Unveiling the Epic Raylan & Winona Reunion: Primeval Finale's Unforgettable Conclusion Explained by Showrunner

The following contains spoilers for the Justified: City Primeval finale.

Summary

In the season finale of City Primeval, Raylan Givens, now in Detroit, unexpectedly reunites with Winona. However, throughout the series, there is minimal connection to the original show. Winona's shock at Raylan's retirement emphasizes the intricacy of their relationship and the unexplored chances they've had in the past.

Raylan's retirement is short-lived as a potential confrontation between him and the escaped Boyd Crowder is hinted at in the final scene. In the standalone season of Justified: City Primeval, with little connection to the original series, showrunner explains that the focus is on Raylan Givens, played by Timothy Olyphant, getting involved in violence and corruption in Detroit. Throughout the season, the only character from the original series to appear was Givens, until the surprising cameos in the season finale, which included Natalie Zea as Raylan's former love interest, Winona. The moment between Raylan and Winona carries significant meaning, as it comes after Raylan's retirement from the U.S. Marshal service, despite always prioritizing work over his relationship with Winona and their daughter Willa.

Winona's face displayed a mix of shock and sadness upon discovering Raylan's retirement, which served as a testament to the complexity of their relationship. Showrunner Michael Dinner, during an interview with TVLine, shed light on this matter. According to Dinner, their situation could be seen as a tragedy. Sometimes, you come across individuals in your life at the wrong time or under unfavorable circumstances. The expression in Winona's eyes conveyed a multitude of emotions. She seemed to be questioning why Raylan hadn't made this decision years ago, as it would have altered the course of their story. However, time cannot be reversed. Personally, Dinner expressed his admiration for that particular scene. He appreciated the contrast in Raylan's and Winona's current positions and the realization that their paths simply didn't align.

Raylan’s Retirement Could Be Short-Lived

Raylan's decision to retire after years of dedication to his job brought a wave of regret to Winona. She pondered why he hadn't retired earlier to devote himself to her and their daughter, Willa. However, the ending of Justified: City Primeval hinted that Raylan's retirement might not last. In the final scene, Raylan and Willa were attempting to relax on a boat, enjoying a much-needed moment of father-daughter bonding. But Raylan's phone alert interrupted their peace, revealing that Boyd Crowder, Justified's notorious antagonist played by Walton Goggins, had escaped from prison.

While there's no confirmation of another season for Justified, the introduction of Boyd Crowder's escape suggests a climactic showdown between the criminal mastermind and lawman Givens. It would be disappointing if this long-awaited confrontation did not occur. Therefore, it's likely that Raylan, despite seeming content with retirement after the dramatic events in Justified: City Primeval, won't stay retired for long.

Source: TVLine