Raylan Givens, modern-day US Marshal whose fashion and law enforcement methods belong to Old West, was introduced by its creator Elmore Leonard in 1993 novel Pronto and in 1997 first played by James Le Gros in television film. Its most famous incarnation appeared in 2010 as the protagonist of TV show played by Timothy Olyphant. The very beginning of the show defined him as a person who both very efficient at what he does and very at odds with the modernity. A meeting with an old aquaintance, mob hitman Tommy Bucks (played by Peter Greene in very short but memorable role), at a crowded Miami restaurant ends with a spectacular gunfight. Givens wins it and his action is officially justified by his superiors, yet the bad publicity forces a transfer that would bring him back to home region of eastern Kentucky. There he is constantly confronted with demons of his past that also happen to be his friends and loved ones, and who are connected with his profession either by being involved or connected to organised crime or working in law enforcement.
First season of Justified in many ways looks like a compromise between the standard television police procedurals and newer forms of dramatic television. It is relatively short with 13 episodes and the most attractive or most dramatic scenes, apart form the predictably violent season finale, are used in the first episodes. After that episodes become typical and mostly unrelated 45-minute crime cases with general plot and major character developments appearing only in background. Justified doesn’t look to be a show with high budget, but, ironically, this works into its advantage. Namely, the plot takes place in rural areas with endemic poverty and other economic realities that make even the most outrageous criminal enterprises a tempting alternatives to local population.
The plots of Justified aren’t particularly original, but the characters created by Leonard and developed by executive producer Graham Yost are quite fascinating. The weak narrative frame is well-used for the fascinating gallery of lively and sometimes unusual, but always realistic personalities. Great deal of effort was spent in dialogues that often provide humour and prevent this show from becoming too heavy or preachy. Even greater effort is invested by the diverse and superb cast. Among them Walton Goggins who plays Boyd Crowder, career criminal, Givens’ old friend and part-time ally, is the best; during the show he emits enough charisma to be believable as an emerging crime boss while at the same time is equally believable as someone who wants to reform his ways as born-again Christian.
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcey, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel, Natalie Zea
Created by: Graham Yost
Number of episodes: 13
Pro: well-written and fascinating characters, diverse and talented cast, good dialogues, humour, general atmosphere, music
Contra: slow tempo, couple of plot meandering or forgettable episodes, lack of visual attractions
RATING: 7/10