The series revolves around the inhabitants and culture in the Appalachian Mountains area of eastern Kentucky, specifically Harlan County where many of the main characters grew up.
In the episode, Ava feels pressured by Raylan, Rachel and Gomez to deliver more solid evidence against Boyd or face going back to prison.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.01 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received critical acclaim, who praised the performances (with many highlighting Joelle Carter and Sam Elliott), writing, and character development.
They outline the terms of her confidential informant agreement – though to Ava it sounds like they want her to take greater risks, to come back with solid evidence or die trying.
At the bar, Boyd's crew are discussing the Pizza Portal when Walker (Garret Dillahunt) arrives and informs them that they didn't rob Calhoun, but his boss, warning of consequences should they continue their course.
Earl visits Luther's son, Tyler (Patrick Carlyle), to force him to hand over explosives when Raylan and Rachel arrive and interrupt their meeting.
Boyd is kidnapped at the bar by Seabass (Scott Grimes) and Choo-Choo, taking him to a barn to torture him for sending Ava to watch them in the Pizza Portal.
Boyd then visits Duffy (Jere Burns) and Katherine (Mary Steenburgen), confronting them for hiring him in robbing Avery despite his dangerous status.
"[3] In its original American broadcast, "Noblesse Oblige" was seen by an estimated 2.01 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Club gave the episode an "A−" grade and wrote, "I say Boyd is in the middle, and tonight's 'Noblesse Oblige' offers a useful reminder of just how much further one can sink down the Harlan criminal hierarchy.
"[7] Kevin Fitzpatrick of Screen Crush wrote, "Definitely not many specifics for the water-cooler, but consider 'Noblesse Oblige' another strong entry in an increasingly (and deservedly) confident season.
Sam Elliott is sinister and seductive all at the same time, and Joelle Carter did some wonderful work as Ava, portraying through facial expressions a woman who's constantly evaluating her increasingly dangerous situation.
"[13] James Queally of Los Angeles Times wrote, "'Noblesse Oblige' harps on the identity crises facing our three lead characters.
"[14] Sean McKenna of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "This wasn't a fast-paced hour, but it continued to tangle the web of motives and characters as the series heads towards its finale.