Tag: Raylan Givens

Justified – “The Promise” Review. Goodbye, Harlan.

<i>Justified</i> – “The Promise” Review. Goodbye, Harlan. 1

This isn’t a tear-jerker series finale, that’s for damn sure. If anything, Justified leaves its fans laughing more than anything, throwing in a gasp or two for good measure. What you thought could happen didn’t and what you hoped would happened also probably didn’t. As I’ve said numerous times throughout my reviews of this final season, Justified has become unpredictable; guess the episodes had to stay that way until the very surprising end. People die, and even hats aren’t safe in Harlan. It’s a bittersweet end but we have to say a final goodbye to Harlan County, Kentucky.

Justified – “Collateral” Review. The Legend of Boyd Crowder Begins.

Justified – “Collateral” Review. The Legend of Boyd Crowder Begins. 2

As penultimate episodes go, especially in a final season, “Collateral” leaves much to be desired. While there are some tense moments, what transpires in “Collateral” sets things up for what should be an explosive series finale. As Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) continues his search for Ava (Joelle Carter), sans his badge, Boyd (Walton Goggins) also pursues his former fiancé. The convergence of two enemies – Raylan and Boyd – happens on a hillside in the dead of night and much is left to chance as each tries to outwit the other. Meanwhile, Avery Markham (Sam Elliott) pays his respects to his dearly departed Katherine (Mary Steenburgen), promising to avenge her death.

Justified – “Fugitive Number One” Review. Take the Money and Run…or Not.

<i>Justified</i> – “Fugitive Number One” Review. Take the Money and Run...or Not. 3

Things are getting downright bloody in this final season of Justified. “Fugitive Number One” gives tragedy a new spin and loyalties are put to the ultimate test. The U.S. Marshals’ office and the District Attorney’s office are wondering what side Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) is truly on, causing the doubts and accusations to fly.

Justified – “Trust” Review. Feminine Wiles, Indeed.

<i>Justified</i> – “Trust” Review. Feminine Wiles, Indeed. 4

Unpredictability – it’s a key ingredient for any good TV drama, and this final season of Justified seems to have it in spades. I’ve mulled over many plot points this season and I’m not sure who will be left standing in the end. I will say this; what Ava (Joelle Carter) does in “Trust” takes the damn cake. “Trust” is definitely a thought provoking and eyebrow raising episode. From Boyd revealing a little tidbit to Markham about how he came to know about his money to Ava taking matters into her own hands, “Trust” takes us for a wild ride …

Justified – “Burned” Review. Snakes and Surprises.

<i>Justified</i> – “Burned” Review. Snakes and Surprises. 5

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the writers blow me out of the water with a couple of new twists I didn’t see coming. I’ve been wondering why certain characters from seasons past have been reintroduced this season—for example,, the cunning teen pot queen Loretta McCready (Kaitlyn Dever). After watching “Burned,” the plot points of buying up land and the legalized marijuana story lines finally make more sense. But Avery Markham (Sam Elliott), a few men down after what happened in “Alive Day” and “Dark As a Dungeon,” enlists the help of one his Colorado guys to help out in Harlan. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t want to cross paths with or be the object of Boon’s (guest star Jonathan Tucker) eye, ever.

Justified – “Dark As a Dungeon” Recap. Old Ghosts and New Temptations.

<i>Justified</i> – “Dark As a Dungeon” Recap. Old Ghosts and New Temptations. 6

If saying I’m flummoxed would cover it, I would, but I’m beyond that now. I know I’ve said I’m intrigued by the capricious nature of the final season of Justified; however, some of the story lines are becoming a bit too convoluted. While I appreciate chasing down clues in “Dark As a Dungeon,” I’m not quite sure what is a clue and what isn’t. Needless to say, if you want unpredictability, you definitely get it in this episode.

Justified – “The Hunt” Recap. Loyalties Are Tested.

<i>Justified</i> – “The Hunt” Recap. Loyalties Are Tested. 7

Well, the train has left the station. The aftermath of what happened in “Alive Day” carries over into “The Hunt” where there is more than one type of hunting going on. The U.S. Marshals are pursuing Ty (Garrett Dillahunt) while Boyd (Walton Goggins) searches for wild boar and the truth about Ava’s (Joelle Carter) suspicious behavior as of late. In the meantime, Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) gets a visit from his baby mama, Winona (Natalie Zea), with baby in tow.

Justified – “Alive Day” Review. The Unknown Unknown.

<i>Justified</i> – “Alive Day” Review. The Unknown Unknown. 8

We are at the mid-point of the final season of Justified and I’m no closer to figuring out the end game. I am sure all the major story arcs intertwine more deeply than what has been presented, but surprisingly, I’m not upset about the lack of clues. In fact, I’m enjoying the unpredictability of how the season has been panning out. I don’t know what’s going to happen next and I’m relishing in the unknown.

Justified – “Sounding” Retrospective. Seeking a Friend.

<i>Justified</i> – “Sounding” Retrospective. Seeking a Friend. 9

In the aftermath of last week’s episode “The Trash and the Snake,” Ava (Joelle Carter) is scared out of her mind that Katherine Hale (Mary Steenburgen) is ready to put a bullet in her head. In “Sounding”, Ava tries to take matters into her own hands but her plans to get the hell out of Harlan don’t go quite as she hopes. Meanwhile, Katherine and Wynn Duffy (Jere Burns) want to find out for sure if Ava is an informant or not. They don’t want to take any chances and try to get to the bottom of things before it’s too late.

Justified – “Noblesse Oblige” Review. Make Your Next Move Carefully.

<i>Justified</i> – “Noblesse Oblige” Review. Make Your Next Move Carefully. 10

By definition, the term ‘noblesse oblige’ means those of high birth, powerful social position, etc., have the moral obligation to act with honor, kindliness, generosity, etc. It’s safe to say many of the folks in Harlan, KY aren’t born of nobility nor do they know what it means. I’m guessing the few who do know or have any inkling of what it means are the ones running things. Avery Markham (Sam Elliott) is one of them.

Justified – “Cash Game” Review. All Aboard the Choo-Choo Train.

<i>Justified</i> – “Cash Game” Review. All Aboard the Choo-Choo Train. 11

Colorful characters and good intentions abound in “Cash Game.” After Boyd (Walton Goggins) robs the bank in “Fate’s Right Hand,” he’s not sure if what he finds in Calhoun’s (actor name) safe deposit box is worth the “three million” he was told by Katherine Hale (Mary Steenburgen) and Wynn Duffy (Jere Burns). But, there’s more than one way to skin a cat…

Justified – “Fate’s Right Hand” Review. Going Out with a Bang.

<i>Justified</i> – “Fate’s Right Hand” Review. Going Out with a Bang. 12

Justified may be on its way out but it’s not going quietly into that good night; no way. “Fate’s Right Hand” takes you by the scruff of your collar and throws you into a world of hurt, betrayal, and just the right amount of humor for good measure. If you were disappointed with season five, what I’ve seen in the first three episodes of season six makes up for it ten times over. I can’t wait to find out what happens this season.

JUSTIFIED Sixth and Final Season – Sam Elliott and Garret Dillahunt Join Cast

JUSTIFIED Sixth and Final Season – Sam Elliott and Garret Dillahunt Join Cast 13

FX has cast Sam Elliott and Garret Dillahunt in recurring roles on its critically-acclaimed, award-winning drama series Justified, which enters its final season January 2015. Sam Elliott will portray “Markham,” a legendary Kentucky gangster who returns from exile with a private army and bags of cash. Garret Dillahunt will play “Walker”, a spec ops veteran who’s spent much of the last decade deployed in combat zones, first as a soldier and most recently as a private contractor.

Justified Season 5 Finale Review – “Restitution” Ultimate Double Cross

Justified Season 5 Finale Review – “Restitution” Ultimate Double Cross 14

After a lot of bumps this season with some mediocre episodes, Justified pulls a genius move with its season finale, “Restitution.” The twists, turns, and cliffhanger will leave your jaw gaping while you scratch your head at the audacity of the Justified writers. How in the world does such a crazy, haphazard season go from ‘what the hell are they playing at,’ to ‘hot damn, I’m SO ready for season six?’

The Whole Half. Review: Justified – “Weight”

The Whole Half. Review: Justified – “Weight” 15

Finally! After a few mediocre episodes, Justified finally pulls a rabbit out the old Stetson with “Weight.” This episode is jam-packed with twists, turns, and eye-popping surprises I didn’t see coming. From an old friend (or enemy, depending on who you are) wheeling into a family feud that’s been brewing since the beginning, “Weight” holds no punches in the violence department. Will these surprises be another anchor weighing Justified down or the invigoration it needs? Either way, I’m along for the ride.

Gumption and A-holes. Review: Justified – “Wrong Roads”

Gumption and A-holes. Review: Justified – “Wrong Roads” 16

“Wrong Roads” isn’t a filler episode like “Whistle Past the Graveyard,” but it isn’t a great episode either. While “Wrong Roads” gives us some closure on a storyline or two, it drags out other storylines, making me roll my eyes with exasperation. I see some double crosses coming across the Mexican border in the form of the Crowes. But one of them surprises me by finally getting the gumption to do something drastic to remedy his situation. Way to go, Dewey (Damon Herriman)!

Drugs, Lies, and Break Ups. Retrospective: Justified – “Whistle Past the Graveyard”

Drugs, Lies, and Break Ups. Retrospective: Justified – “Whistle Past the Graveyard” 17

“Whistle Past the Graveyard” should be an exciting episode considering Boyd (Walton Goggins) finally killed his last remaining blood relative. But sadly, it is not. This is a filler episode by every definition. There are some tiny nuggets of gold sprinkled throughout, but I’m not sure if I care anymore. Boyd only has his band of misfits to back him up but several new members may not be living up to their end of the deal. Can Boyd trust Daryl (Michael Rapaport), Danny (A.J. Buckley), and Dewey (Damon Herriman)? Not as far as he can throw them.

Season of the Back Stab. Review: Justified – “Raw Deal”

Season of the Back Stab. Review: Justified – “Raw Deal” 18

Ask and you shall receive. At the end of “Kill the Messenger,” I mentioned in my recap that I wanted to see the Mexican heroin deal go down, and for Boyd (Walton Goggins) and Johnny (David Meunier) to square off. “Raw Deal” gives us that and so much more. As much as I like Boyd to have antagonists nipping at his heels, his cousin Johnny is really becoming more of a nuisance than formidable adversary.

Stirring the Pot. Retrospective: Justified – “Kill the Messenger”

Stirring the Pot. Retrospective: Justified – “Kill the Messenger” 19

“Kill the Messenger” starts off with a punch in the face, literally. And if you think there was double crossing going on in “Shot All To Hell,” you ain’t seen nothing yet. In this week’s installment, there is goading, betrayal, and a lot of bruises. “Kill the Messenger” is a bit more complex in the story arcs as we are introduced to several new characters. Some of the plots are moving forward while others are stewing on the back burner.

Campaign of Harassment. Retrospective: Justified – “Shot All to Hell”

Campaign of Harassment. Retrospective: Justified – “Shot All to Hell” 20

I must begin with an apology. I have made a grievous error. I’m such an idiot. In last week’s “Over the Mountain,” I confidently said Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) didn’t have anything to do with Nicky Augustine’s (Mike O’Malley) death at the airport but I was wrong. I went back to that episode and although Raylan didn’t pull the trigger, he should have stopped the massacre; he is a U.S Marshal after all. This secret leads us to the events in “Shot All to Hell,” during which Raylan is put in a compromising position after learning why Art (Nick Searcy) went to Detroit to investigate Sammy Tonin’s (Max Perlich) death.

Family Sucks. Review: Justified – “Over the Mountain”

Family Sucks. Review: Justified – “Over the Mountain” 21

After the revelations in “Good Intentions,” it seems things are aligned perfectly for catastrophe to strike. The events that occur in “Over the Mountain” may not all be dire, most are life altering, some even life stopping. Who knew Dewey Crowe (Damon Herriman) could pull off such a convincing bluff? He’s still a terrible shot but I never thought of Dewey as a killer. And since this season is supposedly about the Crowes, it is refreshing to see them take center stage in “Over the Mountain.”

From the Mouths of Babes. Review: Justified – “The Kids Aren’t Alright”

From the Mouths of Babes. Review: Justified – “The Kids Aren’t Alright” 22

Women are causing some major issues in “The Kids Aren’t Alright.” From a young teen to full grown variety, seems like the men of Harlan, KY are getting an earful, and not all of it is pleasantries. “The Kids Aren’t Alright” is a good episode but it’s got a filler vibe to it. It sets up future episodes and provides some intriguing moments.

On the Red Carpet: Justified Season 5 Premiere

On the Red Carpet: Justified Season 5 Premiere 23

YEC goes on the Red Carpet at the FX Newtorks’ JUSTIFIED Season 5 premiere. Video interviews with: Damon Herriman (Dewey Crowe), Jacob Pitts (Tim Gutterson), Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder), Amy Smart (Allison), Nick Searcy (Art Mullins), A.J. Buckley (Danny Crowe), Sam Anderson (Lee Paxton), Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe), and series creator Graham Yost!

Disorganized Crime. Review: Justified – “A Murder of Crowes”

Disorganized Crime. Review: Justified – “A Murder of Crowes” 24

Justified comes back with a new season that’s fresh but still has that familiar feeling we’ve all come to know and love. “A Murder of Crowes” is chock full of dark humor, sarcasm, new characters, and lots of back stabbing, no good, old-fashioned double-crossing fun. “A Murder of Crowes” is a jolt of vitality for this tried and true show. Changing the scenery, adding dynamic characters, and injecting some intricate and sometimes complex story arcs are just what the doctor ordered.

TV Promo: Justified – “Tracks” Preview

TV Promo: Justified - "Tracks" Preview 25

Tracks: This January, the Crowes leave their mark … Justified returns January 7th on FX.

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