Bulletville
Season finale of Justified, first aired June 8, 2010.
"Bulletville" serves as the thirteenth episode and the season finale of the first season of the FX neo-Western series *Justified*, airing on June 8, 2010. Written by co-executive producer Fred Golan and directed by Adam Arkin, it is the 13th episode overall. The story draws from Elmore Leonard's tales about Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, specifically the short story "Fire in the Hole." In this episode, Bo Crowder aims to tie up loose ends involving his son Boyd and Raylan, whom the Miami cartel wants delivered to them. Notably, actors Jacob Pitts and Erica Tazel are credited but do not appear.
The plot sees Boyd visiting Ava to apologize; she threatens him with a shotgun and orders him gone. Bo, Johnny, and henchmen confront Boyd at his camp, where Johnny beats him for destroying a truck and releasing drivers. Bo disowns Boyd and forces him to leave, but Boyd returns to find his followers hanged. Grief-stricken, he buries them and questions God. Meanwhile, Raylan and Mullen learn of the truck incident and inform Arlo he must cooperate with law enforcement. Arlo tells Bo, who reveals Miami wants Raylan delivered. That night, Raylan meets Arlo in his hotel room, already aware of the betrayal; he shoots Arlo in the shoulder and kills two hitmen. Elsewhere, Bo and Johnny kidnap Ava, but Bo shoots Johnny in the chest for tipping Boyd, staging it to look like Ava’s doing. While tending Arlo’s wounds, Raylan is visited by a lost Boyd. Bo calls Raylan via Ava’s phone, demanding a meeting or he’ll kill her. Boyd offers to guide Raylan to the location. At a cabin, Raylan confronts Bo while Boyd kills Ava’s captor. Raylan kills Bo’s henchman, and Boyd aims at his father for his men’s deaths, but a sniper kills Bo and wounds Boyd. Miami gunrunners corner the trio in the cabin; Raylan kills all but two hitmen, who offer to let Boyd and Ava leave if Raylan surrenders. Raylan pretends to give up, but Boyd kills one hitman while the other escapes. As Raylan prepares to chase her, Boyd points a gun at him, saying he’ll pursue her for killing Bo and that Raylan is his only friend left. Boyd drives off, and Raylan pulls his gun, pretending to shoot—a gesture suggesting their enduring bond as both allies and enemies.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Justified
- Season
- 1
- Episode
- 13
- Airdate
- 2010-06-08
- Length
- 42 minutes
- Director
- Adam Arkin
- Writer
- Fred Golan
- Photographer
- Francis Kenny
- Editor
- Keith Henderson
- Season Article
- Justified (season 1)
- Episode List
- List of Justified episodes
- Prev
- Fathers and Sons
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In the episode, Bo Crowder intends to finish all loose ends with his son Boyd and with Raylan, whom the Miami cartel wants him to deliver to them. Despite being credited, Jacob Pitts and Erica Tazel do not appear. The plot follows Boyd visiting Ava to ask forgiveness; she points a shotgun at him. Bo has Johnny brutally beat Boyd, then later shoots Johnny in the chest for tipping Boyd about the truck. Raylan shoots his father Arlo in the shoulder after Arlo tries to pull a gun, and kills two hitmen. Raylan goes alone to the cabin where Bo has kidnapped Ava; Boyd arrives later on his own. A sniper kills Bo and wounds Boyd. Raylan kills most of the Miami gunrunners; Boyd kills one hitman and the other escapes. Boyd rides off in the car, and Raylan pretends to shoot, suggesting they'll always be allies and enemies.
Reader's Guide
The episode received critical acclaim, with critics highlighting the acting, writing, action scenes, and new storylines for the next season. According to Nielsen Media Research, it was seen by an estimated 2.03 million household viewers and gained a 0.8/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. This was a 5% decrease in viewership from the previous episode. Seth Amitin of IGN gave the episode an "amazing" 9 out of 10. James Poniewozik of Time called it "a strong season end, and a promising series start." Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly wrote that it "tied up loose ends, gave us at least one action sequence that could be taught in film schools, and set up a few story lines for next season." Scott Tobias of The A.V. Club gave an "A" grade, praising the show's hybrid of episodic and serialized television. Luke Dwyer of TV Fanatic gave 4.8 stars out of 5. Alan Sepinwall of HitFix gave a mixed review, feeling it lacked as a culmination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main plot of "Bulletville"?
In this first-season finale, Bo Crowder tries to resolve his ongoing conflicts with both his son Boyd and Raylan Givens. Complicating matters, the Miami cartel is pushing to have Raylan handed over to them, turning the episode into a dangerous convergence of personal and external threats.
What Elmore Leonard story does "Bulletville" draw from?
The episode adapts elements from Leonard's short story "Fire in the Hole," which centers on Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens and his encounters with criminal elements.
Who wrote and directed "Bulletville"?
Co-executive producer Fred Golan penned the screenplay, and Adam Arkin served as the director for this season-closing installment.
Why is the Miami cartel a central threat in "Bulletville"?
The cartel is demanding that Raylan Givens be delivered to them, which forces Bo Crowder to juggle his family obligations against the pressure of an outside criminal organization. This external demand escalates the personal tensions between Bo, Boyd, and Raylan to a breaking point.
When did "Bulletville" originally air?
It premiered on FX on June 8, 2010, serving as the thirteenth and final episode of the series' first season.
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