Ep 1. The Gunfighter

In Justified season 3 episode 1, titled "The Gunfighter," viewers are reintroduced to Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who has recently been assigned to a new post in his hometown of Harlan, Kentucky. Raylan's job is to keep the peace in a region that's rife with crime and corruption, but he quickly finds that his job is easier said than done.

The episode opens with Raylan investigating a dangerous criminal who's been causing trouble in the region. Meanwhile, Raylan's father, Arlo, has been locked up in prison for the past twenty years, and his presence in Harlan is causing a stir. Arlo is demanding that Raylan help him get a pardon so that he can be released from prison, but Raylan is hesitant to get involved.

As Raylan navigates the complicated political landscape of Harlan, he has to deal with a slew of new challenges. He's tasked with tracking down a dangerous criminal who's been stealing from the local coal mines, and he's also forced to confront his unresolved feelings for his ex-wife, Winona. As he navigates these challenges, Raylan is forced to rely on his wit, his instinct, and his gun to keep himself and those around him safe.

One of the key themes of "The Gunfighter" is the idea of redemption. Throughout the episode, Raylan is confronted with characters who have made mistakes in the past, but who are looking for a chance to make things right. This is particularly evident in his interactions with Arlo, who is desperate to make amends for his past mistakes. Raylan, however, is wary of trusting his father, who has a long history of criminal activity.

Another key theme of the episode is the idea of family. Raylan is a man who's deeply connected to his roots, and he's fiercely protective of his family and his home. This is evident in his interactions with his father, who he has a complicated relationship with, but who he's also fiercely loyal to. The episode also introduces us to a new character, Ellen May, who's a prostitute that works at the local brothel. Ellen May is desperate to escape the life she's been forced into, and she's looking for a way out. In many ways, Raylan becomes a surrogate family member for her, as he tries to help her find a way to escape her current situation.

Overall, "The Gunfighter" is a tense, action-packed episode that sets the stage for a season full of drama, intrigue, and gunfights. Fans of the show will be thrilled to see Raylan back in action, and they'll be eager to find out what challenges he'll face next as he tries to keep the peace in Harlan.