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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.04 million household viewers and gained a 0.6 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Duffy (Jere Burns) meets with Yoon's associates, claiming that he killed Boyd (Walton Goggins).
Duffy and Boyd discuss the reunion at their trailer when Raylan (Timothy Olyphant), Tim (Jacob Pitts) and Rachel (Erica Tazel) appear.
Ava refuses to help, citing that they are no longer together and when Raylan threatens to tell the guards to not watch over her, she angrily returns to her dorm.
Boyd shows up at the Marshal's office, intending to help find Daryl in exchange for immunity for his crimes and a chance to leave the state.
Raylan and Tim object to having Daryl only arrested for a drug charge instead of shooting Art but Rachel has to accept the deal.
Daryl's lawyer Marsha Keyhoe (Jeannetta Arnette) tells Vasquez (Rick Gomez) that they will have to drop all charges against him as there is no evidence holding him back or they will face a lawsuit.
But Boyd fires back by mentioning that he knows his involvement in Nicky Augustine's death, which is overheard by Tim and Rachel, although they express skepticism at his claim.
After making a deal with Raylan and Judge Reardon (Stephen Root), Vasquez reveals that Kendal will be tried, not as a minor, but as an adult for Art's shooting and will face up to 40 years of prison, shocking Wendy and Daryl.
In March 2014, it was reported that the twelfth episode of the fifth season would be titled "Starvation", and was to be directed by Michael Pressman and written by co-executive producer Chris Provenzano.
In its original American broadcast, "Starvation" was seen by an estimated 2.04 million household viewers and gained a 0.6 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Still, his recognition of the danger that the cartel represents and his immediate agreement to wear a wire suggest he has precisely the same reaction as Ava and Raylan do when they are confronted with their own lack of control over their immediate futures.
"[9] James Quealley of The Star-Ledger wrote, "Despite some narrative oddity and the continued weakness of Darryl Crowe, 'Starvation' was a better episode than most of season 5's offerings.
"[10] Matt Zoller Seitz of Vulture gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "In 'Starvation', Raylan Givens seems, for the first time in season five, like a ruthlessly effective cop again — maybe even management material.
After the botched drug deal in Mexico, Judith's death and Art's shooting, the Crowders and the Crowes have plenty to be worried about.