The series is based on Elmore Leonard's stories about the character Raylan Givens, particularly "Fire in the Hole", which serves as the basis for the episode.
Following the shooting of a mob hitman, Raylan is sent to Lexington, Kentucky to investigate an old childhood friend Boyd Crowder, who is now part of a white supremacist gang.
Mags and Carol both reveal their cards over their plans for the Harlan County land, with Boyd playing a deciding role in negotiations.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.79 million household viewers and gained a 0.9/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The Bennetts prepare for their picnic party but Mags (Margo Martindale) is angry upon seeing Boyd (Walton Goggins) and Ava (Joelle Carter) arriving.
Mags congratulates Boyd on his play for the Givens lands, but warns him to stay out of the marijuana business, run by the Bennetts.
Loretta inspects the house and finds her dad's watch with a unique engraving inside, prompting her to cry upon realizing they killed him.
The next day, Raylan reports to Mullen (Nick Searcy) that Loretta has been taken to a hospital and is now in the custody of Child Protective Services.
[2] In its original American broadcast, "Brother's Keeper" was seen by an estimated 2.79 million household viewers and gained a 0.9/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Yes, the seeds are planted for Coover/Loretta conflict in the very first scene but Mags' 'big 'ole whoop-tee-doo' takes center stage for most of it, as Black Pike, the Bennetts, and an opportunistic Boyd Crowder finally put their cards on the table.
"[5] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "Where FX sends some of its series out in large chunks (if not as entire seasons), Justified is one of the ones where I only get to see them one or two at a time.
"[7] Dan Forcella of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4.5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "There was a whole lot of feeling of finality at the end of this one, as the deal with Black Pike was done, Loretta was saved and sent to child services, and the Bennetts seemed to be in remission for a while.