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Talk Back: Series Premiere of FX's "Justified"

Just curious to see how many of you tuned in last night to watch the series premiere of FX's drama Justified.

While you read my advance review of the series premiere ("Fire in the Hole") and subsequent episodes, now that the first episode has aired, I'm curious what you thought of the episode. Did it live up to the hype? Did you enjoy the typically Elmore Leonard blend of action, comedy, and Western tropes?

What did you think of Timothy Olyphant's performance as U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens? And of the cast as a whole? (I ask thinking specifically of Walton Goggins' amazing turn as Boyd Crowder.) Surprised by the ending? What do you make of Raylan's anger issues and his relationships with ex-wife Winona and possible love interest Ava?

And, most importantly, will you be tuning in again next week?

Talk back here.

Next week on Justified ("Riverbrook"), Raylan tracks an escaped prisoner desperate to reunite with his former wife and a hidden fortune.
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Comments

Darkever said…
I tried to describe Justified to a friend and he summed it up as "non-wholesome version of walker texas ranger". In a weird way, I see it but I also think there is more to it. I think Raylan Givens has a level of depth that most action-type characters lack. Timothy Olyphant is great to watch and really puts a lot of emotion into the subtle things that Raylan does. A real classic western character.

The other thing I found oddly interesting was Kentucky. Kentucky is a state I never give any thought about but the show has made the small state oddly compelling, really bringing to live a part of the country I know nothing about.

Lastly, I barely recognized Natalie Zea. I was very used to her character from Dirty Sexy Money so I was very suprised but I think she'll be great has the ex-wife.

And the ending, well, only in the south right?
3/17/2010
Anonymous said…
I watched and was surprised to have liked it. Sometimes Elmore Leonard books turn out to be less than entertaining (all right, I really want to say that they seem cheesy) on the screen.

I think this worked very well.

Amie
3/17/2010
Travis said…
I was excited, as a fan of almost everything FX does, Leonard, and much of Graham Yost's work, not to mention Shane (I mean Walton Goggins) and was NOT disapointed. Olyphant pulls off the country wise-ass very well and looks good in the hat ;) what else can you ask for from you US Marshall? lets hope it doesnt get cancelled.
3/17/2010
Donna F said…
I am from Harlan, Kentucky and I loved the show. Keep in mind this was only the first episode and it takes time to build the story line and characters on any series. I thought it was believable and the acting was first rate. Most people from here will undoubtedly find fault with it but they seem to about everything. I only hope the show stays on long enough to get deeper into the story line. Donna F.
3/17/2010
Anonymous said…
I LOVED it!! Olyphant never disappoints. I can 't wait for next week.
3/17/2010
Fred Thompson said…
GREAT!! good preformance' this series will suceed. Tim's role will insure that. The story line based on what I supose are re3al events that had occured in this small kantucky town. I'm looking foward to how the plot diolog develops' Tim Oliphant's straight to the point deminor does get your attention. The other actors also in my opinion are a perfect fit to costar with Tim to help carry the story line. Now Ian McShane'W Earl Brown' @ Willam Sanderson need SERIOUS roles to play in what evers next for them!!
3/17/2010
Piper said…
Good, engaging storyline and a great performance by Olyphant. He's very comfortable in the role and it feels like he's already been playing Raylan Givens for a season or two. Will definitely be tuning back in.
3/17/2010
Richard W said…
I don't think I'll be a fan of Justified. I strayed during a commercial about 2/3 of the way through and never went back. I really didn't care what happened to those people. I wasn't familiar with Timothy Olyphant, but I guess he gave an okay, low-key performance... it just wasn't engaging to me. I realize that as a kind of throwback to the Old West, he's a stoic, no-nonsense guy, but... he's also kind of boring. McCloud at least had an entertaining personality.

Maybe I just didn't care for the neo-Nazi storyline and characters, but nothing in this show indicated it would be something I would enjoy watching regularly.
3/18/2010
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