Debts and Accounts
Boyd rebuilds; Dickie schemes; Raylan and Winona attacked.
"Debts and Accounts" marks the 23rd episode of *Justified* overall and the tenth in its second season. Written by co-producer Chris Provenzano and directed by John David Coles, it first aired on FX on April 13, 2011. The story picks up after Mags Bennett’s arrangement with Black Pike, showing Boyd Crowder working to rebuild his criminal network while Dickie Bennett secretly launches his own operation behind his mother’s back.
In the episode, Raylan learns from Mullen that Walt’s death has been officially blamed on Coover, and Mullen makes a veiled reference to Winona’s evidence room incident, saying it “never happened.” Boyd tells Ava he has to move out because he can’t keep his promise to avoid crime, thanking her. Mags gives Helen her share of the Black Pike deal, then confronts Hobart Curtis for mocking Coover’s death, threatening him. Winona surprises Raylan by announcing she plans to divorce Gary, and Raylan gets a call from Loretta, who is struggling in foster care. Mags assigns new roles to Doyle and Dickie, giving Dickie a marijuana share but cutting him off from the main business, forbidding him from going after Raylan. Dickie secretly conspires with Jed Berwind to start his own crime operation. Boyd visits Johnny, who is walking with a cane after being shot, and they recruit Derek “Devil” Lennox. At a bar, Dickie lies about owning Boyd’s territories and offers to let Boyd join him. Raylan and Winona discuss moving to Glynco, Georgia, but are attacked by a single hitman; Raylan kills him, and Winona does not decide to move to Glynco in this episode. Boyd visits Ava, and she kisses him.
The episode drew an estimated 2.50 million household viewers and a 0.9/2 ratings share among adults 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research—an 11% drop from the previous episode’s 2.79 million viewers. Critical reception was very positive. Scott Tobias of *The A.V. Club* gave it an “A−,” noting it balances aftermath and momentum. Alan Sepinwall of *HitFix* called it a less exciting but still strong bridging episode. Emily St. James of the *Los Angeles Times* described it as necessary for character positioning, despite a slower pace. Dan Forcella of *TV Fanatic* rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising it as another fantastic installment in the season. Jacob Pitts and Erica Tazel are credited but do not appear.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Justified
- Season
- 2
- Episode
- 10
- Airdate
- 2011-04-13
- Length
- 41 minutes
- Director
- John David Coles
- Writer
- Chris Provenzano
- Photographer
- Francis Kenny
- Editor
- Bill Johnson
- Season Article
- Justified (season 2)
- Episode List
- List of Justified episodes
- Prev
- Brother's Keeper
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In the episode, Harlan's criminal community shifts after Mags' deal with Black Pike. Boyd tells Ava he is moving out because he can no longer avoid committing crimes, and thanks her. Mags meets with Helen to give her her share of the deal, then confronts Hobart Curtis for mocking Coover's death. Winona tells Raylan she intends to divorce Gary, surprising him. Raylan is called by Loretta, who struggles to adapt to her new foster house. Mags informs Doyle and Dickie about new directions, leaving Dickie a share of marijuana but cutting him off from main activities. Dickie secretly conspires with associate Jed Berwind to set up his own crime operation. Boyd visits his cousin Johnny, revealed to be still alive after being shot in the chest by Bo and now walking with a cane. Johnny is interested when Boyd says he plans to give control of Harlan County to the Crowders. They contact former associate Derek "Devil" Lennox to join them.
Reader's Guide
"Debts and Accounts" serves as a transitional episode in Justified's second season, bridging the aftermath of major events and setting up the season's final episodes. The episode was seen by an estimated 2.50 million household viewers and received very positive reviews from critics, who hailed the acting and character development despite some citing the "slow" pace. Critics noted the episode's dual purpose: taking stock of profound events while regaining momentum for the homestretch. The episode features significant character moments, including Boyd's decision to rebuild his criminal empire, Dickie's secret conspiracy, and Raylan and Winona's decision to leave Harlan. Despite being credited, Jacob Pitts and Erica Tazel do not appear in the episode.
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