Justified: City Primeval

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.

The first few episodes were disappointing and with a repeat theme these days ---"here we go again"------- -- a single law enforcement officer with a spoiled brat teenager in tow. It seems to be the trend with crime movies these days and is getting tiresome. Once the daughter, who is a terrible actor and has no screen presence and talks like a 7 year old baby. Once she moves on the show really picked up. The actors were a bit over the top to start with but became much more believeable as the show progressed. Enjoyed the series once the daughter finally left, which should have been much earlier. The villain is a bit much and hard to believe. The writers could have fine tuned this a bit more. Overall well done and worth watching.

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.

Considering Justified is one of my favorite shows ever I've really been looking forward to Justified: City Primeval ever since I first heard about it. Then when I saw the trailers my expectations grew even more. Well, it's finally here and I can say without hesitation that this series not only met those expectations but surpassed them in every way. Timothy Olyphant returns as Raylan Givens. If there's ever been an actor perfect for a role it's Olyphant as Givens. This role was made for him. This series brings everything you loved about the original but also with a fresh take. I really can't recommend this show enough. Whether you're a fan of the original Justified or not, this is a must watch.

*"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.