‘Justified’ is a Must-Watch for ‘Deadwood’ Fans

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Over the past two decades, Timothy Olyphant has become known for his captivating performances as one of television’s most thrilling leading men. He gained fame by starring in two critically acclaimed Western series: “Deadwood” and “Justified.” From 2004 to 2006, Olyphant worked with Ian McShane on HBO’s hit show, portraying Sheriff Seth Bullock. Together with the shrewd saloon owner Al Swearengen, they struggled to maintain order in the lawless town of “Deadwood.

Having been captivated by the critically acclaimed TV series “Deadwood,” I found myself drawn to another exceptional production in 2010 – the gripping neo-Western crime drama, “Justified.” Just as “Deadwood” garnered eight Emmys and a Golden Globe Award, “Justified” too left an indelible mark on viewers during its successful six season run. Let’s delve deeper into this enthralling show and understand why fans of “Deadwood” should give it a watch.

An Acclaimed Neo-Western Crime Drama Sensation

In the spirit of Elmore Leonard’s iconic characters, FX’s acclaimed neo-Western crime drama Justified showcases Timothy Olyphant, a veteran film and TV actor, as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens. He is a compelling yet unorthodox law enforcer who often acts swiftly with his gun before asking questions, particularly during his relentless chase to apprehend dangerous criminals and maintain order in society. Following an extraordinary incident where he shot a mob hitman (who had drawn a weapon first), Givens is reassigned to his hometown in Harlan County, Kentucky, where he becomes entangled in the brutal power struggles among the local criminal families.

The taciturn Marshal, often seen wearing a cowboy hat, has an uncanny knack for irritating his foes thanks to his cool composure and exceptional quick-draw abilities with a gun. As a result, he becomes a constant annoyance to his former mining companion Boyd Crowder (brilliantly played by Walton Goggins), who has since transformed into one of Harlan’s most infamous criminals. Throughout the show’s thrilling six seasons, Givens squares off against a multitude of unsavory adversaries such as white supremacists, robbers, gangsters, and drug dealers. During its gripping run, he faces threats both old and new.

Justified boasts an impressive ensemble of skilled actors such as Olyphant and Goggins, along with Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, and Jeremy Davies. It also showcased numerous standout guest appearances from Margo Martindale, Mykelti Williamson, Kaitlyn Dever, and Sam Elliot. This captivating drama is filled to the brim with intriguing characters from both the lawful and unlawful sides and thrilling plotlines, all while tastefully honoring the classic Westerns of Hollywood’s golden era. The exceptional camaraderie between Olyphant and Goggins held viewers spellbound from the start, as their on-screen friendship-turned-rivalry unfolded in a complex dance of intellect.

Timothy Olyphant Always Dominates the Small Screen

Timothy Olyphant, often overlooked but incredibly versatile, truly shone in his extraordinary portrayal of Raylan Givens on the critically acclaimed series Justified. Remarkably, he had previously impressed audiences with his role as a U.S. Marshal in the highly-regarded Western drama Deadwood, now renowned as one of the best TV shows ever made. In Deadwood, Olyphant acted alongside Ian McShane, where their characters, Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen respectively, forged a tense alliance on screen.

In the shows, the relationship between Bullock and Swearengen resembles that of Givens and Crowder from Justified, who share mutual respect and understanding despite primarily being on different sides of the law. These series are highly addictive and leave fans yearning for more, while also boosting Olyphant’s star status and showcasing his exceptional talent as a leading man. For his outstanding work in Justified, Olyphant was nominated for an Emmy and won a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and the show itself garnered two Golden Globes and a Peabody.

Beyond solidifying Olyphant’s position as a prominent small-screen actor, “Justified” also provided Walton Goggins an opportunity to excel in a character that seemed tailor-made for him. Goggins’ portrayal of Boyd Crowder is widely considered one of his most outstanding performances to date, and this beloved character was initially intended to be killed off in the pilot, only to become a series regular after receiving exceptional feedback from test audiences. The choice to retain Goggins proved to be insightful, allowing him to fully explore the intricate nature of Crowder.

The charismatic leading actors, along with their co-stars and the entire creative team, played a significant role in turning Justified into a widely-adored television sensation, praised by numerous publications as one of the top shows of the 2010s. Notably, it currently boasts a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 95% on the Popcornmeter. In response to the high demand from fans and the intense curiosity of viewers, a spin-off series titled Justified: City Primeval was launched on July 18, 2023, earning exceptional reviews. Tim Olyphant reprised his role as Givens, while Jonathon T. Goggins made a thrilling guest appearance in the sequel, leaving fans eager for more of this Western-style knockout.

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2025-02-16 18:02