If you were to read a basic plot description—Raylan is trying to negotiate a hostage situation where a volatile inmate has taken two security guards prisoner (he had hid a shiv up his ass!) inside the US Marshals Lexington office, one guard lying in a pile due to broken ribs from multiple pummeling, the other with the shiv at his throat—it might seem this episode is "business as usual" but, actually, because of brilliant back and forth between Olyphant and W. Earl Brown (he has that hick sense of humor and a ton of wit with plenty of zingers that had me in stitches), "Blowback" captivates. Brown is Cal Wallace, not ready to go to "super max", and understanding that even though this hostage situation will end probably badly he wants to vent about his mistreatment while in prison in the past. So Raylan just tries to humor him, actually listening to what Cal has to say. The SWAT is on the way so Raylan has to make it quick or else "there could be blood". This takes up about thirty minutes of the plot; wondering if Raylan can successfully avoid violence (beyond what Cal did to one of the guards), he even offers spicy fried chicken (!) as a "peace offering" if Cal will halt from using the shiv. The rest of the episode focuses on the release of the Crowders, Father and Son, Bo and Boyd (MC Gainey and Walton Goggins) unleashed on Kentucky soil once again to raise hell. ADA Vasquez joins Art in voicing his regret and concern (and just issuing a warning) in regards to Raylan's "relations" with Ava, Boyd's wife. Raylan sees Boyd out of the prison, having to watch his nemesis (or something in between; the dynamic between these two has always been "complicated") walk away a free man because of his bedding Ava. This is obviously the beginning of the end for Raylan and Ava. Meanwhile, Winona's role is starting to blossom as she returns home to find a "security consultant", Wynn Duffy (Jere Burns; his Duffy becoming a recurring character) in the home of her and husband realtor, Gary (William Ragsdale) "checking the perimeter". Clearly Duffy is establishing his presence and presenting a possible danger if Gary doesn't pay back a "loan". Winona is obviously concerned. All that said, this is Brown's show, and he stole it effortlessly. I admit that Boyd's "sermonizing" Raylan never grows old. It's part of Boyd's shtick for a while before he starts monopolizing the drug trade near Harlen.
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