Justified Review: You Can't Handle the Truths

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One of the great things about Justified is how often so many things are going on... yet it never feels like too much is going on. 

In "Where's Waldo?" our two conflicting protagonists were being pulled in a number of directions, both of which put Raylan and Boyd in some difficult situations early on in the season, but allowed the viewers to watch their struggles with joy.

Raylan, who was noticeably tired all episode long, seemed to have been working a couple more side jobs to make extra cash for the baby, all while dealing with the woes of his full-time gig, trying to figure what the heck was going on with his dad and the Truths and eventually getting blown away by the fact that his new lady friend was actually married.

Raylan, Art and Tim

All of these issues didn't stop Raylan from being Raylan, as we saw at very start when his girlfriend's husband walked into the bar looking for trouble. There aren't many things more enjoyable to watch than Raylan's are you serious? look when the husband asked if he could make him leave. That whole confrontation just got "Where's Waldo?" out to a fantastic start.

Apparently on his way toward retirement, Art decided to make the trip to the Truths' place in order to not miss out on the best barbecue he ever had. The adventure eventually progressed the plot quickly, as they found out that the real Waldo was the man in the parachute from the first scene of the season, and that Drew Thompson was the next fugitive they would have to chase down.

It was the hillbilly good times with the Truths, and the Marshals' reactions to them, that held my interest until the answers were revealed. My favorite moment had to be when Judd started counting down until he was going to shoot Raylan and Tim remarked to the cowboy, "Hey, he's stealing your bit."

That's exactly why shows have the opportunity to get better as they go on. You can now make jokes about Raylan's shtick, because he's been the one to make comments like that in the face of danger time and time again.

Finally, Justified took me by surprise a bit in revealing that the fighter was the bartender's husband. We obviously knew something was going to arise, but I of course assumed it was going to tie into the single episode arc rather than a longer running relationship tie in. If they wanted me to dislike this antagonist, however, they didn't do a good job. Like most Justified bad guys, Robert Baker was tremendous at being an awesome badass, especially when he took those two dudes out in less than a minute.

Our good friend Boyd Crowder, meanwhile, also had his dirty hands quite full. Between Preacher Billy causing his prostitutes and drug dealers to quit their jobs, and one of Wynn Duffy's men slinging heroin in his territory, Boyd's having a rough go of it.

Although his fiery speech in the makeshift church was as impassioned as ever, Boyd realized - along with the audience - that Billy's intentions may in fact be pure. It seems to be the sister that is the one behind the con and I can't wait to see Boyd attempt to fix that problem.

Speaking of Billy, and his ability to help people find God, how great was Abby Miller in that emotional conversation with the preacher?!? As the insecure Ellen May, Miller was just fantastic in showing her sadness and then her pure glee once she was convinced to jump in to religion with both feet.

Although he tried to gain some trust with Wynn, I think Boyd will continue to have problems with the Dixie Mafia throughout the season. As long as he doesn't get his brains blown out like that poor wayward dealer, it should be a fun ride to watch.

As we wait to find out more about Drew Thompson, and what his relationship to Arlo is, the excitement is only increasing as Justified Season 4 continues. I can't wait until next week.

What was your favorite moment from "Where's Waldo?" Who has it worse right now; Raylan or Boyd? And when a car was driving behind you on a bike when you were a kid, was your immediate thought, "PERVERTS?!?!”

Where's Waldo? Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0 (59 Votes)

Dan Forcella is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.

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Justified Season 4 Episode 2 Quotes

People in Harlan County still party on Friday and Saturday night, and get saved on Sunday morning.

Boyd

I saved your soul. Remember? Not God, or Jesus Christ, me and my shotgun.

Ava