What I’m Watching: Justified

Justified: Season 2, Episode 12 “Reckoning” (A-)

In the wake of a minor character’s death, especially one on a show filled with so much violence who never committed any sort of violent act, it’s understandable that things are going to be pretty intense. I was reminded at the beginning of this episode of season one of “True Blood” where another kindly character was offed rather shockingly and horribly. It’s so interesting here to see how the characters deal with it, with Raylan and Arlo expressing their mutual dislike for each other as both struggle to mourn in their own ways. Seeing Boyd and Ava react as well by trying to reach out and reassure the family of this deceased is equally intriguing and powerful. I think it’s good that we didn’t see much of Art interacting with Raylan since it’s better for Raylan to be a lone wolf without having anyone, save for a clueless prostitute, to console him. In an episode full of strong scenes, I was particularly drawn in by a joint visit by Raylan and the elder Bennett that resulted in some fury from their star witness and his wife, as well as Raylan’s near-execution of Dickie. After standing by and not interfering, Mags’ latest act, designed to help her least intelligent living son, puts her firmly on the opposite side of the law from Raylan, and that’s not a place she’s going to want to be. Next week is already the season finale, but fortunately this show was renewed for a third season already back in March.