. Just type “Beaver” and “show” into google and you got yourself a whole weekend of entertainment.
Not to be pedantic, Danger. But Anthony Russo was an alcoholic :pushes glasses up on nose, farts:
somebody’s taking one too many cues from Vince Mancini’s writing
Someone’s comment a couple weeks ago had me thinking that Colton was an undercover, and despite his extremely felonious activities I have a hard time not imagining that. Granted, last night did a great deal to unravel that.
Doesn’t have to. The “undercover cop falls prey to demons” is a well-used trope.
True, and I admit, it was really odd how he asked specifically for heroin. Or maybe he’s really jonesing. Either way, I really like his character.
@Around
He is jonesing. The whole scene with him in the bathroom was him trying to pull a hit from the residue on his pipe. A classic method of all broke ass /desperate drug users when they can’t find or afford their drug of choice.
speaking from experiences?
…
I’ll admit, I bit on Hearst/Major Dad/McRainey being Drew Thompson. Anyone else get swerved, even for a minute?
Yes and no. I thought it was too early for the reveal but I was like, “wow, that would make a lot of sense.” But during the commercial I realized that Josiah wasn’t the kind of person the hill people described.
My immediate reaction was “Oh shit, its him?!”, but as soon as the shock from that idea subsided, I was kind of glad it wasn’t him, what with the newly one-footedness and all.
i thought it would be him going into the episode, but didn’t think it would be him once they announced it so soon. won’t know til later in the season, towards the end.
Nah because Raylan’s aunt wouldn’t have done him dirty like that. She said they trade with Josiah and that Drew Thompson lived with them.
I sort of did for a second because I felt he was too big of a guest to be blown off with a foot amputation. But then I remembered that he’s not THAT big.