Justified 3.2 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Cut Ties.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to Benjamin Cavell (“Blaze of Glory,” “Full Commitment”), whose only credits are “Justified” credits.
What says FX?
“The murder of a fellow marshal throws Raylan together with a former female colleague, and Art leaves the office to track down another angle of the case. Meanwhile, Boyd engineers a showdown with Dickie Bennett, despite Raylan's effort to prevent it.”
Is the former female colleague played by Carla Gugino?
Yes, she plays “Assistant Director Karen Goodall,” a U.S. marshal service employee who once worked (and did other things) with Raylan Givens while based in Miami.
Gugino plays a federal marshal from Miami named Karen??
She does. Spoilers lurk in the text invisible. Don’t read them. Gugino tonight reprises the role of Karen Sisco. Since we last saw her, Sisco married a fellow named Goodall. (For those unaware, Karen Sisco is likely Elmore Leonard’s most famous creation not named Raylan Givens. Karen, as played by current “American Idol” judge Jennifer Lopez, was the marshal’s service heroine of the 1998 Steven Soderbergh/George Clooney movie “Out of Sight.” ABC aired an excellent 2003-2004 sequel series titled “Karen Sisco,” whose butt-kicking title character was played by – Carla Gugino.)
Does Gugino appear in future episodes?
TV Line reported in October that hers is a recurring role, though she does not turn up in 3.3 or 3.4.
What else is FX not telling us?
In tonight’s final scene, Mykelti Williamson joins the cast as recurring menace Ellstin Limehouse. That final scene, heavy with dialogue and light on action, is one of the episode’s best; perhaps the best. Which is saying something. For those who watch “Boardwalk Empire,” Limehouse struck me as a cross between Chalky White and Manny Horvitz. But the season is young.
Does Williamson overshadow Neal McDonough’s Quarles character this week?
McDonough and Jere Burns both get the week off. They return (as does Williamson) next week.
How does it start?
A hungover Raylan receives a rude awakening. (“Justified” teasers are long! More than a quarter of the episode’s running time elapses before we get to the opening credits!)
What’s doing with Winona Givens Hawkins and Ava Crowder?
Winona discusses quarters and ultrasounds. Ava stays offscreen until very late in the episode.
Does Dickie Bennett survive tonight’s episode?
That would be telling. Keep an eye on tonight’s second scene. After the episode ends, kindly theorize about Boyd’s intentions at that point in the story.
Does Loretta McCready turn up?
Nope.
What’s good?
Limehouse. Walter Poe. Little Joe. Rachel Brooks’ efficiency. Vengeful Art generally, but especially the two bullet holes he puts in the wall behind Walter. The Raylan/Karen team in action. Boyd’s prison-yard workout. “People don’t even have phone books anymore.” “I’m starting to doubt your plan.” “We were using the new book then.” “I think I might need a spot.” “Now before you choose!” All the excellent suspense. This is one superior hour of television.
What’s not so good?
I have a question about tonight’s second scene.
How does it end, spoiler boy?
“Can I assume from your face you’re choosing door number two?”
10 p.m. Tuesday. FX.
