Harlan Roulette
Raylan pursues a pawn shop Oxy dealer.
"Harlan Roulette" marks the third installment of *Justified*'s third season and the 29th episode overall. Co-executive producer Dave Andron wrote it, with Jon Avnet directing. It first aired on FX on January 31, 2012. In this episode, Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens targets a pawn shop owner who also deals Oxy, hoping to climb the Dixie Mafia ladder. Meanwhile, Boyd Crowder tries to mend a fractured relationship, and Dickie Bennett faces extortion from a prison guard.
The episode drew an estimated 2.71 million household viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research, and earned a 1.1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. Critics gave it very positive reviews, highlighting the dialogue, pacing, acting, and the season's building momentum. Although credited, Nick Searcy, Jacob Pitts, and Erica Tazel do not appear.
The plot begins with Ava visiting Limehouse at a barbecue, then driving with him to a bridge to meet Boyd and his crew. Boyd attempts to negotiate splitting Mags’ money in exchange for killing Dickie, but Limehouse refuses to confirm he has the cash, mocking Boyd’s failed marijuana operation. Limehouse leaves, and Boyd attacks Devil for not burning the marijuana.
Raylan gets a tip about Wade Messer. Wade tries to flee in a truck with J.T., but Raylan spots them at a roadblock. The truck crashes, and Wade escapes on foot. In prison, guard Ash Murphy approaches Dickie, having overheard his conversation with Boyd about Mags’ money. Dickie denies knowing anything but hints he could help if released. Murphy promises he’ll be out soon.
Trooper Tom Bergen tells Raylan the truck is linked to the Dixie Mafia and mentions a dealer who hires addicts to steal. Wade reaches a pawn shop owned by Glen Fogle, where Wally Beckett is present. Fogle suspects J.T. talked to the police, so he forces J.T. to play Russian roulette for Oxy. J.T. survives two rounds but wets himself. He tries to shoot Fogle, but the gun has no bullet. Fogle loads one and kills J.T., then orders Wade and Beckett to bury the body.
Duffy visits Quarles at his new house, intended as a base for illegal operations. Raylan stops by the pawn shop asking for J.T. and Wade, but Fogle refuses to let him search without a warrant. After a snarky remark from Raylan, Fogle suspects he knows more. He contacts Duffy and Quarles, who tell him to kill Raylan, though they doubt he will.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Justified
- Season
- 3
- Airdate
- 2012-01-31
- Length
- 41 minutes
- Director
- Jon Avnet
- Writer
- Dave Andron
- Photographer
- Francis Kenny
- Editor
- Steve Polivka
- Season Article
- Justified (season 3)
- Episode List
- List of Justified episodes
- Prev
- Cut Ties
- Next
- The Devil You Know
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The episode was written by co-executive producer Dave Andron and directed by Jon Avnet. It originally aired on FX on January 31, 2012. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.71 million household viewers and gained a 1.1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. Despite being credited, Nick Searcy, Jacob Pitts and Erica Tazel do not appear in the episode.
The plot involves Raylan receiving a tip about Wade Messer, who escapes a truck crash. In prison, Dickie is approached by guard Ash Murphy, who is interested in Mags' money. Pawn shop owner Glen Fogle forces addict J.T. to play Russian roulette for Oxy, then kills him. Raylan visits the pawn shop, and Fogle blackmails Wade to kill Raylan. Boyd threatens a bar owner to gain ownership for Johnny. Wade lures Raylan to his house, but Raylan forces Wade to lie to Fogle. Fogle and Beckett arrive, argue, and shoot each other dead. Raylan confronts Duffy and Quarles, leaving a bullet with the warning "next one's coming faster."
Series developer Graham Yost explained that the line "next one's coming faster" was based on a story he heard on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Yost also noted that the inspiration for the Oxy storyline came from Harlan citizens who viewed Oxy as "the great destroyer" and from hearing about pill mills in Kentucky. The episode received very positive reviews from critics, who praised the dialogue, pace, acting and building momentum for the season.
Reader's Guide
"Harlan Roulette" is a key episode in Justified's third season, advancing the conflict between Raylan Givens and the Dixie Mafia while introducing the Oxy trade as a central theme. The episode's use of Russian roulette as a plot device underscores the desperation of drug addiction in Harlan County. The introduction of Quarles as a smiling antagonist and the memorable threat "next one's coming faster" became fan favorites. The episode maintained steady viewership from the previous episode and was praised for its momentum and character work. It also continued the series' tradition of blending dark humor with violence, as seen in the pawn shop owner's death and Boyd's bar takeover.
Did You Know?
- The line 'the next one's coming faster' was based on a story series developer Graham Yost heard on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
- Pruitt Taylor Vince played Glen Fogle, described as a 'modern-day Fagin' who deals in stolen goods and pays thieves with painkillers.
More in Justified episodes 1-24
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