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Moment of Goodness

Moment of Goodness: Art Talks Some Sense Into Raylan, Justified “Measures” 

Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta / FX

I don’t know about you, but I’ve really been enjoying this season of Justified. Quarles and Limehouse are great villains with interesting backstories and I always love what’s going on with Raylan and the Marshals as well as all the criminals in Harlan. But let’s be clear: when I say I’m “enjoying” this season, I mean it’s stressing me out. I’m glad Winona’s gone (I love Natalie Zea, but I’m not a Winona fan), but I don’t like what it’s been doing to Raylan. Raylan’s had some serious setbacks – both at work and in his personal life – so I kind of understand his need to act out. We know he’s drinking more than he should be, but you know it’s serious when Art feels like he has to step in a say something. 

Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta / FX

Art’s old school. He’s pretty serious about letting someone work their sh*t out in their own way in their own time. But he’s always had an interesting relationship with Raylan. Yes, he thinks Raylan’s a good marshal but there’s a reason Raylan pulls his gun – and shoots a lot of people – more than anyone else. And since he knows what’s going on in Raylan’s personal life it’s nice to see him step in and say something.

Art: “Even under ideal circumstances, Raylan, the prospect of first time fatherhood can make a man feel unmoored.” 

Raylan: “Unmoored?”

Art: “Oh shut up. I’m just feeling my way through this.”

Raylan: “Art I’ve already got a daddy.” 

Art: “Yeah I’ve met your daddy.”

Raylan: “Fair enough. Continue.”

Art: “To be clear I just don’t need you to be more reckless than normal, alright?”

Raylan: “You really are afraid of getting shot.”

Art: “Whatever your failings are gonna be as a father I’m pretty sure that your child is gonna be better off if you manage to stay above ground long enough to make his acquaintance.”

And then he takes a huge bite out of his burger. I love everything about this scene. I love that Art feels like he has to play the “daddy” role for a moment because he sees someone he cares about spinning out of control. I love that Raylan seems like he’s not taking Art’s words that seriously, but that he does hear him. I love that all this takes place as they’re staking Wynn Duffy’s trailer out looking for Quarles, which is the whole reason they’re together in the first place. I just love everything about this relationship. I feel it when Art is justifiably disappointed in Raylan and I really feel it when he’s trying to protect him.

There are only two more episodes left this season. I definitely feel like things are coming together from what I’m sure will be a very explosive season finale. But I expect nothing less. I just wonder who’ll be left standing.

Justified airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on FX.

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