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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.06 million household viewers and gained a 0.8/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Mullen (Nick Searcy) then takes Raylan to Cincinnati to investigate the case of Owen Carnes (Peter Jason), an art owner who stole money years ago.
Raylan also meets Carnes's young wife Caryn (Katherine LaNasa) and the horse trainer Greg Davis (Brett Cullen).
Raylan meets Assistant United States Attorney David Vazquez (Rick Gomez), who says he is investigating his shootings, especially Tommy Bucks's.
During the investigation, he is approached by Winona (Natalie Zea), who asks for his help in running down a list of names associated with her husband Gary (William Ragsdale).
Raylan finds that the gallery owner Karl Hanselman (Robert Picardo) buys and burns Hitler's paintings as a result of his father's association with him.
In its original American broadcast, "The Collection" was seen by an estimated 2.06 million household viewers and gained a 0.8/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Club gave the episode a "B" grade and wrote, "All these ongoing subplots will surely pay off further down the line, but it was mainly a case of the writers keeping all the balls in the air.
Bo's release from jail, Vasquez's prodding into Raylan's affairs, Winona's sleazy husband, Boyd's no-doubt diabolical intentions — these are developments that are intriguing enough for now, but are only just gathering steam for later in the season.