I was looking through Netflix in the hopes of finding something to fill the hole that the end of Life left. Scrolling along I saw a TV series and checked out the blurb. At first it didn't pull me in so I went on browsing, ended up watching some Firefly. Last week however I was drawn back to that TV show. It was a slow day so I checked it out. In the week that's past I've watched the first two seasons and eagerly anticipate the third, which has just started.
Justified tells the story of Raylan Givens (played by Timothy Olyphant), a US Marshall who is reminiscent of Wyatt Earp. Armed with good looks, good manners, a cowboy hat and a fast draw, Raylan has earned himself a reputation. The pilot opens with Raylan working in Miami. He shows up at a plush restaurant where the criminal he's been hunting is sitting at a table. Raylan had given him 24 hours to get out of town, unfortunately he chose to stay. A shoot out ensues, the criminal is killed and Raylan's boss is less than thrilled. As a punishment Raylan is sent back to him home state of Kentucky where he will Marshal the surrounding small towns, including his hometown Harlan.
His first assignment is a case involving his coal mining friend Boyd Crowder. For Raylan everything is different, yet everything is the same. His ex wife Winona works at the court house where the Marshals office is, he finds himself constantly in Harlan, the very town he swore he'd never return to, and surrounded by the people he swore to never see again. However Raylan has an in on the town that no other Marshal has. And because of that knowledge he is able to get one up on the criminals that have long been running Harlan.
The show is really well written, full of action, suspense and drama. It's a 21st century Wild West, where the O.K Corral is a daily occurrence. The characters are well developed and come with interesting back stories. Allegiances change continuously and love is lost and found again. Olyphant is mesmerizing as Raylan, commanding the screen with his intense stare. The surrounding characters are complex and Walton Goggins who plays Boyd Crowder is worth mentioning. His character has a great character arc over the first two seasons, going from psychotic to religious nut and finally resting on a loyal but lovable criminal.
Season Three has just started and I can't wait to see where the show goes next. The stakes have been raised and there's sure to be some spectacular shoot outs, all of which I'm sure will be justified.
No comments:
Post a Comment