What I’m Watching: Justified

Justified: Season 3, Episode 2 “Cut Ties” (B+)

This episode didn’t feature a single appearance by Neal McDonough’s shady character introduced last week, but what a handful of guest stars in his absence! I like how Carla Gugino got to play a character named Karen who is generally assumed to be Karen Sisco, another Elmore Leonard character who had her own short-lived TV show several years back. If Winona weren’t in the picture, Karen would be a perfect romantic fit for Raylan, and I hope she returns for another guest spot. Mykelti Williamson, an alumnus of Graham Yost’s “Boomtown” just like McDonough, is a fantastic follow-up villain for the series after Mags Bennett, so calm about his cruelty that it’s alarming. I look forward to seeing how everything comes together with both villains later this season. Other familiar faces included Frank John Hughes, a “Boomtown” guest star and recurring player on the final season of “24,” as the duplicitous Terry Powe, and FX regular Todd Stashwick as the prison guard who allowed Boyd some face-to-face time with a terrified Dickie. Raylan was smart about getting Boyd released after realizing his plan, though now Boyd has learned enough to be directly involved in the malicious business dealings sure to take place this season. I enjoyed Boyd’s response to Raylan’s sincere request for advice, reminding him that he is sleeping with his dead wife’s mistress and murderess. The most compelling and unexpected component of this episode was Art’s anger over the death of his friend and his methodical intimidation of his captive to discern the truth. Rachel also did a strong job of keeping her charges safe and taking out the bad guys.