Gumption and A-holes. Review: Justified – “Wrong Roads”

Season 5, Episode 9

Air date: Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 10PM E/P on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

“No. I’m still the goddamned boss until somebody tells me otherwise and if I say you’re not here, you’re not here.” – Art

“Wrong Roads” isn’t a filler episode like “Whistle Past the Graveyard,” but it isn’t a great episode either. While “Wrong Roads” gives us some closure on a storyline or two, it drags out other storylines, making me roll my eyes with exasperation. I see some double crosses coming across the Mexican border in the form of the Crowes. But one of them surprises me by finally getting the gumption to do something drastic to remedy his situation. Way to go, Dewey (Damon Herriman)!

It’s Every Man or Woman For Themselves

Boyd is just about ready to sever ties with Daryl Crowe, Jr. but unfortunately, he still needs his heroin.

Boyd (Walton Goggins) is an enigmatic force to be reckoned with. He’s smart, cunning, and can talk his way out of a paper bag. But what bugs me is Boyd’s lack of enthusiasm. Perhaps he’s just missing his Ava (Joelle Carter), or could it be he’s upset to find out what she’s up to via circuitous dealings with prison nurse Rowena (Deidrie Henry)? Either way, Boyd is just not on his game. He’s vulnerable and being vulnerable can get a man killed. The closed meeting in Audrey’s bar is a prime example of things going awry quickly. What’s good about this scene is the intensity. It gave me a glimpse of what I’ve been aching for in the last few episodes of Justified. The room is wrought with tension as Roscoe (Steve Harris) and Jay (Wood Harris) come to claim what they believe is their fair share. After learning what happened in Mexico to poor Johnny (David Meunier), Roscoe and Jay know it’s a matter of time before everything deteriorates.

The deal Ava makes in prison is a bad plan all around. Rowena is asking her to do something so grandiose, and it seems like there is always something else Ava must do to before Rowena will help her. I know Ava wants, and yes, needs protection but if Ava goes down this road, she’s probably going to lose a part of herself she can never get back. I don’t like the direction the writers are taking Ava. I admit, I wanted drama but that’s not what this is; it’s sheer stupidity. Ava may be desperate but this plot has more than enough holes to put Swiss cheese to shame. Who else finds this absurd?

The DEA Agent

I don’t think DEA Special Agent Alex Miller is squeaky clean but he’s not very crooked either…could be Raylan in about 15 years.

I had no idea Eric Roberts was guest starring in “Wrong Roads.” Either I missed the news update or this was a well-guarded secret. t Nevertheless, seeing him pop up on screen as DEA Special Agent Alex Miller is a highlight. This flask guzzling DEA agent is played coolly and expertly by the adept Roberts. Alex isn’t keen on working with Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) but for obvious reasons, it’s a necessity. Roberts may not get the respect he deserves, but he sure gives Olyphant a run for his money. The way Alex’s disheveled appearance persuades you to think he’s a drunken nimrod is exactly what Roberts is going for.

Family Ties Are Meant to Be Run Over

Danny (A.J. Buckley) really gets on my nerves, which is a credit to Buckley’s acting. Buckley needs to balance himself more carefully though. Acting like a complete ass with no redeeming qualities makes a character unlikable and right now, no one really likes Danny. Thankfully, he doesn’t bark in “Wrong Roads.” When an opportunity for Dewey to get away from Danny presents itself, it’s impossible to tell what he’s going to do, especially with a federal agent standing in the way. This is one of those intense moments Justified does so well.

Daryl (Michael Rapaport) isn’t as big a bully as Danny but he’s still a bully. The way he speaks to his sister Wendy (Alicia Witt) and nephew Kendal (Jacob Loflund) leaves a sour taste in my mouth. After finding Kendal’s stash, I wanted to snatch Daryl by the neck and smash his head on the dresser. Rapaport has a deplorable southern accent but he’s making the most of his character’s shortcomings. Daryl thinks he’s doing everything for the good of the family but in reality, he’s just taking care of number one. With everything he needs from Wendy, Danny, and Kendal, it’s a wonder he thinks he’s doing this for the “family.”

The Boss

Art, you have such a way with words...but apparently need some work on ripping a-holes.

Art, you have such a way with words…but apparently need some work on ripping new a-holes.

Raylan and Art (Nick Searcy) finally speak and it’s contentious. I know Art is pissed off but like he says, “You know what? My wife is right; I’m the crazy one here, thinking that you’re gonna change. I mean, what the hell is ever gonna do that? I’ve already torn you so many new assholes, you don’t know which one’s the original…” Raylan needs someone to stand up to him and knock him down a notch. He may be a stellar U.S. Marshal but he’s a terrible friend and even worse when it comes to relationships.

Random Thoughts:

With Hot Rod’s (Mickey Jones) story line approaching its end, it opens up the flood gates for the deal Daryl proposes to Boyd to come full circle. I smell a double cross coming.
Dewey is going to be in a world of hurt after what he does to Danny. Is it wrong I think Dewey should have backed up for good measure?
I like DEA Special Agent Alex Miller so I hope we haven’t seen the last of him.

Overall

“Wrong Roads” isn’t a great episode but it does have some good moments. I’m ready to see Ava’s story line take off and rattle the prison bars. I’m also ready for Boyd to stamp out the weeds within his organization. Bringing the Crowes on board was a spur of the moment move to help remedy a situation but a prolonged partnership doesn’t seem likely. I’m beginning to feel like season five will be the final season for Justified. It seems everyone is just throwing up their hands this season. They need to grab some of Dewey’s gumption and get this show back on the road to being the successful series it once was. “TV Drama” is how Justified is labeled but I don’t have the same desire I once had to tune in each week. It’s becoming perfunctory.

Let me know what you thought of “Wrong Roads.” Leave a comment below and/or tweet me @judybopp.

Tune in to Justified, Tuesdays at 10:00 PM ET/PT, only on FX.

For more on the show, go to http://www.fxnetworks.com/justified.

Follow Justified on Twitter and use hashtag #JustifiedFX.

Follow cast member Joelle Carter @Joelle_Carter on Twitter.

For fans of Walton Goggins, follow @WaltonGFan.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.