The Whole Half. Review: Justified – “Weight”

Season 5, Episode 10

Air date: Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 10PM E/P on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

“I think I’m on the phone. I’m gonna ask you to back up and keep your mouth shut until I’m off and then we’ll settle whatever grievances you feel like you have suffered.” – Raylan

Finally! After a few mediocre episodes, Justified finally pulls a rabbit out the old Stetson with “Weight.” This episode is jam-packed with twists, turns, and eye-popping surprises I didn’t see coming. From an old friend (or enemy, depending on who you are) wheeling back into things, to a family feud that’s been brewing since the beginning, “Weight” holds no punches in the violence department. Will these surprises be another anchor weighing Justified down or the invigoration it needs? Either way, I’m along for the ride.

Friends = Enemies

Dickie has a clever moment when he suggests Raylan use a map of Kentucky…but it’s not to find Dewey.

Just when Dewey (Damon Herriman) is at the end of his rapidly fraying rope, especially after what he does to his cousin Danny (A.J. Buckley) in “Wrong Roads,” he musters up a bright idea and pays an old pal a visit in prison. Was there a memo sent out about the guest stars appearing this season or perhaps I’m just not in the loop? Seeing Dickie Bennett (Jeremy Davies) is a shocking surprise but what he does after seeing Dewey isn’t. Can you say double cross? Armed with knowledge, Dickie thinks he’s got an advantage to better his situation in prison; however, Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) disagrees with the value of said information. The exchange between Dickie and Raylan is priceless. Davies is in the zone and the way he portrays Dickie is nothing short of genius. Davies becomes Dickie—mind, body and soul. Even though he hasn’t been playing this character for more than a season, it’s as though Davies never stopped being Dickie. I don’t know why but I want to empathize with Dewey. Is Raylan right—does Dewey have that “lost puppy quality” about him? Speaking of Raylan, he’s awfully snappy in “Weight.” I like it; I like it a lot. He’s been a bit too cordial of late so I appreciate the snarky attitude.

Wit’s End

Boyd is in no mood for anymore bullshit.

Boyd (Walton Goggins) is truly at his wit’s end. With inept partners and the harsh blow Ava (Joelle Carter) deals him, Boyd is ready to rip his famous hair from his head. Have you noticed a lot of people in Boyd’s circle are talking about his hair? I’d be less concerned with his spiky locks and more concerned about the venom he’s spewing. Boyd does something that shocks me. I’ve seen plenty of things that would curl my hair but this sends me over the moon. Without a drop of bloodshed and no guns, what Boyd does is so confounding, it makes me wonder if he’s really lost it. Albert (Danny Strong) is a lucky man but his luck will run out sooner than he thinks.

Goggins is brilliant as Boyd. When he speaks through clenched teeth to Ava behind the prison glass, the words are so compelling and heart wrenching; you feel Boyd’s frustration and anguish through each syllable he utters. Watching Goggins perform is one of the main reasons I love Justified as much as I do.

Ava is also at her wit’s end. The task Rowena (Deidrie Henry) sets upon her isn’t something Ava is comfortable with. Ava is smart; she knows there will be more hurdles to jump if Rowena is going to be in charge of things. What’s a girl in prison to do? Should Ava listen to Penny (Danielle Panabaker) about the dastardly things Judith (Dale Dickey) has done or should she try to reason with Judith? In prison, depending on anyone but yourself is dangerous. And who goes into an unguarded prison chapel alone? Is it bravery or stupidity? I’m voting for the latter.

Accidents Happen

Wendy and Daryl get into a violent argument. I just hope Kendal realizes which side he's chosen isn't the right one.

Wendy and Daryl get into a violent argument. I just hope Kendal realizes the side he’s chosen isn’t the right one.

Kendal (Jacob Loflund) takes off when Danny’s beloved pooch Chelsea befalls an unfortunate turn of events and Mama Crowe, Wendy (Alicia Witt), is desperate to find him. Kendal goes to an unlikely place to find sanctuary, which is another surprise in “Weight.” Loflund has proven himself this season, standing up against some very good actors, holding his own quite well. The anger Buckley infuses into his character as he tries to go after Kendal is so convincing, I was fearful for the boy’s safety. And it takes a good deal of strength to restrain anger like that, which Daryl (Michael Rapaport) does admirably. I’ve been waiting for the Crowe family to combust and this mishap with Chelsea opens the flood gates, allowing Kendal to let slip a secret about Jean-Baptiste (Edi Gathegi). The difference between Daryl and Danny is simple – maturity. While you may not agree with my use of such a complimentary adjective to describe Daryl’s demeanor, it’s true. Danny reacts without thinking, a sign of immaturity. Daryl, on the other hand, pauses before he strikes. I appreciate the writers for providing these distinctions between these characters.

Another sign of Danny’s immaturity and inflated self-confidence is him squaring off with Raylan. That “21 foot rule” gag is getting stale and it’s Danny who suffers the consequences of his own actions.

Things of Note:

Daryl talking about washing condoms because it’s a “green whore house.” I’m speechless.
Dewey uses an alias to visit Dickie in prison. These two could never be the Hardy Boys, that’s for sure.
Mary Steenburgen finally makes an appearance as the beautiful Katherine Hale in “Weight.” Mr. Eyebrows himself, Wynn Duffy (Jere Burns), pays her a visit. It seems he needs her expertise regarding his arrangement with Boyd. Wynn is gushing over Katherine. They’ve got a sordid past and I want to know about it.
Justified isn’t squeamish about showing blood and whatnot but what we see in “Weight” during the fight between Daryl and Wendy is a bit hard to watch. Family squabbles are one thing but their dispute goes beyond a screaming match.

Overall

“Weight” is the drama-filled, double crossing, darkly comedic episode I’ve been longing for. Justified isn’t a humorous series by any stretch but sprinkling in a bit of off-beat comedy via Dewey’s dimwittedness gives the episode just the right amount of realism it needs. I can only hope the surprises in “Weight” push the show forward in the remaining episodes.

Let me know what you thought of “Weight.” 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 #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.