Ep 2. The Life Inside

In Justified's season 2, episode 2, titled "The Life Inside," viewers witness Raylan Givens' continuing efforts to track down Mags Bennett and her illegal moonshine business. Raylan is still reeling from the events of the previous episode after killing a man in front of his young son while trying to apprehend Mags' son, Coover, for a robbery. The episode opens with Raylan's emotional turmoil as he tries to process the weight of his actions.

Meanwhile, Boyd Crowder is busy making his own plans to take down Mags' operation. He's hired a group of former coal miners to work with him to transport stolen coal, intending to cut into Mags' profits. However, Boyd's plan is complicated by a new member of his crew, a young man named Devil who isn't exactly trustworthy.

As Raylan investigates Mags' activities, he comes across a young woman named Loretta, who is being raised by her meth-addicted father. Loretta's father owes Mags money and is in danger of losing his home, causing Loretta to try and take matters into her own hands. Raylan takes an interest in her case, seeing similarities to his own troubled upbringing.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between Raylan and Boyd's factions as they both work towards their own goals. Loretta's involvement becomes increasingly dangerous, and Boyd's plan to steal coal hits a snag.

"The Life Inside" establishes the ongoing themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions that will play out over the course of the season. The episode also features standout performances from Timothy Olyphant as Raylan, Joelle Carter as Ava Crowder, and Walton Goggins as Boyd, who all give nuanced portrayals of complex characters.

Overall, "The Life Inside" is a strong entry in Justified's second season, building on the groundwork laid in the premiere while introducing new complications and characters. Fans of the show will appreciate the tension and drama that unfolds as Raylan and Boyd's paths continue to intersect.