Justified (TV Series) Fathers and Sons (2010) User Reviews

Penultimate episode soars with heightening conflict and character moments

[Mr-Fusion · 9/10 · 25 November 2016]

Things are coming to a head, and 'Fathers and Sons' (aptly named as ever) sees the elders Crowder and Givens at odds with their respective offspring. Bo's operation is bigger than ever but stands imperiled by Boyd's religious convictions. Arlo is one of the most obstinate and spiteful SOBs, but he has his moments; such as using an old war story to talk down a suicidal veteran. And that conversation doesn't really have much to do with the overall story, but does inform his character. And between that scene, his animosity towards Raylan, and the big third act double-cross, Raymond Barry steals the spotlight on this one.

It's funny, but thus far, Art seems far more of a father figure to Raylan than Arlo does (or has been). Which goes to show how nuanced the season's become at this late hour.

9/10

A Tale of Two Families

[gplusr · 9/10 · 25 January 2015]

This episode reflects the increasing quality from the "case of the week" formula they presented at the first episodes, this was back when Justified was only starting to become the show we quite know today.

Raylan tries to convince his criminal father, Arlo Givens to help him with the investigation of the Crowder family, while Boyd is still trying to convince his father Bo and his cousin Johnny that he walked out of prison as a changed man.

Arlo stops some soldier kid from blowing up a veteran's establishment telling some fake story from his times on Vietnam.

We're also introduced to the secondary villain of the season Gio Reyes, along with his nephew Ernesto and niece Pilar (we don't really have to care about any of them since Bo Crowder keeps stealing the show, even when Gio is helping him to rebuild his hillbilly empire).

A great episode to set things up for the season finale.

9/10

MVP's:

Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins)

Arlo Givens (Raymond J. Barry)

More of the same...

[amsterdam-92719 · 9/10 · 21 February 2022]

"More of the same" usually brings to mind tedium, boredom or receptiveness. In the case of Justified, you need to toss out all those negative connotations.

Here we have MORE smart-a$$, yet brilliant zingers. MORE realistic and interesting character development. MORE first-rate acting to make that work, and make us care MORE about the characters before us.

The star of this episode is Raymond Berry as Arlo. Nothing changes in regard to him being a worthless criminal, an awful father and terrible husband. But somehow you just can't help, if not liking him, laughing at his roguish behavior. There is really nothing redeeming in this character, but you'd probably enjoy an evening sharing a bottle of Kentucky with him. Quite a feat of both writing and acting...

You watch this knowing that it is building to something big (or at least a lot bigger) is coming, but not knowing what exactly (or even generally). This is my third time through this series and I'm still on the edge of my seat for the season finale!!!

An amazing episode from a remarkable series

[ajkbiotech · 10/10 · 10 November 2021]

Season 1 of Justified is beyond brilliant.

1) Raylin is a brilliantly composed character, and is acted beautifully by Timothy Olyphant.

2) Boyd Crowder, his antogonist (yes, we have classic protagonist/antagonist structure in this dramatic series) is well scripted and perfectly acted by Walton Goggins

3) Ava Crowder, who plays a key role in S1, is beautifully framed by the writers, and perfectly played by Joelle Crowder.

4) Raylin's ex, Winona Hawkins, who also has a key role in S1, is very well played by Natalie Zea.

5) Raylin's no good dad, Arlo J Givens, is brilliantly played by Raymond J Berry, another key S1 character.

I could go on about the Holler, Kentucky, and the local characters of Justified, but suffice it to say that this is a brilliant, beautiful show that thinks outside the box in every way imaginable.