Justified: Why Yellowstone Fans Should Definitely Not Skip the Timothy Olyphant Neo-Western Drama

Viewers who have finished watching Yellowstone and its spinoffs may be looking for another show to binge, and a show called Justified deserves the attention. The premise follows Raylan Givens (portrayed by Timothy Olyphant), a U.S Marshal who goes by his own rules most of the time. The story takes place in Harlan County, Kentucky, at the heart of the Appalachian coal territory.

Elmore Leonard created the Raylan character in his novels and short stories. Leonard also wrote the books behind Jackie Brown and 3:10 to Yuma. The show won several Emmy Awards during its original television run.

Viewers who liked watching the Dutton family's battles will find similar themes and storylines here. Kentucky's mountains look entirely different from Montana's ranches, and the type of crime varies significantly, too.

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Justified: The plot of the show

Raylan worked as a marshal in Miami until a shooting incident changed everything. The shooting itself was legitimate and within protocol, but his superiors weren't happy about his methods. They transferred him back to Kentucky, which was basically their way of punishing him. Harlan County was where Raylan spent his childhood before leaving.

His father, Arlo, makes a living through criminal activities and causes problems throughout Raylan's life. Most people Raylan grew up with ended up dead, imprisoned, or still involved in illegal operations. Drug money, family vendettas, and armed confrontations keep the county running.

Walton Goggins portrays Boyd Crowder, who worked alongside Raylan in the coal mines during their teenage years. Boyd frequently uses religious language and philosophical references. The character is violent and unpredictable, yet viewers often find themselves sympathizing with him. The dynamic between these two pushes everything forward since their shared history creates a unique understanding.

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How does this stand out from the Dutton ranch stories?

Yellowstone showcases sprawling Montana property, featuring livestock, horses, and territorial conflicts. Justified operates on a smaller geographic scale within a single struggling Kentucky county. The landscape's valleys and hills function almost like additional characters throughout the series.

Residents speak with heavy regional accents that may initially be challenging for some viewers. Multigenerational feuds continue even though the original causes have been forgotten. Economic hardship affects everyone, as coal mining jobs have disappeared and legitimate opportunities have vanished.

Violence in Justified happens up close and gets messy fast. There aren't any dramatic horseback chases across wide-open spaces here. Characters get shot inside their homes or assaulted in parking lots outside rundown establishments. Criminal enterprises involve methamphetamine production, marijuana cultivation in remote forests, and prescription pill trafficking.

The reduced scope somehow increases tension rather than diminishing it. Viewers develop genuine concern when characters die because the show thoroughly explains their motivations and circumstances. Character arcs receive proper attention instead of being rushed to reach action sequences.

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What made regular viewers and critics both like the show?

Elmore Leonard had a distinctive approach to writing dialogue that set him apart from other writers. His characters avoid straightforward communication and use humor right before dangerous situations escalate. Justified maintained that conversational style throughout every episode.

Specific episodes functioned as self-contained stories while others contributed to season-long narrative arcs. Watching episodes sequentially reveals layers that casual viewing might miss.

Supporting characters received substantial development, extending beyond mere reactions to the protagonist. Mags Bennett controlled illegal operations while maintaining a friendly, grandmotherly public persona. Art Mullen attempted to prevent Raylan from crossing too many ethical lines.

Ava Crowder found herself caught between two men representing completely different life paths. Characters exist in moral grey areas rather than fitting neatly into good or evil categories.

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Is Justified worth watching before the new series?

Another part called Justified: City Primeval released recently with Timothy Olyphant returning as Raylan Givens. The new series relocated the character to Detroit for different storylines. New viewers can start with the sequel without needing to watch the original six seasons first.

However, beginning with the original provides essential context about Raylan's history and personality. The original series holds up remarkably well, considering it was completed almost ago.

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Justified serves western drama with raw Appalachian culture that distinguishes it from other series. Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins gave performances that gave a new rise to their careers. For viewers who are looking for another show after finishing Yellowstone can watch this.