Backstabbers (Justified: City Primeval)
"Backstabbers" is the third episode of the American television miniseries Justified: City Primeval, a continuation of the series Justified. The episode was written by producer Eisa Davis and executive producer Chris Provenzano, and directed by Jon Avnet. It originally aired on FX on July 25, 2023. The series is set 15 years after the original series finale, and follows Raylan Givens, who now resides in Miami. He continues working as a U.S. Marshal while helping raise his daughter, Willa. However, he soon finds himself in Detroit when a criminal, Clement Mansell, starts wreaking havoc. In the episode, Mansell and Sandy plan their move on Skender, while Raylan feels more pressure regarding Willa's place in his assignment. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.560 million household viewers and gained a 0.07 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mostly positive reviews, who praised the writing, performances, pacing and build up for the following episodes. Plot In Grosse Pointe, Carolyn (Aunjanue Ellis) calls Jamal over a tax lien that just arrived. Suddenly, she is visited by Mansell (Boyd Holbrook), who reveals that Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) assaulted him. Finding that he was talking to Willa (Vivian Olyphant), Carolyn warns him to stay away from her and her house. Wendell (Victor Williams) arrests Sandy (Adelaide Clemens) at the casino, while authorities conduct a raid at the bar and arrest Mansell at the penthouse. During their interrogation, authorities try to get a confession, but neither Mansell, Sandy nor Sweety (Vondie Curtis-Hall) give in. Due to Carolyn's pressure, they are forced to release them due to lack of evidence, as the gun was not found in Sweety's Tavern. The gun is revealed to be in Sweety's possession, who hides it in a jukebox at the tavern. Raylan questions Skender (Alexander Pobutsky), deeming him a prime suspect. However, Skender reveals that he plans to marry Sandy but will meet "her brother" for his blessing. This makes Raylan realize that Skender is actually the target. Raylan tries to send Willa back home, but she refuses, demanding to stay and spend more time with him. Sweety visits Carolyn. He claims he could have the murder weapon in exchange for a special deal. Carolyn cannot promise special immunity, advising him to turn it in. Sweety says he will wait until she can get a deal for him. Skender meets Sandy and "her brother" Mansell at a bar, where they make him drink too much alcohol. Skender proposes to Sandy and asks Mansell for his blessing. Mansell says he will grant it if he can show them a section in his house where he keeps money. They leave, while Wendell and Bryl (Norbert Leo Butz) follow them on a black SUV. Aware that he is being followed, Mansell stops at a green light, forcing the other cars to move aside and exposing Bryl. When it turns to red light, Mansell drives off. Bryl and Wendell follow, but they are hit by an incoming