Justified
Season 4, Episode 3 – “Truth and Consequences”
Directed by Jon Avnet
Written by Benjamin Cavell
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel, Walton Goggins, Joe Mazzello, Lindsay Pulsipher, Ron Eldard, David Meunier, Jesse Luken and Jere Burns
Tuesdays at 10pm; FX Network

The truth really does hurt.

That old axiom has never been more true to a majority of the characters in this week’s episode of Justified. Aptly titled “Truth and Consequences,” the third episode of Justified‘s fourth season sees Raylan (Timothy Olyphant), Boyd (Walton Goggins), and Billy (Joe Mazzello) place gambles on situations, feeling that they have the upper hand, only to find out just how out of control things really have become.

Lindsey (Jenn Lyon) has been a bit nebulous, yet her relationship with Raylan has been very defined and compelling to watch. That’s why I was excited to see how Randall (Robert Baker) would shake things up between the two of them. Much like Raylan, I should have been able to see the truth behind Lindsey and Randall’s past (and its subsequent consequence) coming from a mile away. Yet because Lindsey tells the truth, Raylan believes her and takes what she says at face value, making the shocking results of her actions even harsher (for me at least) because I believed her truth.

On the Crowder side of things, Boyd’s gambles fail. When the “carrot” approach of trying to bribe Cassie (Lindsay Pulsipher) out of town doesn’t play, the “stick” approach fails in a horrific way, nearly costing Jimmy (Jesse Luken) his life. It’s not until the very end that Boyd is able to make his gamble play off. It’s not until Boyd gets smart enough to figure out the real truth behind Cassie and Billy’s operation. And once he does, the consequences of this explode out in such a compelling manner, giving way to one of the season’s best scenes (so far at least) between Boyd and Billy. Both Mazzello and Goggins bring their A game here, reminding me of the best parts of a Raylan/Boyd interaction: tensions rise and you have no idea who will make it out alive, if anyone does at all.

Yet, as Billy preaches, the truth will set you free. Boyd has revealed the truth about Billy. Raylan knows the truth about Lindsey.

There will be consequences for all.

Quick Thoughts:

– Second week in a row we’ve heard about Art (Nick Searcy) and his Marshal stiffy. This joke will continue to be never not funny.

– “He does something stupid every day, can you be more specific?” Gutterson (Jacob Pitts) is secretly Justified‘s best character.

– Speaking of Gutterson, I’m glad that the entire Marshal’s office feels more involved than in past seasons. I’m particularly interested to see Rachel’s (Erica Tazel) storyline play out, especially since it looks like she’s beginning to inherit a few Given-influenced personality traits.

– It’s only fitting that all roads seemingly lead to Theo Tonin and the Detroit Mob.

– Remember what I said about those snakes? Just wanted you all to remember how right I was. This no-prize is great to have.

– There was something utterly sad about Boyd’s pleads to Billy. For as much of a ruthless criminal Boyd has become, he certainly is one to acknowledge how a person’s faith can cloud their judgement.

– It’s strange to see such subtle heartbreak as so many characters lose their faith in others. Another nice theme in this week’s episode worth discussing.

– Some nice seeds planted this week between Johnny (David Meunier) and Wynn (Jere Burns).

– Can we talk about how utterly compelling and great the show has continued to be considering the fact we’re three episodes in and have yet to see a scene between Boyd and Raylan?

Seasons 1-3 are currently available on DVD & Blu-ray and through Amazon Instant Video, if you need to catch up or refresh.