Tag Archives: Justified

‘Justified’ 5.13 “Restitution”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes (approximately). Episode 5.13: “Restitution” (original airdate, April 8, 2014). Directed by Adam Arkin; written by Dave Andron and Fred Golan (9 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting too many (mostly criminal types), trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned. He’s gone from his home in drug-infested Miami back to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Once again in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen. He also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode:Raylan puts the squeeze on jailed teen Kendal Crowe to get the evidence the U.S. Marshals Office needs to arrest Darryl Crowe Jr., the man they believe was responsible for putting Art in the hospital. Meanwhile, Boyd has to contend with enforcers sent by his angry Mexican drug cartel contacts, as well as his equally peeved “Dixie Mafia” business partners. And Boyd’s imprisoned girlfriend, Ava, finds herself without hope and without allies behind bars.

The show’s fifth season wraps up all of the relevant story lines in this intense, hour-plus episode, which also sets the wheels in motion for next year’s series-closing sixth season. Arguably the best episode of this inconsistent, at-times frustrating season, the aptly titled “Restitution” rights the ship and sends it off in a much more promising direction.

But first, Raylan has to deal with the Florida Crowes once and for all. Having been thwarted in his attempts to pin Art’s shooting on Darryl, he instead convinces Assistant District Attorney David Vasquez to charge the youngest Crowe, Kendal, as an adult. (The teen already confessed to shooting Art, though no one really believes his story.)

That, in turn, gives Raylan the leverage to pressure paralegal Wendy Crowe (Kendal’s delinquent mother) to turn on her abusive older brother, Darryl.

As for Boyd, he finds himself between a rock and a hard place. Alberto and his hired guns have come to Harlan at the behest of cartel spokesman Mr. Yuen. But as usual, Boyd does have some clever means – including using Raylan’s fellow Deputy U.S. Marshals Rachel Brooks and Tim Gutterson – to get out of that predicament.

And thankfully, the episode resolves the go-nowhere, Ava-behind-bars subplot, which seemed out of place and ill-thought-out (the similarities to  Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” were too glaring to be missed).

While a few of the resolutions do seem a bit too tidy, we do get our promised shoot-outs, as well as a bit of redemptive justice. Curiously, the only character who isn’t involved in the action is Raylan, though it’s in keeping with this season’s characterization. Olyphant is outstanding in a scene in which Raylan tries to reach out to Kendal, using his own screwed-up family circumstances as common ground. (The scene also humanizes and redeems Raylan, who was abrasive and hardened when we last saw him.)

Goggins also continues to reveal a softer side to the increasingly weary Boyd, who’s given an intriguing offer to consider by Katherine Hale, the “mentor” of sorts to his “Detroit Mafia” partner Wynn Duffy (Jere Burns, who makes the most with the limited material he gets to work with this time around). 

Adam Arkin, who also played “Detroit Mafia” drug lord Theo Tonin on the show, directed the episode, which is deadly series for the most part. Series veterans Dave Andron and Fred Golan (who also serve as series producers) co-scripted, and as always, “Restitution” does have its share of memorable quips to balance out the darker story elements. Some of the better ones quotes and line exchanges include:

“Well, if you wanna cuddle, you know where to find me.” (Darryl)

“I prefer to hunt animals that have a chance to fight back.” (Boyd)

“You trying to get me to shit my pants, Alberto? It seems that would much your job more unpleasant.” (Boyd)

“No small thing, taking a life.” (Raylan)

“Marshals, we also have a boss. The difference is, if we show up empty-handed, our boss will kill us.” (Alberto)

“Darlin’, I would raise my hands and surrender if I could.” (Boyd)

“You ever seen a man shot like that, Mr. Ranger Man?” “Good guys don’t have to see people with their hands cuffed, Crowder.” (Boyd, then Tim)

“You dirty, rotten, god-damned bitch.” “Well, I guess we all get the family we deserve, Darryl.” (Darryl, then Wendy)

“Do you remember when I said you’d wish I’d killed you? Well, don’tcha?” (Raylan)

“Are those bullets holes?” “It’s been a tough couple of months, Ava.” (Ava, then Boyd)

Overall rating: 9 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Wynn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars: Rick Gomez (ADA David Vasquez), Justin Huen (Alberto), Jacob Lofland (Kendal Crowe), Michael Rapaport (Darryl Crowe, Jr.), Mary Steenburgen (Katherine Hale), Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe) and Natalie Zea (Winona Hawkins)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, also writes movie reviews and movie-related stories for Cinephiled (www.cinephiled.com) and can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com) or be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

‘Justified’ 5.12 “Starvation” Review

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes (approximately). Episode 5.12: “Starvation” (original airdate, April 1, 2014). Directed by Michael Pressman; written by Chris Provenzano (7 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting too many (mostly criminal types), trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned. He’s gone from his home in drug-infested Miami back to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Once again in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen. He also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode: Raylan and the rest of the local Marshals Office try to get the evidence they need to arrest Darryl Crowe Jr., the man they believe was responsible for putting Art in the hospital. Boyd and his Dixie Mafia “partner,” Wynn Duffy, also have their reasons for wanting to find Darryl, who’s partially to blame for the missing half of their Mexican drug shipment. And in the meantime, Boyd’s imprisoned girlfriend, Ava, finds her life in serious peril from her revenge-minded fellow inmates.

The show’s fifth season ends next week with a much-anticipated finale, and while the main story lines continue to ratchet up in this sometimes gripping hour, the penultimate episode still has a few, dead-end story “progressions” and even leaves a few characters spinning their wheels. They include Raylan’s fellow Deputy U.S. Marshals Tim Gutterson and Rachel Brooks, who’s been put in charge of the office while Art is hospitalized.

Along with Raylan, Tim and Rachel put pressure on Boyd and Wynn, both of whom have also been threatened by their Mexican drug connections, to help them snare Darryl, even entrap him to provide the evidence they need for an arrest and conviction. (The clever Darryl has gotten his teenage nephew to take the fall for Art’s shooting.)

That includes impounding Wynn’s RV and using Ava as a pawn, to convince Boyd to draw Darryl out into the open. Speaking of Ava, she’s now taken the place of the semi-crazed Judith, the prison “religious leader” she killed while behind bars. That has made her a hero to some – including her conspirator, Penny – while others are biding their time, waiting for the right opening.

The latter subplot continues to steal time from the better characters and story, especially in this episode.  The more interesting elements include some intrigue with paralegal Wendy Crowe (Alicia Witt), who is torn by her family loyalties and horror at what older brother Darryl has been up, as well as the Marshals Office turmoil. Rachel is clearly keeping an eye on Raylan, who becomes more ruthless as the episode progresses.

Some welcome comic relief comes in the form of Dewey Crowe (Damon Herriman, amusing as always), who returns to Harlan and accidentally upsets Raylan’s best-laid plans.

Michael Pressman, a television veteran who also helmed 1991’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze,” directed the episode. And series regular Chris Provenzano scripted “Starvation,” which does have its share of memorable quips and quote exchanges. Some of the better ones include:

“Is it something that won’t involve any skinning or skin-related procedures?” (Wynn)

“Apparently it’s all the rage with the cartels, to break up the tedium of the beheadings.” (Wynn)

“Never did I imagine you would trap the mouse with a file.” “The grand jury doesn’t give two shits how you’ve been trapped.” (Boyd, then Raylan)

“Your savior has arrived.” (Boyd)

“Did I say something funny?” “You are who you are. I find it amusing.” (Boyd, then Raylan)

“Why don’t you leave out the parts we’d like to skip?” (Tim)

“Normally we’d sit and have a beer and exchange pleasantries and shit, but I just ain’t got that time.” (Darryl)

“If it’s gonna be longer than a minute, mind if I come in and take a shit?” (Dewey)

“That is a silver tongue.” “I know I got a boner.” (Rachel, then Tim)

“Messer? I was joking.” “That’s good. I’d stick with that.” (Dewey, then Raylan)

Overall rating: 7 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Wynn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars: Rick Gomez (ADA David Vasquez), Damon Herriman (Dewey Crowe), Danielle Panabaker (Penny), Michael Rapaport (Darryl Crowe, Jr.), Stephen Root (Judge Reardon) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), writing movie reviews and related stories for Cinephiled (www.cinephiled.com) and be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.11 “The Toll”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes (approximately). Episode 5.10: “The Toll” (original airdate, March 25, 2014). Directed by Jon Avnet; written by Benjamin Cavell (8 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting too many (mostly criminal types), trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned. He’s gone from his home in drug-infested Miami back to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Once again in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen. He also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode: Raylan and the rest of the local Marshals Office try to find the shooter responsible for putting Art in the hospital. Meanwhile, Boyd tries to explain the circumstances behind the missing half of the heroin shipment to his Dixie Mafia “partners,” including Wynn Duffy and his mentor, Katherine Hale. And Boyd’s imprisoned girlfriend, Ava, awaits the discovery of and the retaliation for her killing of a fellow prisoner.

As the show’s fifth season winds down (including this episode, there are only three episodes left), the main story lines really ratchet up with this deadly serious, surprisingly tense hour, which sees Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Ed Kirkland, from the Detroit office, put in charge of the office while Art is hospitalized. And he’s heading up the investigation into the shooting, which has left social worker Allison Brander (Raylan’s most recent ex) in a state of shock.

In the meantime, Boyd is being raked over the coals – and threatened — by Wynn, Katherine and Picker, who is fingered as the would-be assassin by his now-imprisoned former boss, Theo Tonin. (Sadly, Adam Arkin, who plays Theo, is nowhere to be seen – thanks to his duties on Yost’s other FX Network program, “The Americans.”)

While this season has had a few duff moments, the main story lines progress in pleasing fashion, with several twists and turns (including one really shocking death) over the course of the hour. Raylan’s face-to-face with Darryl Crowe Jr. (the always excellent Michael Rapaport), whom he believes was really behind the shooting, ends the episode on a gripping note that makes you more than a little anxious for next week’s penultimate season chapter.

Then there’s the Ava subplot, which continues to spin its wheels as well as steal time from the better characters and story.

Film and television veteran Jon Avnet (“Fried Green Tomatoes”) directed the episode, possibly the best of the season. The script comes courtesy series regular Benjamin Cavell, and, as we’ve come to expect, “The Toll” has quite a few memorable quips and quote exchanges. Among the better ones:

“You can call this an abundance of caution.” (Art)

“If I admit to hitting him, could you call it child abuse and take custody of him for me?” (Art)

“Our social hierarchy is the least of your concerns.” (Wynn)

“What’s that?” “My abiding shame.” (Wynn, then Boyd)

“He’s wondering if I can come up with a reason not to kill you.” “My sparkling personality?” (Katherine, then Boyd)

“Well, I guess this hotel takes that no-smoking policy very seriously, Mr. Duffy.” (Boyd)

“She doesn’t look like any grandmother I’ve ever seen. Of course, both my grandmas look like Edward James Olmos.” (Vasquez)

“You know that web of lies you’ve built around yourself? I’m going to use it to strangle the life out of you.” (Raylan)

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Wynn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars: Rick Gomez (ADA David Vasquez), Shashawnee Hall (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Ed Kirkland), John Kapelos (Picker), (Ed Kirkland), Jacob Lofland (Kendal Crowe), Danielle Panabaker (Penny), Michael Rapaport (Darryl Crowe, Jr.), Amy Smart (Allison Brander), Mary Steenburgen (Katherine Hale) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.10: “Weight”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes (approx.). Episode 5.10: “Weight” (original airdate, March 18, 2014). Directed by John Dahl; written by Taylor Elmore and Keith Schreier (7 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting too many (mostly criminal types), trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned. He’s gone from his home in drug-infested Miami back to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Once again in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen. He also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode:Raylan narrowly avoids crossing paths with Boyd, as both men try to track down Dewey Crowe, who’s gone missing with part of Boyd’s seemingly ill-fated heroin shipment. Meanwhile, Boyd’s imprisoned girlfriend, Ava, who’s now resorting to extreme measures to ensure her safety and standing behind bars.

Including “Weight,” there are just four episodes remaining in the show’s fifth season, which perhaps explains why it’s so densely plotted. The episode quickly hits the ground running, with the delinquent Dewey Crowe, who is trying to blackmail both his Florida Crowe relatives and Boyd by holding onto his “whole half” of the Mexican heroin shipment.

That leaves Boyd’s Dixie Mafia associates less than pleased. In fact, his supposed business partner, Winn Duffy, is at the end of his rope with the drug-smuggling fiasco, and calls in an old associate, Katherine Hale, to help him decide how to proceed in the future. (Duffy’s other partner, Picker, appears ready to eliminate Boyd from the equation altogether.)

Meanwhile, Raylan keeps close watch on the Florida Crowes, and eventually finds himself discussing Dewey’s whereabouts with another familiar face, Dickie Bennett, who claims to know where the fugitive Crowe is, and who tries to use that information to better his circumstances (he’s still serving time for his crimes in the series’ first couple of seasons).

Speaking of incarceration, the similarly imprisoned Ava tries to cut ties with a distraught Boyd, and agrees to murder a fellow inmate. (This prison subplot has now gone way beyond ludicrous. It’s just tiresome, and it’s beginning to take time away from other, better story lines.)

Actress Mary Steenburgen gets limited screen time as Winn’s mentor, though Davies makes the most of his scenes with Olyphant. (More Dickie, less Ava. Please?)

And the imbalanced-but-still-enjoyable “Weight” does resolve a couple of dangling plot lines: We find out that Miller, the DEA veteran played by Eric Roberts, is still alive, and Danny Crowe’s past actions come back to haunt him.

Film veteran John Dahl (“Rounders,” “Joy Ride”) directed the episode, which again runs longer than a “television hour” (by at least 10 minutes). The script comes courtesy series veteran Taylor Elmore and newcomer Keith Schreier. As we’ve come to expect, “Weight” has quite a few memorable quips and quote exchanges. Among the better ones:

“Just trying to imagine what my Einstein’s going to do with a carload of Mexican brown.” (Raylan)

“I got the WHOLE half!” (Dewey)

“A lot of confidence in a man that wears shorts and combat boots.” (Raylan)

“How did you find where I live?” “They got this thing called Google.” (Allison, then Kendal)

“You got yourself trapped between a Detroit rock and a shit-kicker hard place.” (Katherine)

“When do I get what’s coming to me?” “Seems like what you got coming is jack. And shit.” (Dickie, then Raylan)

“So you didn’t shoot him? Well, that’s something.” (Art)

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the company of bad men and criminals. Between you and me, I’m every bit as dependable as they are.” (Boyd)

Overall rating: 7 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Winn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars: A.J. Buckley (Danny Crowe), Jeremy Davies (Dickie Bennett), Damon Herriman (Dewey Crowe), Jacob Lofland (Kendal Crowe), Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe, Jr.), Mary Steenburgen (Katherine Hale) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.9: “Wrong Roads”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes (approx.). Episode 5.9: “Wrong Roads” (original airdate, March 11, 2014). Directed by Michael Dinner; written by Dave Andron and Leonard Chang (8 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting too many (mostly criminal types), trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned. He’s gone from his home in drug-infested Miami back to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Once again in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen. He also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode:Still planning to vacation in Florida while on suspension, Raylan instead finds himself in Memphis, where he’s partnered with Miller, a semi-disgraced DEA agent. Boyd, fresh off his Mexico misadventures, returns to Harlan to await the arrival of the Florida Crowes and his seemingly ill-fated heroin shipment. He also has a brief face-to-face with his imprisoned girlfriend, Ava, who has an important favor to ask of him.

After the season’s first outright dud (last week’s “Whistle Past the Graveyard”), “Justified”  returns to form with an extra-long (75 minutes) potboiler of an episode that’s filled with tense moments and weighty plot developments that are sharply contrasted with the welcome dark humor and character quirks that fans of the show have come to expect.

Finally there’s some progression in the already tiresome, Ava-behind-bars subplot, even if it still seems a little too reminiscent of Netflix’s excellent “Orange is the New Black.” Ava not only gets Boyd to agree to supply the prison with heroin – thus keeping her safe and making her a major “player” there – she also gets him to dirty his hands with a seemingly unrelated other matter.

With all that on his plate, Boyd tries to mollify another of his partners, the increasingly impatient Winn Duffy, and has to contend with Jay and Roscoe, two of Memphis drug lord “Hot Rod” Dunn’s men, who have their own proposition.

Perhaps the most interesting story thread concerns Raylan, whose spiraling life and career is paralleled with that of the hard-drinking Miller, gamely played by Eric Roberts. Together, they try to track down Dunn, and notify him that a few of his men met an untimely end while trying to double-cross Boyd and company in Mexico.

More than a few characters (at least one of them recurring) meet their end in this episode. The performances are customarily strong, though Roberts is a standout. In fact, the Raylan-Miller relationship is so interesting that you kind of hope it continues into future episodes. (SPOILER ALERT: The episode’s ending sort of leaves that up in the air.)

Executive producer Michael Dinner directed, and fellow executive producer Dave Andron co-scripted the episode, with series veteran Leonard Chang, which explains why “Wrong Roads” is filled with so many memorable quips and exchanges. The better ones in this episode include:

“Can I ask you a question?” “Ain’t gonna be much of a conversation if you don’t” (Raylan, then Kayla, a prostitute)

“(Those guns) jam so bad you could spread ‘em on your toast.” (Miller)

“You thought you’d come to Memphis and kick the hornet’s nest.” “ … And have some ribs.” (Miller, then Raylan)

“You come up with a name for it yet?” “Yeah, a ‘This Place Sucks.’” (Wendy, then Kendal)

“I tell you this: Killing an old man in a nursing home isn’t on my bucket list.” (Boyd)

“Could you send up a new pot of coffee? Because this one tastes like my ass on Sunday.” (Winn)

“Miller, would you call this a herd, a gaggle, or a flock of assholes.” “I would call this the United Nations of assholes.” (Raylan, then Miller)

“Actually, we have a job opening. You shoot this man in the face and take 10 percent.” (Boyd)

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Winn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars: Steve Harris (Roscoe), Wood Harris (Jay), Jacob Lofland (Kendal Crowe), Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe, Jr.), Eric Roberts (Miller) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.8: “Whistle Past the Graveyard”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes. Episode 5.8: “Whistle Past the Graveyard” (original airdate, March 4, 2014). Directed by Peter Werner; written by Chris Provenzano (6 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting too many (mostly criminal types), trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned. He’s gone from his home in drug-infested Miami back to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Once again in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen. He also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode: Recently suspended for some of his more questionable recent actions, Raylan is planning to vacation in Florida with his social worker girlfriend, Alison Brander, but again finds himself embroiled in Crowe family shenanigans. Boyd doesn’t have it any better, as he tries to cross back into the United States with his heroin shipment, thanks to equal parts help and hindrance from the Florida Crowes. And Boyd’s imprisoned girlfriend, Ava, turns to extreme measures to win over a potential drug supplier.

Easily the weakest of the fifth season episodes so far, the still somewhat enjoyable “Whistle Past the Graveyard” struggles with its uneasy tone (which changes from outright comedy to darker material) as well as trying to progress the series’ three ongoing story lines. By far the most successful of these this week concerns Raylan. Hoping to convince would-be legal eagle Wendy Crowe to give him dirt on her very dirty brothers, Raylan agrees to track down her ex, Jack Anderson, who’s gotten himself into trouble with gamblers.

Keeping Jack company while he’s on the run from his pursuers is Kendal, the youngest of the Crowes. That turns out to be a problem when the mysterious Michael, grabs the boy and forces a showdown.

Boyd has a showdown of his own with corrupt Mexican officials, who stop his truck – loaded with the heroin, as well as the bodies of his cousin, Johnny, and his crew — before he can reach the border. And there’s some question of whether new Crowe family “associates” are trying to double-cross him, much like his ill-fated cousin.

Things go from ridiculous to just plain dumb in the Ava subplot, in which she “fakes” a shoulder separation to make contact with a nurse who may be able to help smuggle illegal drugs into the prison. This bit is going nowhere fast, and even actress Joelle Carter, who plays Ava, seems less than enthused by it.

However, Bornheimer (“Worst Week”) welcome comic presence as Jack, and veteran character actor William Forsythe (“Raising Arizona,” HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”) is fittingly menacing as his pursuer.

And it appears this episode finally writes the annoying Alison (played by the bland Amy Smart) out completely, while adding some intriguing layers to both Alicia Witt’s Wendy as well as Raylan. (For the second time this season he’s “gone soft” when it comes to dealing with a trouble teen.)

Regular series writer Chris Provenzano (“Archer,” “Mad Men”) scripted the episode, which was directed by small-screen veteran Peter Werner (“The Blacklist,” “Medium”). On the plus side, “Whistle Past the Graveyard” does have a few memorable quips and exchanges. The better ones include:

“You’ve gotten big.” “You’ve gotten old.” (Jack, then Kendal)

“Oh no, I think of them like cancer. I’m just the doctor, working on a cure.” (Raylan)

“You should know I just shot my last blood relative.” (Boyd)

“If you have to, make every shot count.” (Boyd)

“You were to lose. Lose gracefully for a change.” (Raylan)

“He hates Daryl and Danny, too.” “So he’s not a complete asshole.” (Wendy, then Jack)

“Change of plans. You’re both under arrest … you, because you’re a fugitive. And you’re a dick.” (Raylan)

“Pretty messed up.” “Compared to what?” “Good point.” (Wendy, then Kendal, then Wendy again)

Overall rating: 6 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Winn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars: Kyle Bornheimer (Jack Anderson), William Forsythe (Michael), Jacob Lofland (Kendal Crowe), Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe, Jr.), Amy Smart (Alison Brander) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.7: “Raw Deal”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes. Episode 5.7: “Raw Deal” (original airdate, Feb. 25, 2014). Directed by Bill Johnson; written by VJ Boyd (8 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting too many (mostly criminal types), trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned. He’s gone from his home in drug-infested Miami back to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Once again in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen. He also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode:Raylan is outsmarted at nearly every turn by TC Fleming, an enterprising hacker who has been siphoning funds from a gambling Website. Meanwhile, Boyd finds himself in Mexico, where he’s meeting with new heroin suppliers and where he hopes to deal with his double-crossing cousin, Johnny, once and for all. As for Boyd’s imprisoned lover, Ava, she’s trying to find her own, unique means of self-protection behind bars.

Back from a brief hiatus, “Justified” returns with an episode that straddles the line between outright comedy and violent thriller action.

The episode’s amusing hijinks not only pit Raylan – who’s now stuck dealing with the Marshals Office’s dreaded “walk-ins” – against a one-legged antagonist armed with online taunts, they also have him dealing with the office’s snarky IT guy, Chris.

Compare those scenes to the almost-deadly-serious ones featuring Boyd and Ava. In the former, he is once again double-crossed by Johnny, who’s hoping to make his own deal with the Mexican drug cartel. And in the latter, Ava makes her own deal with the Devil – an imprisoned religious zealot/preacher who’s supplying drugs to the inmate population.

While the prison story line almost verges on “Orange is the New Black” territory, it’s still in the background. As usual, “Raw Deal” has strong plotting, performances and direction, and it sets up a few intriguing story elements.

For one thing, it appears the show may now be writing Amy Smart’s bland, boring character (social worker Allison Brander) out of the picture, and may be setting up would-be legal eagle Wendy Crowe as a future, possible love interest for Raylan. (Alicia Witt and Olyphant share more chemistry in this episode’s bar flirtation scene than Olyphant and Smart had in several episodes’ worth of scenes.)

Regular series writer VJ Boyd scripted the episode, which was directed by small-screen veteran Bill Johnson (“House M.D.,” “Shark,” “The West Wing”).  As always, “Raw Deal” has its share of great quips and exchanges. Among the better ones:

“Never much cared for falafel. They’re like cut-rate hush puppies.” (Raylan)

 “I made this U.S. Marshall (sic) my bitch!” (TC, on his blog)

“How many legs did he have, Raylan?” “Just the one.” (Tim, then Raylan)

“Is there a way to post to TC’s blog?” “Lord, no, we’re decades away from being able to reply to posts.” (Raylan, then Chris)

“Guy threw his leg out the window,  jumped out, and then slid down a light pole, and then gave me the bird!” (Raylan)

“You know what you could never understand is that some men lead and some men follow. And when you can’t lead and you refuse to follow, you die alone in the desert, just not this desert.” (Boyd)

“Are you going to fly on your own dime this time?” “Nope, I won a radio contest.” (Art, then Raylan)

“Can’t give you your leg, it could be used as a weapon” (Raylan)

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Winn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars:  T.J. Linnard (TC Fleming), Kinsey McLean (Chris), David Meunier (Johnny Crowder), Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe, Jr.), Amy Smart (Allison Brander) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.6 “Kill the Messenger”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes. Episode 5.6: “Kill the Messenger” (original airdate, Feb. 11, 2014). Directed by Don Kurt; written by Ingrid Escajeda (8 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting of a criminal too many, trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned — from his home in drug-infested Miami to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Back in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen, and also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode: Raylan is dealing with the consequences of coming clean about some of his more questionable actions, and he continues to have his problems with the newly arrived Florida Crowes. And so does Boyd, who seems even more desperate now that his lover, Ava, has been sent to prison – the result of a prison guard stabbing for which she was set up.

Sporting a nice shiner – which occurred after he revealed his role in the death of Detroit crime lord Nicky Augustine to his obviously peeved boss, Art – Raylan once again confronts Daryl Crowe Jr. and the others, including the clearly unbalanced Danny, who’s been up to no good. Most recently, he killed Daryl’s mysterious Haitian associate, Baptiste, and now he’s forced social worker Allison Brander off the road, for good measure. (The former is still unbeknownst to Daryl, while the latter was obviously meant to send a message and threat to Raylan, as well as stop Allison from taking away the youngest Crowe, Kendal.)

Danny also gets into trouble with his cousin, Dewey, who comes up with a new way to get his long-overdue payment from Boyd. Together, they beat and kidnap Boyd’s lackey/bartender, Carl, but are then confronted by a revenge-minded Raylan and Rachel, who puts something of a long-overdue beat down on Danny.

Boyd, however, is busy elsewhere. Along with former “Dixie Mafia” associate Wynn Duffy, he’s trying to get into the heroin trade, and is looking for distribution help from Rodney Dunham. What he doesn’t know is that his double-crossing cousin, Johnny, has seized control of Dunham’s operations (after yet another double cross).

And Boyd’s attempts to protect Ava from harm at the Kentucky State Women’s Prison have backfired. The sister of one of his old, White Power associates tries to send a clear message about Boyd’s “race traitor” activities, by physical intimidation – Ava being the unfortunate target.

After last week’s blood-soaked episode, “Shot All to Hell,” which dispatched several recurring characters and guest stars, this one is more plot-heavy and story line advancing, with a few twists and turns – some of them expected, some of them not. For one thing, Boyd finally resolves his problems with the Crowes. At least for now. And next on his list is finally dealing with Johnny.

But as dire as things are for some of the characters, there’s also more humor than last week’s episode. Danny and Dewey’s extortion plot features some hilarious bungling (they’re unable to get a good enough phone signal to be able to place their request for ransom). Veteran TV writer Ingrid Escajeda (“Better Off Ted”) provided the script, which features some great quips and exchanges. Among the better ones:

 “You put both those things together, and you’re guaranteed to get a man who’ll break your heart.” (Wendy)

“Are we not gonna talk about it?” “Your bin Laden joke? Not your best.” (Tim, then Rachel)

“Before you say anything, what happened to your face?” (Allison)

“Well, your brother is a world-class dumbass, no offense.” (Raylan)

‘Looking at half-naked ladies all day? Yeah, I was miserable.” (Kendal)

“You got yourself a dark, twisted mind there, don’t ya, Raylan?” (Daryl)

“Danny and I never did settle on a safe word, did we?” (Carl)

“Well, then I guess I’m here for my refund.” (Boyd)

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Winn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars:  A.J. Buckley (Danny Crowe), Damon Herriman (Dewey Crowe), Jacob Lofland (Kendal Crowe), Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe, Jr.), Amy Smart (Allison Brander), Justin Welborn (Carl) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.5 “Shot All to Hell”

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes. Episode 5.5: “Shot All to Hell” (original airdate, Jan. 28, 2014). Directed by Adam Arkin; written by Chris Provenzano (8 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting of a criminal too many, trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned — from his home in drug-infested Miami to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Back in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen, and also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode: Raylan and Art have showdowns/encounters with two associates of Detroit drug lord Theo Tonin: his former right-hand man, Nathan Picker, and Elias Marcos, an assassin is apparently in Theo’s employment. Meanwhile, Boyd will stop at nothing, even blackmail and murder, to free his jailed lover, Ava.

On the run after shooting Sammy Tonin, the high-profile son of Theo Tonin, Picker heads to Harlan to meet up with an associate, former “Dixie Mafia” leader Wynn Duffy. But it’s Art, who’s been watching Picker, that eventually saves the double-crossing murder suspect and possibly Tonin informant from having a fatal face-to-face with hired gun Elias.

As for Boyd, he’s now resorting lethal methods to eliminate key witnesses in the prosecution against Ava. He also uses a new tactic to deal with his duplicitous cousin, Johnny, who was responsible for hijacking a recent drug shipment and for the murder of some of Boyd’s men. Boyd also gets his first bitter taste of what’s to come with newly arrived Florida Crowes, led by the forceful Daryl Jr.

Speaking of the Crowes, Raylan again crosses paths with would-be legal eagle Wendy Crowe, who’s in Kentucky to retrieve the youngest of the Crowes, Kendal. (Raylan removed the pre-teen from the Crowe compound and, with help from his new social-worker girlfriend, Allison, put Kendal into foster care.)

And Raylan also makes a few, less-than-vague threats to the in-custody Picker, who knows Raylan was there and that he stood by as the Tonin crew eliminated Nicky Augustine.

If previous episodes in this season were pot-boilers, the bloody “Shot All to Hell” puts things on a full simmer with several killings (guest stars and a couple of semi-recurring characters alike meet their untimely demise in this episode).

And it’s fun to see the usually comic character actor Alan Tudyk (TV’s “Firefly,” “Suburgatory”) in the role of a bad-ass. His Elias Marcos is a man of few words, backed up with action – particularly during a scene in which he is confronted by a badly outgunned Art and Raylan.

Adam Arkin briefly reprises his role as Theo Tonin and directed the episode, which leaves things on a seeming cliffhanger for the suddenly conscientious Raylan. Veteran television writer Chris Provenzano (“Archer,” “Mad Men,” “Talk Soup”) provided the script, which is full of the show’s customary blend of tense moments and witty one-liners. Among the episode’s best quips and exchanges:

“Is there an end to your feuding with my family?” “Well, I gave the boy 10 cents.” (Wendy, then Raylan)

“I got my nose from a surgeon in Beverly Hills.” (Picker)

“FYI, that’s kind of a thing with these marshals.” (Wynn)

“Well, an unpredictable man can be unpredictable.” (Boyd)

“Oh, you guys sure love the smell of your own farts, don’t you?” (Picker)

“Everybody knows what kind of guy you are. That didn’t stop LBJ from getting elected.” (Boyd)

“Holy Lord, that gun was bad. You get a look at it?” “No, I must have missed it.” (Art, then Raylan)

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Winn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars:  A.J. Buckley (Danny Crowe), John Kapelos (Nathan Picker), David Meunier (Johnny Crowder), Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe, Jr.), Alan Tudyk (Elias Marcos) and Alicia Witt (Wendy Crowe)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).

REVIEW: ‘Justified’ 5.4

Author’s note: Fans new to “Justified,” especially those who need a refresher course on the main character, Raylan Givens, as well as the villainous Crowe family, are encouraged to seek out “Raylan,” the final novel written by the character’s creator, Elmore Leonard. One of Leonard’s best, it’s the next best thing to watching the entirety of the show’s previous four seasons. Though that is also strongly recommended.

By Jeff Michael Vice

JUSTIFIED – Live-action drama developed by Graham Yost, based on characters created by Elmore Leonard; rated TV-MA; airs Tuesdays on FX; 60 minutes. Episode 5.4: “Over the Mountain” (original airdate, Jan. 28, 2014). Directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton; written by Taylor Elmore (8 out of 10)

The story so far: After one high-profile shooting of a criminal too many, trigger-happy Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens has been re-assigned — from his home in drug-infested Miami to his now, more-overrun-by-drugs childhood home in eastern Kentucky (specifically, Harlan County). Back in semi-familiar territory, loose cannon Raylan butts heads with his new co-workers and his new, no-nonsense boss, Art Mullen, and also has an uneasy reunion with his estranged family members, as well as his childhood friend, Boyd Crowder, who has become a local drug kingpin.

In this episode: Raylan and fellow Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson try to track down Wade Messer, who’s gone missing after a confrontation with Dewey Crowe and the newly arrived Florida Crowes. Meanwhile, Boyd is close to solving the mystery of his missing drug shipment but is striking out with efforts to free his jailed lover, Ava.

Unbeknownst to most, including Raylan, Wade has been working as an undercover informant and has been gathering information on Boyd for the authorities. That makes Raylan’s one-time pal a prime suspect in Wade’s disappearance, though it turns out Dewey is the responsible party. A would-be double-cross has led to struggle up in the mountains, and has left both Wade and Dewey badly injured.

Following up on a few leads, Raylan and Tim encounter Danny Crowe, Dewey’s cousin, who’s none too pleased to see the marshals (he even sics his watchdog on the duo), then have a face-to-face with Boyd, who’s just as surprised to find out that Wade is missing.

Boyd also goes to prison, to reassure Ava that’s doing everything he can to get her free, and as a safe middle ground to confront his cousin, Johnny, the man he believes is responsible for hijacking his drugs and killing his men.

As for Raylan’s boss, Art, he’s gone to Detroit to meet up with his fellow U.S. Marshal Ed Kirkland, who’s got intriguing information about the death of a local crime lord, Nicky Augustine. (Last season, Raylan helped stood by as Nicky’s former associates filled him full of lead. A lot of lead.)

Written by Taylor Elmore, “Over the Mountain” is an old-fashioned pot-boiler that may remind some of the Coen brothers debut, “Blood Simple,” especially with its dark blend of thrills and laughs, and incompetent murder and cover-up scheme. The Dewey-Wade betrayal and fight sequence dominates the early part of the episode, and it’s every bit as amusing as it is enthralling.

Elmore’s script definitely shows the influence of the unrelated Leonard (who would have loved Boyd and Tim’s game of Scrabble), and is every bit as quippy as we’ve come to expect from this show. Among the episode’s best one-liners:

“Are you a midget? Because that’s a midget shovel.” (Dewey)

“He’s a drug dealer and a bona-fide imbecile.” “Shouldn’t be too hard to find him then.” (Raylan, then Art)

“I think something just came between me and my Calvins.” (Tim)

“That’s a sitcom I’d pay to see.” (Raylan)

“Aren’t you a little short for a Stormtrooper?” (Ava)

“Your use of the past tense fills me with a sense of forebode.” (Boyd)

“We got too many Canadians. Justin Bieber. Celine Dion …” “Steve Nash.” (Ed, then Art)

Kudos also to director Gwyneth Horder-Payton, who also collaborated with “Justified” show runner Graham Yost on the well-regarded FX Networks series “The Shield,” and deftly handles both the dramatic and comedic material.

And, of course, it’s nice to see Raylan’s fellow U.S. Marshal, Tim, get some needed screen time. Speaking of Raylan, he finally has a face-to-face with Boyd in this episode, and it’s easy to see a new character arc developing: Our irresponsible hero/anti-hero is reluctantly being thrown into a parental role. (First, he ducked his responsibilities with his newborn daughter and ex-wife. But now he’s entangled with a seductive social worker, who’s led him to aid the wayward teen Loretta McCready and accidentally persuaded him to wrest the youngest of the Crowes, Kendal, from his older brothers.)

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

CAST:

The regular characters: Timothy Olyphant (Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens), Walton Goggins (Boyd Crowder), Nick Searcy (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Art Mullen), Jacob Pitts (Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson), Erica Tazel (Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks), Jere Burns (Winn Duffy) and Joelle Carter (Ava Crowder)

Guest stars:  A.J. Buckley (Danny Crowe), Shashawnee Hall (Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Ed Kirkland), Damon Herriman (Dewey Crowe), James LeGros (Wade Messer), David Meunier (Johnny Crowder) and Michael Rapaport (Daryl Crowe, Jr.)

Jeff Michael Vice, aka Jerk-bot, can be heard reviewing films, television programs, comics, books, music and other things as part of The Geek Show Podcast (www.thegeekshowpodcast.com), as well as be seen reviewing films as part of Xfinity’s Big Movie Mouth-Off (www.facebook.com/BigMovieMouthOff).