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.
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, Raylan ventures into wild country on the hunt for a missing informant, while Boyd's last living relative, Johnny, threatens his life and livelihood.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.36 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Johnny (David Meunier), whose condition has improved and can now walk without a cane, meets with Boyd (Walton Goggins) to visit Ava (Joelle Carter) in prison.
Boyd and Carl eventually discover that Johnny met with Hot Rod (Mickey Jones) for the drug shipment.
Marshal Ed Kirkland (Shashawnee Hall) introduces him to Canadian gangster Al Sura (Will Sasso), who previously dealt with Boyd.
Meanwhile, Paxton (Sam Anderson) returns home, where he is convinced by Mooney (William Gregory Lee) that he killed Boyd.
In December 2013, it was reported that the fourth episode of the fifth season would be titled "Over the Mountain", and was to be directed by Gwyneth Horder-Payton and written by co-executive producer Taylor Elmore.
[3] In its original American broadcast, "Over the Mountain" was seen by an estimated 2.36 million household viewers and gained a 0.8 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Dewey, despite his windfall, is struggling to maintain any power; Darryl is forcing his way into the fold; Boyd is trying to stay afloat in business and in life; and something is about to happen to Raylan, though we don't know what.
"[7] Kevin Fitzpatrick of Screen Crush wrote, "If nothing else, the family theme at least lands like the blunt impact of a shovel to the head, Allison's tale reinforcing how the very word can outshine the cruelest of treatment for your actual kin.
Raylan's morality has taken something of a spitshine in recent episodes, to say the least, but remanding young Kendall Crowe into custody seemed petty and provoking, even by his standards.
"[9] James Quealley of The Star-Ledger wrote, "As we move toward the midway point of Justified's fifth season, it's no surprise that we're being hit with a couple of table-setter episodes.
There isn't much difference between 'Good Intentions' and 'Over The Mountain', as both episodes are lining up shots for later in the year while Raylan paces through a tale where he's more observer than agitator.
"[12] Dan Forcella of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4.5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "Damon Haerriman has been great since joining the show, but in the early parts of Justified Season 5, and in 'Over the Mountain' specifically, he was just fantastic.
"[13] Jack McKinney of Paste gave the episode a 9 out of 10 and wrote, "Of course, even the luckiest gamblers roll craps eventually, and Messer stayed in the game one throw too long.