Just What Will Raylan Do With Those Chickens? Review: Justified "This Bird Has Flown"

Air Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 10:00PM on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

“What now is, where’s my money?” — Raylan Givens

The search for Randall (Robert Baker) and Lindsey (Jenn Lyon) is on. Is it all about the missing money or maybe Raylan’s (Timothy Olyphant) pride? Rachel (Erica Tazel) is along for the ride, and the drama is at an all-time high as our favorite deputy marshal goes on a manhunt. He’s chasing his cash but ends up with… chickens?

Observations:

What is going on with Raylan? He’s fallen on hard times with life, women, and money. He’s not the Raylan Givens I’m used to seeing. He’s bitter, off his game and let’s face it, lonesome. “I just thought she liked me.” He has a rough go of it with Lindsey vanishing when he thought they had a good thing going. At least it appeared that way. How could he not know he was being used? I feel bad for the guy, but honestly, you never show anyone where you hide your stash. Oldest rule in the book, Raylan!

Randall may be history, but he sure left an impression in my mind.

I know I may be the only one who thinks this, but I kind of like Randall. Or maybe it’s Baker’s charisma, and the fact he does such a great job portraying the smarmy character. Whatever the reason, I enjoy Randall’s scenes because you never know what he’s going to say next. He has a way about him that makes me nervous yet curious about his motivations. I mean, really, the guy wants to manage game cocks? Do anyone even do that in the South?

I’m lost on what Boyd (Walton Goggins) and Ava (Joelle Carter) are up to now. Boyd is still as cool as a cucumber, but he’s back to riding the wrong line of the law with no regrets. I keep wondering where the redeemed Boyd has gone. I know he’s been through a lot and things have changed for him, but I don’t know if I like this side of him. Also, the chemistry between Boyd and Ava is off. When they’re together, it’s strictly business; almost all their interactions are professional. I miss the lingering gazes and unexplored sexual tension that used to thrive between them. Has work taken over that much?

The marshal makes his job look easy.

Speaking of Boyd, I’m always mesmerized by Goggins when he’s on screen. He never breaks character and oozes a sort of tough-guy-yet-still-a-gentleman charm that steals scenes. But this season, Olyphant seems to shine: the accent, the swagger, the way he rocks that Stetson. He’s taken on the character of Raylan Givens and breathed new life into him. You have to give the man credit for diversifying a portrayal that could easily become stale over time.

I can’t say the side stories hold my interest as I’m more tuned in to what’s going on with Raylan and Boyd. I have to know that all will be well when they meet again. The two never seem to part on good terms.

Funny lines:

Raylan gets teased a little in anticipation of questioning a potential lead:

Gina (Navi Rawat): “I put you about 180 maybe 185. Am I right?”

Raylan: “Give or take.”

Gina: “Let’s say we wrestle for it.”

Raylan: “We do what now?”

Gina: “We wrestle. I pin you, you tap out, whatever; I take you both on back. You tap; well… you can leave your hat on.”

Rachel: “You gonna tell me how much money it was or not?”

Raylan: “I did. It was a goodly sum.”

Alvin the store clerk (David Dean Bottrell): “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that blonde girl set me up for a beating.”

Raylan: “I know what you mean.”

Randall to Raylan after being shot with a bean bag gun:

Randall: “Jesus, man. How many times did she shoot me?”

Raylan: “Couple more times than she shot me.”

Rachel: “What are you gonna do about the chickens?”

Raylan: “I’m driving around looking for a barbecue joint to drop ‘em off at.”

Lindsey got away, ya’ll. Think she’ll be back?

I like that Rachel has Raylan’s back. He needs someone to considering he’s gone rogue doing his own thing. I think he needs the support and having a “partner” will help get him back on track. Or, at least, I think it will. “This Bird Has Flown” is enjoyable, but not the best Justified has to offer. I’m waiting for the time Raylan will draw on someone and shoot them down like he used to. What happened to the modern-day gunslinger? I’d like him back about now.

Tune in to Justified Tuesdays at 10PM, only on FX. For more on the show, visit http://www.fxnetworks.com/justified.

Follow the show on Twitter: @JustifiedFX, Hash tag #JustifiedFX https://twitter.com/justifiedFX.

LIKE Justified on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustifiedFX.

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