The Gunfighter (Justified)
Raylan returns to Harlan as new threats emerge.
"The Gunfighter" is the first episode of the second season of the American Neo-Western television series Justified, and the 14th overall episode. It was written by series developer Graham Yost and executive producer Fred Golan, and directed by executive producer Michael Dinner. The episode originally aired on FX on February 9, 2011, and serves as the season premiere, introducing new antagonists and continuing the story of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens in Harlan County, Kentucky.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Justified
- Season
- 3
- Episode
- 1
- Airdate
- 2012-01-17
- Length
- 43 minutes
- Director
- Michael Dinner
- Writer
- Graham Yost & Fred Golan
- Photographer
- Francis Kenny
- Editor
- Bill Johnson
- Season Article
- Justified (season 3)
- Episode List
- List of Justified episodes
- Prev
- Bloody Harlan
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The episode follows Raylan Givens as he adjusts to life back in Harlan, dealing with the aftermath of the season one finale. He investigates a missing person case tied to the local criminal underworld, while Boyd Crowder begins to consolidate power. Meanwhile, the Bennett clan, a formidable local family, starts to make their presence felt, setting the stage for the season's central conflict.
Reader's Guide
The episode was pivotal in launching the third season of Justified, introducing major new villains Robert Quarles and Fletcher Nix. Critics praised the episode as a promising start, particularly highlighting Neal McDonough's performance as Quarles. The episode also marked the series' transition to filming with the Red Epic camera, which director of photography Francis Kenny said made the show look better than ever. The opening scene, where Winona is stopped by a state trooper, was later revealed to foreshadow her plan to leave Raylan. The episode's title and central conflict explore the theme of the gunfighter archetype, with the villain Nix seeking a challenge from Raylan.
Did You Know?
- The episode was filmed using the Red Epic camera for the first time in the series.
- Neal McDonough's character Robert Quarles was nicknamed 'The Carpetbagger' by producers.
- The sleeve gun used by Quarles was inspired by the film Taxi Driver.
- Desmond Harrington's guest role as Fletcher Nix was kept secret until the episode aired.
More in Justified episodes 1-24
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