Justified Review: “Raw Deal” (Season 5, Episode 7)

Another investment (or re-investment) Justified appears to be making is in the character of Ava (Joelle Carter). For some time now she has been under the influence of Boyd. Although he certainly consults her in some of his business affairs, it seems that he more often stifles her opinion in favor of his own more lucrative gut feelings. Now that Ava finds herself a more permanent fixture of the prison system, hope dwindling, allies at zero, she is forced to reevaluate her belief system which up until now exclusively relied upon Boyd.

It did seem that Boyd had the situation under control at the beginning. That he was prepared to do whatever it took to release Ava from her judicial confines, but in his attempt to do so, he has seemingly made it worse. Even his attempt to provide Ava with protection in his absence backfired. His further attempts to reclaim his territory, have only added more distance to their relationship. Without having any reassurance, Ava has done what Ava always does – looked out for herself. It was in her best interest to form an alliance dependent on her own merit and not what money can buy.

Moving forward, Boyd should be experiencing less distractions now that he’s eliminated what was essentially the biggest threat to him. Johnny (David Meunier) made his final play, and although it was commendable, it proved once and for all that he will always be one step behind Boyd. It was a fitting ending to his character arc. Boyd had previously shown reservations when it came to killing his cousin, one of his only living relatives, but when it came time he didn’t miss a beat. Johnny had outlived both his usefulness and his margin for annoyance, and this time he won’t be getting a second chance.

Johnny was just another person standing in the way of Boyd getting what he wanted and it seems that season 5 is pretty much just that for him – a long list of complications. The next person on that list, Danny Crowe (A.J. Buckley). The unflattering situation in the desert puts Boyd and his word in a shaky position with the Mexican cartel. With Danny at the helm of this potentially costly mistake, it gives Boyd reason to question him and his brother’s competency. If the Crowe’s are no longer useful to him, then they may want to brace themselves for a Johnny like ending to their tale.

Is it distractions that are keeping Boyd from Ava or is he creating them as an excuse not to face the reality of their situation? How will Art react to Raylan’s ultimatum? Will Wendy turn on her brother to save herself? Let us know what you thought of this episode of Justified, and what you think is coming next, in the comment section below!