JUSTIFIED “Reckoning” Review

JUSTIFIED “Reckoning” Season 2 Episode 12 – It’s funny that I just wrote an article about the fact that Boyd and Raylan share a “bromance,” because this episode showed how the two of them keep getting drawn into each other’s lives. Theirs is a complicated relationship but there’s no denying that they are close. At this point, they’ve even shared the love of one woman. I’m not saying they love each other or even like each other, but they still have a bond and deep down, I think they both know that when push comes to shove (and they are all out of any other options) they can count on each other.

After Helen’s death, Raylan finally gets wind of what Boyd’s been doing. That’s when Boyd tells Raylan that he does hold one card, or at least his father does, when it comes to finding Dickie. If Arlo threatens to drop out on the Black Pike deal, they can put Mags into a corner and force her to give up her son. The trouble with going through with the plan is that it brings Mags back into the fight. Dickie may have been a bit of a bumbling idiot but you can’t say the same thing about his momma.

As the fight between the Boyd’s, Bennetts and Givens’ heats up, we also get to find out a little bit more about Raylan and exactly what Helen meant to him. It seems like a lot of people in that town have been through hell and now we know that Raylan wasn’t spared. First he lost his mother and now he’s lost her sister, the woman who raised him after she died. No wonder he keeps talking about packing up and leaving.

So there’s only one episode left to this season and where this will all end up, I have no freaking clue. The only thing I do know is that I sure can’t wait to see how it goes down.

My favorite bits..

The way they shot the opening sequence as Raylan walked into the house.

Raylan commending Helen for getting a few shots off.

Boyd being all excited about his cinnamon flavored bacon.

Arlo having the unmitigated gall to blame Raylan for Helen’s death.

Raylan pointing out that his guns were always loaded.

Feeling so sad when I saw Raylan walking out of the house with that mask.

This line from Jed: “She already doesn’t like you. I’m supposed to tell her you shot me?”

Arlo wisely putting the gun down after Raylan reminded him of what happened the last time he pointed a gun at his son.

Seeing Arlo in handcuffs about two seconds after he declared that there was no way Raylan was going to arrest him. No doubt he did it to protect the old guy.

The look on the woman’s face when Loretta admitted that she used to sell weed to kids at school for fun.

Trying to figure out whether I should laugh or cry when the hooker told her sad story to Raylan and then said he would solve it all by making Dickie come and kill her.

Raylan asking the hooker to tell people that he was the best two pumps of her life.

Dickie not even trying to lie to his momma when she asked if he killed Helen.

Sighing with relief when Raylan showed up outside Jed’s house and stopped Doyle from killing him. Yeah I know he’s one of the bad guys but I can’t help it, I still love Richard Speight, even when he’s playing a bad guy.

Raylan calling Doyle “Quick Draw McGraw.”

Finally! I was wondering how long it was going to take before Raylan found out what Boyd was up to.

Totally knowing that Raylan wasn’t kidding when he offered to tie Boyd to a tree in the middle of town and wait for Dickie to show up.

Boyd offering to take care of Dickie for Raylan. Aw, now ain’t that sweet.

Boyd defending Ava’s honor and telling Raylan not to disrespect her in his presence again. I know it’s old-fashioned as all hell, but I just loved that.

Not being all that surprised when Raylan knocked Doyle out. I know that Dicke’s arrest was going a little too smooth.

Raylan breaking down as he told Dickie about everything that Helen had done for him.

Boyd seemingly giving some serious thought when Ava told Arlo that Helen had no regrets and had chosen the life she led. Maybe he’s wondering if he’s leading her down the same path?

Mags promising Dickie that she was going to take care of anything. Oh boy.

What did you think of this episode of Justified? Got any favorite bits or least favorite bits of your own? I’d love to hear from you!

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