I'm scared of her and I know she's fictional.

I'm so glad Raylan gave Loretta his number. Raylan knows just how much trouble she's in.

Mags is a fantastic character. Terrifying and fantastic.

Cougar in particular looked as though he was perfectly willing to lash out violently

Absolutely. But it's Coover, just FYI.

I had completely forgotten it was Jim Beaver's episode, and it was a little disappointing he and Timothy Olyphant didn't have any scenes together, since they worked together on Deadwood.

I'm so glad Raylan gave Loretta his number.

I watched that scene twice because I wasn't sure if he gave her a card, or if he actually gave her a phone. Either way I'm glad he gave her some sort of lifeline.

But it's Coover, just FYI.

Ah, thanks for the correction.

I had completely forgotten it was Jim Beaver's episode, and it was a little disappointing he and Timothy Olyphant didn't have any scenes together, since they worked together on Deadwood.

Ahh, he was the security guard, yes? I was going to look that up.

That actress who plays Loretta is amazing. She went from brazen and self-possessed to a little lost kid in a split second. And the character is poised on a knife's edge... she could grow up to be another Mags very easily.

And the character is poised on a knife's edge... she could grow up to be another Mags very easily.

Oh yeah. I'm also terrified of what Mags will do if she finds out Loretta's dealing. Especially after the way she punished Coover.

Never occurred to me that she might be dealing without clearing it with Mags first. Seems unlikely. Consider that she was doing her packaging while minding the store.

Yeah, that was my take on it too.

Oh yeah, I completely love Mags as a character. She is so utterly terrifying and utterly believable. And Coover (I thought it was Cougar, too) when he capitulated after she'd brutalized him, was so emblematic of why her method of discipline is effective. He was heartbreaking. And I love that in my villains! They are not good people. And I completely buy what they're selling. I mean, not the pot. I'm not buying pot, honest. I mean, I believe them.

Mags looking out for Loretta is only the merest sliver of safety for Loretta. She killed her dad without a blink. If she wanted to, or if she just got tired of being nice to Loretta, she'd off her without a sigh. Although Mags may be surprised at how resourceful Loretta is willing to be.

I like that the show has left her dangling out there, vulnerable, so long. It just ratchets everything up. Raylan may be able to get her out of there, but no one will emerge unscarred. And I loved how much she has Raylan in her pocket. "May I inquire as to your intent?" indeed. And agree, hell of an actor.

Yeah, I feel like that Loretta could be Katniss Everdeen, too. It's a good year for bad-ass girl characters.

A thought on Mag's character. Its a shame that I can't find a good argument for "Mag" being short for "Morrigan" because if she were named for the goddess of battle, fertility and strife it would totally fit.