Winona Cameo in City Primeval Finale is Justified's Most Divisive

The finale of Justified: City Primeval was quite controversial. Some thought it was a great exploration of Raylan's frustration with the bureaucratic and corrupt system. Others felt that the protagonist's actions were out of character, the plot took too long to accelerate, and that it basically added nothing to the whole Justified story.

But one thing all fans agree on is that two unexpected cameos really brightened the finale. In the series' final few minutes, Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) showed up, and before that Raylan was visited by his ex-wife Winona (Natalie Zea). The latter has caused quite a stir among fans, as some believe she's a much better choice for the protagonist than Carolyn.

The Relationship is Over

After announcing his resignation, Raylan went back to Miami and was visited by Winona, who arrived with their daughter Willa (Vivian Olyphant). While this was a pleasant surprise for fans, the dialogue revealed that the characters' relationship was over for good: Winona was happy that Raylan quit his dangerous job for their daughter but also noted it was his job that caused her to leave and move on in the first place.

So the question of Raylan 'choosing' between her and Carolyn is not relevant, in fact. The relationship with Winona is a thing of the past, and Carolyn isn't part of his future either — she's just a person he bonded with over their similar past.

Shared Experience

'Raylan and Carolyn both were born into poverty, yet made something of themselves in the legit world. Both have seen some "stuff" go down. Things that can't be unseen,' a fan wrote, perfectly elaborating on the characters' dynamic. 'Both understand that, sometimes, justice can't be found strictly under the law.'

Yes, the bathing scene where Raylan washes Carolyn, which may seem a bit awkward, actually conveys the intimacy between the two of them really well — and that's a sort of intimacy based on their similar past and traumas. In the context of what was happening in Detroit, they were simply two people with shared experiences who have found solace in each other.

Let's Not Objectify Female Characters

'Stop the presses, 55-year-old divorced dad Raylan Givens had a one-week fling with someone who's less conventionally attractive than the woman of his dreams who he married 20+ years earlier,' another fan summed up.

While fans' complaints that Raylan 'chose' Carolyn over Winona is understandable, we shouldn't forget the character isn't a young boy and can simply have flings, which doesn't mean much in the long run. Also, Winona has a more conventional (and white) appearance, which has clearly become a point of contention for some. But let's not objectify women, let's not be racially prejudiced, and let's just respect the feelings of two adults.

Source: Reddit.