Ep 9. Loose Ends

In Justified season 3 episode 9, titled "Loose Ends", Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens finds himself wrapped up in yet another complex case. The episode begins with the introduction of a new character, Colt (played by Ron Eldard), a former military sniper turned criminal who is hired by Quarles to take out Raylan. Meanwhile, Raylan is tasked with tracking down Dickie Bennett (Jeremy Davies), who has been causing trouble and stirring up old rivalries in Harlan County.

As both Raylan and Boyd (Walton Goggins) race to find and deal with Dickie, they come across several other characters from past seasons, including Limehouse (Mykelti Williamson) and Arlo (Raymond J. Barry). The episode is filled with tense confrontations and unexpected twists, as Raylan and Boyd navigate the complex web of allegiances and vendettas that make up life in Harlan County.

One of the key themes of "Loose Ends" is the idea of consequences catching up with people. Raylan, Boyd, and Dickie are all forced to confront the aftermath of past actions, and the toll it has taken on their lives. Despite being on opposite sides of the law, they are all haunted by the same ghosts of the past, and the episode explores their attempts to find some measure of redemption or closure.

Another focus of the episode is the role of family and loyalty in the lives of the characters. Dickie's loyalty to his family is tested as he comes face-to-face with the consequences of his actions, while Raylan struggles with his complicated relationship with his father and the legacy of his criminal past. Boyd, too, is forced to reckon with the fact that the people he cares about most may not always have his best interests at heart.

Overall, "Loose Ends" is a gripping and intense episode that showcases the strengths of Justified as a show. The writing is sharp and nuanced, with plenty of witty dialogue and complex character relationships. The acting is superb, with standout performances from Timothy Olyphant as Raylan and Walton Goggins as Boyd. And the plot is filled with enough twists and turns to keep viewers engaged and guessing until the very end. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will find plenty to love in this thrilling episode.