U.S. Marshall Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) goes by the old school rules of whoever draws their gun quickest survives – he being the quicker, while the now dead person must be the bad guy. But after doing this one too many times, Raylan’s department decides to send him away, you know bad press, investigations etc and where is he sent to? Back to his coal-mining hometown of Kentucky, his local lay of the land and knowledge of people adding to a charm that melts the unsuspecting heart, or at least makes them think he’s harmless – which he sure ain’t!
A contemporary Western-cop series that lets you know from the start its inspirations, such as the classic western Tombstone – its movie poster literally hanging behind the chief’s desk. In essence these Kentucky figures are lone rangers fighting for justice in whichever way they can, regardless of the danger to themselves. This certainly seems to be Raylan’s motto as he quickly shows an ability to survive anything – verging on a similar standard of luck that graces James Bond.
However, Raylan’s need to put away the bad guys might run a little close to home, his father having often been on the wrong side of the law. Although a more prominent figure in this is his old friend, Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), who ends up (in more times than there are commandments) in a face-off with Raylan. Whether it’s to have his back or to shoot him in it; the characters oozing a real hate-to-love you vibe.
Justified has a unique perspective in showing both sides of those facing the law; from the Marshall department, to the various criminal organisations that oppose them (many of which run within a family). The intriguing conflict though is in the opposing thoughts of justice; for Boyd Crowder he’s take on what’s right and wrong is justified by his faith in God and his love for Ava (a girl he has long been sweet on), while Raylan’s faith in what’s right and wrong is used to justify his swift acts in defending the innocent.
The character Ava Crowder (Joelle Carter) at first acts as a bridge between the two sides of Raylan and Boyd, being neither all good or bad, and with both having feelings for her. However, as the seasons progress Ava finds the lines of criminal life blurring and it’s through her that you see how people can fall into crime. Eliminating the black and white sides often seen in Western films. There’s a further search in these defining lines in the prison scenes of season five, with threats of sexual abuse, gangs, to the processes of the law.
The show also highlights wide-ranging themes, from racial divides – the first episode involving a group of white supremacists, to religious tones that scream at you –a sign saying JESUS SAVES being the size of a barn, and in this Raylan happily butts heads against both;
“I think you just use the Bible to do whatever the hell you like.”
Add in drugs, prostitution, and a class divide, and you have a series with plenty of material to focus on, along with the more usual to unusual criminal acts.
Justified hits the usual tropes of a crime-drama; plenty of bad guys, a rough team of Marshalls – that include an ex-sniper, a straight-shooting deputy, and a chief who guides and worries, their posse being as close as family. Then throw in a witty lawman who has a bit of a temper – shown not in tantrums but in ice-cold methods, which are much more frightening – though terrific to watch, I won’t lie. All the while providing a perspective for those on the wrong side of the law; like the Looney Tunes coyote who is constantly annoyed by Roadrunner, or Tom who just wants to beat Jerry for once! And so, like the cartoons of old you can’t help but sometimes (really want to stress that) feel for Tom as he fails, or for the coyote as he gets hurt – even though they’re still on the side of wrong – and our Marshall Raylan just won’t stand for that.
Creator: Graham Yost
Other notable works:
- Slow Horses 2022 –
- The Grizzlies 2018
- Sneaky Pete 2015-2019
- The Americans 2013-2018
- The Pacific 2010
- John Adams 2008
- Boomtown 2002-2003
- Band of Brothers 2001
- From the Earth to the Moon 1998
- Speed 1994
Based on the book series Raylan Givens by Elmore Leonard
