Justified: City Primeval

I love all things Timothy Olyphant, the original Justified and I love the Raylan Givens character. What I can do without is the Willa character. I find her to be annoying and unnecessary. I know it's only 2 episodes in, but she's added nothing to the show at all, except teenage disobedience. This character is an obvious ploy and someone we're supposed to care about when she's abducted or otherwise harmed. Maybe the impetus for Raylan to break a law, become angrier, show vulnerability, etc. Either way she's irritating and the least the writers could've done was make her character likable. I'm still gonna watch because of Mr. Olyphant and the rest of the cast, but I really hope her character has less screen time.

I really wanted to like this series. But three episodes in, it feels like our modern-day Matt Dillon has been worm-holed into an alternate universe of lackluster writing, uninteresting supporting characters, and stodgy direction. No Elmore Leonard vibe this time... just the sort of flaccid storytelling more typical of network cop dramas. And, as a dad with three daughters and my fair share of parental challenges, I feel the whole father-daughter thread is unconvincing. Check out Bosch for some really good writing in that vein. Most of all, this new outing needs an intriguing and likable villain. Give me Boyd Crowder!

Sometimes you come across a show that's just perfect, and while it must be tempting to capitalize on its success, it would probably be better to let it be. Because how do you compete with perfection ?

I never bothered to watch "El Camino", because I didn't feel that "Breaking bad" needed a sequel, so maybe it was good or maybe not. I don't know and I'm never gonna find out.

But here we are. A new chapter in the Raylan Givens story.

As expected it doesn't in any way come close to the original. The strenght of "Justified" was grounded in the multitude of great characters surrounding Oliphant and Goggins, and that it took a cop show and turned it into an epic rural saga.

Goggins made his villain a man you despised and loved at the same time. A bad guy with a multilayered personality.

Sadly Damsell is no Boyd Crowder. He's just a bad guy to the bone, and "City Primeval" is just another regular " catch a killer" cop show.

That being said it's not bad. Raylan is still a cool guy and I actually couldn't help myself enjoying it.

But while I rated the original 10, this deserves only a 7.

Worth a watch though.

*"Justified: City Primeval" (2023)* is a limited series that serves as a revival of the original "Justified" series, bringing back Timothy Olyphant as the iconic U. S. Marshal Raylan Givens. Streaming on Hulu, this series takes a fresh approach by adapting Elmore Leonard's novel "City Primeval: High Noon in Detroit," shifting the action from the familiar Kentucky setting to the gritty streets of Detroit.

**Plot:** The story follows Raylan Givens as he navigates life as a single father while being drawn into a case in Detroit. The series is packed with intense confrontations, sharp dialogue, and the same dark humor that fans of the original series loved. Raylan is pitted against a new antagonist, Clement Mansell (played by Boyd Holbrook), a dangerous sociopath known as "The Oklahoma Wildman." The cat-and-mouse game between Raylan and Mansell is a key driver of the show's tension and drama.

**Performances:** Timothy Olyphant effortlessly slips back into his role as Raylan, delivering the cool, confident, and morally complex character that made him a fan favorite. Boyd Holbrook also shines as the unpredictable and menacing Mansell, offering a formidable counterpoint to Raylan's calm demeanor. The supporting cast, including Aunjanue Ellis and Adelaide Clemens, adds depth and texture to the series.

**Tone and Style:** The series maintains the distinctive tone of the original *Justified*, with its blend of western tropes and crime drama, but the change in setting to Detroit adds a fresh layer of urban grit. The dialogue is as sharp as ever, full of wit and tension, with the writing staying true to the spirit of Elmore Leonard's work. The show also delves into more modern themes, reflecting on Raylan's aging and the evolving landscape of law enforcement.

**Critics' Reception:** *Justified: City Primeval* has been generally well-received by critics, with praise for its strong performances, particularly Olyphant's return as Raylan. The series has been noted for staying true to the original while successfully reinventing itself for a new storyline. Some critics have pointed out that the pacing can be uneven at times, but the show's high points are compelling enough to overshadow these moments.

**Overall:** If you enjoyed the original *Justified*, this revival is a must-watch. It offers a satisfying continuation of Raylan Givens' story while introducing new characters and a new setting that keeps the series fresh and engaging. The balance of action, character development, and sharp dialogue makes *Justified: City Primeval* a worthy addition to the franchise. One of my favorites and hopefully will get to see more of this series soon.

It's a good thing the writers are currently on strike; that means you can get new ones when the strike is over! The way they wrote the character Willa is horrible . Please send her back to Florida or whatever.

Vivian, if you read this, please know that this is just your first gig. You have your dad's smile, but you were miscast into this role that is setting you up for a lot of criticism. I can't wait to see you in roles that actually make sense.

The good part of this show is that it still has Timothy Olyphant doing Raylan. There are also some really good supporting actors in this show. I have hope that this show will get better and "justify" itself.