Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a man who prefers to solve problems with his gun, is reassigned to his native Kentucky after a violent incident in Miami. He's tasked with bringing in his old friend Boyd Crowder, a charismatic white supremacist who has become a dangerous criminal. Raylan also deals with his estranged father, Arlo, and his ex-wife, Winona, who is trying to navigate her own complicated life.

The season's central conflict revolves around Raylan's pursuit of Boyd and the escalating violence surrounding the Crowder family. Key turning points include Boyd's apparent death early on, only for him to return, and a series of violent confrontations that leave several individuals dead, including Travis and Roland Pike. Raylan also faces betrayal from his own father, Arlo, and a dangerous cartel.

The season concludes with a bloody showdown where Bo Crowder is killed by the Miami Cartel. Arlo betrays Raylan one last time, leading Raylan to shoot him. Boyd, now free and seeking revenge, drives off, leaving Raylan to confront the tangled web of their shared past and uncertain future.

Season 1 of Justified covers episodes 1-13. Here's everything that happened:

Season 1, Episode 1: Fire in the Hole - After fatally shooting a fugitive in Miami, Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is reassigned to Lexington, Kentucky. He's tasked with investigating Boyd Crowder, an old friend turned white supremacist. Raylan confronts Boyd, and Ava Crowder shoots her abusive husband, Boyd's brother. In a standoff, Raylan shoots Boyd.

Season 1, Episode 2: Riverbrook - Raylan hunts escaped prisoner Cooper, who seeks his hidden money with his ex-wife and her lover. Cooper is betrayed and shot by Dupree. Raylan finds Cooper, who leads him to a hostage situation. Dupree is killed by a sniper, and Cooper is returned to prison. Boyd claims his shooting was an act of God.

Season 1, Episode 3: Fixer - Raylan is assigned to informant Arnold Pinter's case, who is kidnapped by debtors Travis and Curtis. Raylan finds them, but Travis murders Curtis during a staged gunfight. In the ensuing shootout, Pinter accidentally shoots Raylan, who survives thanks to his vest and kills Travis. Raylan then visits Ava and kisses her.

Season 1, Episode 4: Long in the Tooth - Raylan pursues Roland Pike, an old fugitive now a dentist in Los Angeles, who is also wanted by the Detroit mob. Roland, with his girlfriend Mindy, attempts to flee to Mexico. Raylan confronts mobsters, resulting in a deadly shootout. At the border, Roland is killed by a sniper hired by the mob.

Season 1, Episode 5: The Lord of War and Thunder - Raylan is pulled back into his father Arlo's schemes when Arlo assaults his tenant, Stan. Raylan discovers Stan is a drug dealer and Arlo was trying to steal from him. Arlo suffers a heart attack after attacking Stan's nephews. Raylan confronts Arlo, realizing he played into his father's hands. The episode ends with Raylan vowing to put Arlo back in jail.

Season 1, Episode 6: The Collection - Raylan investigates a horse breeder's apparent suicide while searching for missing art. The case twists when Raylan suspects foul play involving the widow and a horse trainer. Meanwhile, Raylan seeks information from Boyd about Arlo. The episode concludes with the arrest of the widow and trainer for conspiring to murder a key witness.

Season 1, Episode 7: Blind Spot - After an attempt on Ava's life, Raylan suspects the Crowders. However, Boyd suggests Raylan was the target, leading to Sheriff Mosley, who is working with the Miami cartel. Mosley kidnaps Ava, but she escapes, causing a crash. Mosley and his accomplice are apprehended.

Season 1, Episode 8: Blowback - A hostage situation unfolds in the Marshal's office when inmate Cal Wallace takes guards captive. Raylan negotiates a peaceful resolution with fried chicken. Meanwhile, Bo Crowder's release complicates matters, and Winona confronts Gary about Wynn Duffy's presence. Boyd is released from prison due to compromised witness credibility. The episode concludes with Raylan meeting Boyd outside the prison.

Season 1, Episode 9: Hatless - Raylan, suspended from duty, helps Winona's husband Gary with his debt to the Dixie Mafia. After getting beaten up and losing his hat, Raylan investigates Wynn Duffy. Gary offers his land to Emmitt Arnett to settle the debt, leading to a shootout where no one is killed. Raylan retrieves his hat and diffuses Gary's suicidal thoughts.

Season 1, Episode 10: The Hammer - Raylan protects Judge Reardon, whose life is threatened, while Boyd starts a church and blows up a meth lab, unintentionally killing a CI. Raylan tries to get Fandi to testify against Boyd, but Fandi doesn't know what Boyd looks like. Virgil attempts to kill Reardon for insurance money, but Reardon shoots and wounds him.

Season 1, Episode 11: Veterans - Raylan investigates Arlo's involvement with Bo Crowder's business, discovering Arlo ran it into the ground while Bo was in prison. Boyd refuses to rejoin his father's criminal enterprise. Bo has two meth cookers killed after offering them protection. Bobby Joe Packer confesses to the meth lab explosion. The episode concludes with Arlo seeking refuge in Raylan's hotel room.

Season 1, Episode 12: Fathers and Sons - Raylan pressures Arlo to inform on Bo Crowder. Arlo agrees but double-crosses the Marshals, warning Bo. Ava confronts Bo with a shotgun, refusing to leave Harlan. Boyd destroys Bo's ephedrine shipment with a rocket launcher. Arlo rejoins Bo's operation, setting up further conflict.

Season 1, Episode 13: Bulletville - Bo kidnaps Ava, drawing Raylan into a trap. Raylan, with Boyd's help, confronts Bo, but Bo is killed by the Miami Cartel. Boyd vows revenge. Arlo betrays Raylan, leading to Raylan shooting him. Boyd drives off to pursue the cartel, leaving Raylan to ponder their complex relationship.