TV Review: Justified 3.6, "When the Guns Come Out"
“When the Guns Come Out” saw the turf war between rival pill pushers heat up and hit on all the best parts of Justified.
rating: 4.5
The title of this episode does not mislead. When the Guns Come Out saw the turf war between rival pill pushers heat up and hit on all the best parts of Justified: a compelling stand-alone story with an effective twist that ties directly to the seasonal arc, Boyd being a detective, dancing with Limehouse and Raylan, meaningful contributions from supporting characters as well as those seen previously as opposed to new throw-away extras, Quarles being an enigmatic and hysterical psychopath, a general lack of Winona, and a pissed off (hat-less) Raylan beating down a pimp. The action of the episode, which there was plenty of, stemmed from Boyds oxycontin clinic getting robbed and shot up by a couple of guys immediately resulting in three corpses and one very traumatized young woman (though to be fair, she was already pretty messed up). Though I didnt recognize any of them right away, except the doctor Boyd effectively stole from Quarles, turns out the robbers were Tanner and Taylor, a couple thugs Quarles and others have used before, and the two girls attempting to score pills were the same prostitutes Dewey Crowe once visited (only to be interrupted by Raylan). I also know Ive seen the girls pimp, Delroy, before, but I cant remember if its from Justified as well or just other shows. Ive said it in past reviews, but I so very much appreciate Justified for reusing extras that they could so easily have replaced without anyone noticing. This is such a noteworthy accomplishment because these minor characters reappearances build mythology and add layers of character to the general setting of Harlan County as well as emotional weight to the individual characters contributions transforming their singular appearances into legitimate narratives. We were also exposed to more from other seldom seen supporting characters. My favorite sniper, Tim Gutterson, got some screen time, which, as minimal as it was, still managed to further characterize Tim as someone whos willing to be a team player but not get dragged into something he wants no part of, a theme later touched on when Raylan chews out Arlo (whom I was glad to see as he was noticeably absent a couple episodes back, and not just because he was talking to his dead wife without pants on) and Boyd for setting up shop at his Aunt Helens old home. Like Rachel Brooks, I wish we could see more of Tim, but I also approve of how sparingly hes used as Justified could easily be an overcrowded, rote-feeling series were it to include each and every supporting character too consistently like other less exceptional procedural series. The eccentric and loveable Judge Reardon also made an appearance, warning Raylan to let Winona go and not chase her farther away, as did Chief Deputy Art Mullen who, like the rest of Raylans closest coworkers, somehow knew the details of Winonas departure before Raylan did. This was an explanation I probably just missed while note taking; I suppose Winona informed Raylans peers to help keep him from pursuing her? Speaking of crafty(ier) women, Ava definitely earned more street cred in this episode through her cunning interrogation of Delroy the pimp. I love how brazen yet smart Ava is and how she and Boyd complement each other. When Raylan heeded Boyds advice to go find Ava at Audrey (now Delroys) bar after their tense meeting, her coy demeanor was extremely reminiscent of her partners. The key difference between Ava and Boyd is a more pronounced sense of empathy for what could arguably be considered innocent bystanders, especially women. Earlier in the season when Boyd laid out the plans for his crew he mentioned (because of Ava) how they will no longer be involved in prostitution, a commendable and humanist decision indeed, further speaking to the pragmatic nature of Boyds criminality. What sparked Avas involvement was Boyds investigation of his clinic robbery which led first to a very rich and illuminating conversation with Limehouse, a curious direction to move in because, as I mentioned earlier and as Ava did in the episode, the robbers were known employees of slick and criminally ambitious carpetbagger and bondage enthusiast, Quarles. However, as Boyd explains, and Quarles echoes and Limehouse later elaborates on, Limehouse is a more likely suspect because even though it stands to reason that Quarles would want retribution for Boyd hijacking his clinic doctor, such a move would be too obvious and short-term for Quarles style. Its later revealed that although Quarles was not responsible, neither was Limehouse, not directly anyway. Turns out it was Limehouses right hand man who is getting anxious in his present position and wishes to flex some muscle. The subsequent conversation Limehouse has with his lieutenant harkens back to the one he had with Boyd in which Limehouse discusses the unique and delicate situation the African-American residents of Nobles Holler find themselves in because of the history of deep-seeded racism and segregation in Harlan County, and indeed much of the American Deep South, Limehouse and his crew need to be especially aware of the details of their neighbors as well as their potential reactions to moves like the one Limehouses man perpetrated, reactions that are implied, possibly foreshadowed by Limehouse, to play into the rest of the season and which bear a very ominous and bloody tone. And since I cant mention ominous without noting Quarles and especially his partner, Wynn Duffys hilariously scary dead-faced reactions to Quarles Shit, thats awesome comment on Raylans involvement as well as his perpetually bed-bound captive, I must praise Justifieds impressive demonstration of set-up for the future as Quarles has become aware of Raylans inquiry into Quarles FBI file as well as his connection to Arlo whom is now Quarles known soft spot to squeeze when Raylan inevitably gets too close to his operation. This further emphasizes how inextricably connected Raylan is to the criminal world hes bound, whether he likes it or not, to keep under control. Finally, Im very pleased with When the Guns Come Out because in its scene between Raylan and Winona, whom was hiding out at her sisters, the location Raylan probably shouldve thought of right off the bat, the plot thread of possibly moving to Glenco, the Marshal training facility the two characters discussed relocating to that was brought up at the end of last season then not touched on again throughout their discussions of moving this season, was finally recognized and discussed. The bottom line apparently is that Winona, despite getting back together with Raylan and becoming pregnant with their child, has decided hell never change into the safe and responsible family man she wants (even though he has repeatedly said he would ugh), and no longer wants to continue their romantic relationship. I would say good riddance primarily because Raylan is so badass when hes in a dark place, but Winona will of course remain in the picture as she will be the mother of her and Raylans child so unfortunately we will have to continue enduring her flaky presence. The only element of this episode that left me scratching my head a bit was where the missing evidence money Raylan thought Winona had stolen actually is with the evidence locker supervisor, Charlie, in Mexico. This felt kind of random but I suppose it could lead into future stories, though I hope not as it doesnt seem very interesting or ripe with potential. Now that weve reached the half-way point in the season and all its major players have been clearly defined and positioned for the battle for control over Harlans drug trade, Justifieds absolutely stellar first half of the third season should hopefully be topped by an outstanding second half.