I don't even know how to describe how much I loved this show. Justified is easily one of my favorite shows of all-time! The show is about a wild-west like U. S. Marshall Deputy named Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) who will go to any lengths to bring justice to the criminals he's hunting. This all takes place in his hometown in Kentucky. Olyphant was absolutely perfect in this as Raylan Givens. The rest of the cast is great too, especially the incredibly underrated Walton Goggins as outlaw Boyd Crowder. I literally loved every episodes of every season. I heard they're bringing it back after in 2023 for another season so I can't wait!
374 Reviews
Definitely worth every second I've spent in front of the screen
f_nastase8 May 2015
Positively one of the best TV shows I've seen in years. I, for one, didn't cared as much about gun action( which by they way is abundant) as I did for the excellent dialogue and the acting. Acting in particular is extremely good, not one single character is out of his role, to be truthful even a dog if you see in a scene in this series, you get the feeling that it's exactly where that dog belongs to. As for the dialogue, it is so good, that it's actually the only flaw this show has. It seems very unlikely that all that crowd of cunning rednecks have such a large arsenal of polite irony, well placed quotes, to the border of well educated people and yet fall over and over to next man's scheme or simply go down by the hand of their own stupidity. Anyways I cannot up-vote this show enough and I can only suggest to make yourselves comfortable in any greasy sofa you have, and prepare to get ported to Harlan, Kentucky.
You should be watching this show
WrongSinner27 March 2012
This is the most refreshing show I have found in a long time. When so much on TV falls into one box or another, Justified makes its own way.
This has one of the strongest casts on television. Many of the recurring actors were written for only a few episodes. Then, they created such dynamic characters, they have been brought back time and again. Walton Goggins and Tim Olyphant (as well as their supporting cast) are sincerely underrated as actors. They carry every scene they are in and when they are together, it is impossible to turn away.
There is a wit and humor to this show. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense and then will zing a one-liner at you. I've never laughed and cringed so much in my life.
I am so glad this was renewed for a fourth season and it is the only show I care about watching.
If you are going to check it out, make sure you watch whatever season you pick from the beginning. Season one had many stand alone episodes. However, season two and season three involved complex plots that slowly burned into sensational finales. If you try to jump into the middle you may not enjoy it because of the subtle complexities in the plots.
Please check it out because it is one of the best dramas on television with a sensational cast.
This has one of the strongest casts on television. Many of the recurring actors were written for only a few episodes. Then, they created such dynamic characters, they have been brought back time and again. Walton Goggins and Tim Olyphant (as well as their supporting cast) are sincerely underrated as actors. They carry every scene they are in and when they are together, it is impossible to turn away.
There is a wit and humor to this show. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense and then will zing a one-liner at you. I've never laughed and cringed so much in my life.
I am so glad this was renewed for a fourth season and it is the only show I care about watching.
If you are going to check it out, make sure you watch whatever season you pick from the beginning. Season one had many stand alone episodes. However, season two and season three involved complex plots that slowly burned into sensational finales. If you try to jump into the middle you may not enjoy it because of the subtle complexities in the plots.
Please check it out because it is one of the best dramas on television with a sensational cast.
One of the most underrated and best shows ever created!
Supermanfan-1317 May 2020
Justified is one of the most underrated and best tv shows I've ever seen and absolutely deserves all the great reviews and high ratings it gets! It's one of the rare shows where every season is as good as the others. Timothy Olyphant was perfect in this as Raylan Givens. I can't say enough about this phenomenal show except to go watch it, you will not be disappointed! Absolutely loved it!
Wonderful!
jen-rivera12 April 2010
It's been quite awhile since my husband and I have found a show we both immediately liked -- but we both loved Justified immediately! The dialogue is fantastic! I love the back and forth between all of the characters. The history between the characters is rich and full of drama and leaves you guessing.
The episodes are well written and entertaining, but not predictable which is a refreshing change. Timothy Olyphant is amazing in this role! He fits the character perfectly! He's exactly right as the smooth, charismatic US Marshall. He's also proud, loyal, and has a keen sense of morality all packaged up in troubled bundle.
I'm recommending this show to all of my friends!
The episodes are well written and entertaining, but not predictable which is a refreshing change. Timothy Olyphant is amazing in this role! He fits the character perfectly! He's exactly right as the smooth, charismatic US Marshall. He's also proud, loyal, and has a keen sense of morality all packaged up in troubled bundle.
I'm recommending this show to all of my friends!
As good as it gets....
baudrai5 March 2018
Get to episode 5 and then it explodes all the way to the end.
vrave-9727 December 2022
The first four episodes just feels like a regular cop show.
But it gels in episode 5 and does not stop until the very last show of the last season.
Essentially it is one story from start to finish. Not across a season, but across all of the seasons. Something to really let yourself be taken on a journey.
All the characters are great and I sort of root for everyone really, or you can at least see their side of the story.
Very funny. Well written. Well filmed.
Exciting and psychologically thought provoking. Tactics and deceit. Cerebral(maybe) For most of the actors these roles were their defining role in as much as they never look quite right in any other role.
But it gels in episode 5 and does not stop until the very last show of the last season.
Essentially it is one story from start to finish. Not across a season, but across all of the seasons. Something to really let yourself be taken on a journey.
All the characters are great and I sort of root for everyone really, or you can at least see their side of the story.
Very funny. Well written. Well filmed.
Exciting and psychologically thought provoking. Tactics and deceit. Cerebral(maybe) For most of the actors these roles were their defining role in as much as they never look quite right in any other role.
"Justified", a show I loved to hate.
MNKim19679 April 2020
In a nutshell, I loved to hate "Justified". The only reason it came to my attention after multiple years of being a completed series is because it kept showing up in my Hulu queue as something I might be interested in, so, eventually, I tuned in and kept tuning in because of the excellent casting and acting, dialogue, and overall production; in other words, it really is a great series. Why did I love to hate it?; because the "bad guys" won a lot more than the "good guys". "Justified" is essentially a "Wild, Wild West" drama relocated to the hills of Kentucky where gold and black gold have been replaced by the illicit drug trade and greed and abject poverty keep the wheels constantly greased; bodies drop like matchsticks and life is basically worthless to those around you who's only moral code is "don't get caught", and most don't because many of the "powers that be" are either in on it, or, just don't care. Sounds depressing, I know, and, sometimes, I could only watch an episode at a time, however, I continued to watch it until the end (there were also times I could swear the banjo from "Deliverance" was going to play which gives credence to the quality of production). I'd recommend at least tuning in once - you might like it.
One Smooth Ride
kbuttstadt24 April 2010
Justified is another fine entry into FX's stable of shows. As a fan of both crime fiction & serialized television, this has been on my radar for some time. First, the story is wonderfully structured & grounded in reality (It helps when you shoot on location & cast actors that actually feel like they belong there) The U.S. Marshalls & their multiple duties have always been a great source for story-telling, and this is no different. Second, the cast is perfect for this type of slow-burn law enforcement story. Timothy Olyphant once again nails the 'cowboy' role we've seen him in before(Deadwood, The Crazies). He runs the risk of being type-cast; but if he's always this good in these types of roles, who cares? The rest of the cast is rounded-out by some familiar & not-so-familiar faces, and the whole of them seem to bring their A-game to this project. The third reason this show is quality is the production value. Everything from the costumes(I love the cowboy hat) to the locations & the music have all been perfectly fitting with the story & the characters. This show also sneaks up on you a little bit, once you think Justified isn't 'edgy' enough for FX, something happens to change your mind. It's only similar to the other FX crime shows in that it centers around a really angry guy. I hope Justified & FX continue to pleasantly surprise me.
I would not be surprised if this series won an Emmy.
jporto23 March 2010
I rarely watch TV, but being such an Elmore Leonard fan I had to see if Justified lived up to Leonard's books. This series appears to be based upon Riding the Rap. Episode 2 actually uses dialog that is taken straight from the book, so I assume Leonard is consulting on this project. The series, at least the first two episodes, captures the wacky but gritty Elmore Leonard style that I love. I disagree about the slowness of pace. I think the series is paced correctly for maximum benefit. Given the cramped style of a 40 or so minute format, I am surprised that they are able to pack in as much as they do. My guess is that the series will be one long exposition of the book, which is fine with me since I am always sorry when I come to the end of an Elmore Leonard novel. If the script and the visual effects didn't capture my mental image of Leonard's novels, then I would not watch.. But the writers, directors and in particular the actors...all of them...have nailed Elmore Leonard. This is far better than Get Shorty. It has the grittiness and the fidelity missing in that movie. I would not be surprised if this series won an Emmy.
Made for the role
larry-027119 March 2020
Holds your interest.
FinneganBear26 March 2018
Justified is well acted, has great characters and interesting stories. My only complaint concerns some of the writing. When it comes to dialogue between characters, the writing is always superb. But there are just too many coincidences that effect the outcome of the plots. Too many times when someone shows up just in time or when warring parties just happen to show up at the same time and place. And Raylan is frequently put in what appears to be a deadly situation with no way out only to have the situation resolved in minutes if not seconds. These things occur in nearly every episode, so the repetition becomes tiresome. But if you're willing to suspend belief, Justified is fun and entertaining.
Cliché after cliché to the point where I don't know if it's satire or not
tzaeru11 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The show largely compromises of over-used clichés after clichés of crime-drama-comedy. You've your very average, pun-tossing bad-ass cop who makes a point of only drawing his gun to kill - an idea which in most sane places would have you stripped from your rank. You've your awkward shooting scenes where, apparently, assault weapon rounds are blocked by simple car doors. You've Nazi rednecks with the uniform, glistening white teeth of the top-paid TV actors portraying them.
The dialogue on the show is terrible and reminds me of a style used in late 1800s and early 1900s literature, where a given person explains a piece of his life story in a 10 sentence monologue, after which there's a pause, and another character responds something largely irrelevant for another 10 sentences, after which there's a pause. Rinse and repeat.
Overall, the show is a mess of poorly written dialogue, implausible characters and silly action scenes. I can only recommend it for people who feel confident about being able to take it all with a fair bit of humor. Unfortunately, the show seems to take itself a little too seriously to be considered satire as which most of it could better be understood.
The dialogue on the show is terrible and reminds me of a style used in late 1800s and early 1900s literature, where a given person explains a piece of his life story in a 10 sentence monologue, after which there's a pause, and another character responds something largely irrelevant for another 10 sentences, after which there's a pause. Rinse and repeat.
Overall, the show is a mess of poorly written dialogue, implausible characters and silly action scenes. I can only recommend it for people who feel confident about being able to take it all with a fair bit of humor. Unfortunately, the show seems to take itself a little too seriously to be considered satire as which most of it could better be understood.
Because we dug coal together. ~a tear~
brooksrob13 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After a third binge, I had to check IMDB out to see how others viewed it...I have loved this show since it first came on... Raylen *Olyphant has the most endearing mannerisms throughout...Never a stupid line... His self assured nature gets him in trouble a few times but; He'll deliver and "Aww shucks" statement that just makes his character amazing...
The Bennets, Meggs, Limehouse The Dixie Mob, assorted criminals. Give Raylen a run for the money...
Raylens interactions with Boyd are what makes the show so watchable. I had seen Goggins in a few things previously, but; Justified raised my opinion of him far more. He's a force and outshines Olyphant a few times...Which is no easy task... The look in Raylens eyes when He says the review title is very poignant...
The Bennets, Meggs, Limehouse The Dixie Mob, assorted criminals. Give Raylen a run for the money...
Raylens interactions with Boyd are what makes the show so watchable. I had seen Goggins in a few things previously, but; Justified raised my opinion of him far more. He's a force and outshines Olyphant a few times...Which is no easy task... The look in Raylens eyes when He says the review title is very poignant...
'Justified' - fun, fresh, intelligent
mbrid121440217 March 2010
A co-worker and I are fans of FX's Sons of Anarchy. He told me about this show after seeing it advertised and urged me to record it. I'm glad I did. I found the premiere episode refreshingly intelligent, subtlety comedic, and engaging.
Timothy Olyphant truly fits the role and expertly portrays Raylen Givins, a US Marshal with a flare for the attitude and historical respect expected (and required) of the position reminiscent of a Texas Ranger.
His Marshal authenticity and brand of justice leads him back to his hometown where he endears old friends and confronts new enemies while sidestepping questions of his dubious past and kin.
The story is fun and believable except for some legal proceedings regarding a recently widowed woman, but otherwise delivers very well and provides for good previews.
Lastly, I discovered that this show is based off a novel by Elmore Leonard. Leonard is the talent behind such movies as "Get Shorty" and "Be Cool," among others, that I revere as favorites. I was pleased to see that a show with his name in the credits is also praiseworthy.
Timothy Olyphant truly fits the role and expertly portrays Raylen Givins, a US Marshal with a flare for the attitude and historical respect expected (and required) of the position reminiscent of a Texas Ranger.
His Marshal authenticity and brand of justice leads him back to his hometown where he endears old friends and confronts new enemies while sidestepping questions of his dubious past and kin.
The story is fun and believable except for some legal proceedings regarding a recently widowed woman, but otherwise delivers very well and provides for good previews.
Lastly, I discovered that this show is based off a novel by Elmore Leonard. Leonard is the talent behind such movies as "Get Shorty" and "Be Cool," among others, that I revere as favorites. I was pleased to see that a show with his name in the credits is also praiseworthy.
Absolute gem
arjunasopa-9245320 May 2020
Raylen Givins is a great character
vajbrady17 March 2010
I was a bit skeptical about this show based on a couple of the previews that I saw (I am so over the Matrix/300/Spartacus slow motion fight scenes), but I liked Tim Olyphant on season 2 of Damages so I thought I would give it a try. I really liked the first episode. Raylen Givins is a complete bad a**! It is well written and had several great lines that made me pause and rewind. The secondary characters were also interesting. I especially liked Raylen childhood friend turned Neo-Nazi, Boyd. I hope that each episode uncovers more about Raylen and what makes him tick. Give Justified a watch and you won't be disappointed.
Once upon a time in Kentucky...
deloudelouvain15 May 2015
I just finished the whole series and I enjoyed every single one of the episodes from all seasons. This is an underrated series that deserves much more people to know about it. I'm normally not a big fan of Kentucky accent but in this show it's just great. The conversations between the actors are also excellent. I just love the way they talk in Justified. The actors are all top notch, can't really fail anybody on this show. Walton Goggins (as Boyd Crowder) and Timothy Olyphant (as Raylan Givens)are definitely the two actors that carry this series to a higher level. Their eternal battle against each other is a pleasure for the eye and ear. The story is well written, you never get bored for a second. I certainly will watch Justified again in the future.
One of the GOAT tv shows.
athanasiosze13 January 2023
FIRST SEASON : 8/10
SECOND SEASON: 8,3/10
THIRD SEASON : 8,4/10
FOURTH SEASON : 8,1/10
FIFTH SEASON: 8,1/10
SIXTH SEASON: 8,3/10.
This is not just one of the greatest tv shows of all time, but one of the most consistent ones too. Because there is not even an one "just good" season, they are all very very good. From beginning to end, there is not even a slightly drop in quality. Ok, first 4-5 episodes are not great, but when it starts being great, it's great all the way through. There is tension, top notch acting, very likeable characters, drama, catharsis. It's realistic but not excessively gritty. These are human characters not tv caricatures. And the greatest quality here is the script. Not only the plot. The dialogues are sharp as a razor. The interaction between the characters is convincing as it gets.
Olyphant is Swagger Incarnated. Goggins is the archetype of the charismatic, vicious but charming, criminal. Joelle Carter is the Damsel in Distress who choose to fight back for her life, instead of waiting for the "Prince in white horse".
Every actor here does an amazing job, the casting is excellent.
The ending is brilliant.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic tv show.
SECOND SEASON: 8,3/10
THIRD SEASON : 8,4/10
FOURTH SEASON : 8,1/10
FIFTH SEASON: 8,1/10
SIXTH SEASON: 8,3/10.
This is not just one of the greatest tv shows of all time, but one of the most consistent ones too. Because there is not even an one "just good" season, they are all very very good. From beginning to end, there is not even a slightly drop in quality. Ok, first 4-5 episodes are not great, but when it starts being great, it's great all the way through. There is tension, top notch acting, very likeable characters, drama, catharsis. It's realistic but not excessively gritty. These are human characters not tv caricatures. And the greatest quality here is the script. Not only the plot. The dialogues are sharp as a razor. The interaction between the characters is convincing as it gets.
Olyphant is Swagger Incarnated. Goggins is the archetype of the charismatic, vicious but charming, criminal. Joelle Carter is the Damsel in Distress who choose to fight back for her life, instead of waiting for the "Prince in white horse".
Every actor here does an amazing job, the casting is excellent.
The ending is brilliant.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic tv show.
Awestruck, forever.
farhans30 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
When I watched first season of justified, I thought to myself- Man, how fresh is this show? I got the same feeling that I got when I watched Firefly and even dreaded the same fate for this gem. But thank God that didn't happen. So we got the second season and I found out how the show matured without actually losing any of its inherent charm. Again, setting was perfect and Mags Bannet proved to be another worthy foe
.. and then the history of between the clans
.. I mean, everything was just pitch-perfect, even better than the first season. So then I asked myself another question. What will happen in later seasons? I mean, it's a great show and all
. But all good things, finally & sadly, do have to come to an end
and how many times do we see an end that is extremely painful, as the show descends into a sad state, trying to rescue itself from a grim fate by using cheap thrills, cameos that are just plain laughable and then network would cancel it anyway. We have all seen this happen to even the best of the shows. So how much juice was left in justified's engine, which was already running at near perfect revolutions per episode. But then, to my amazement, 3rd season happened and then 4th one with the amazing Drew Thompson story. It just kept getting better, against all odds, defying the fundamental laws of writing and acting and production value
it just pushed and pushed ahead. Now people may think that 5th season might have been one of the weakest, but I personally disagree. Crowes were not as vicious as other baddies, but they had their own charm. Even when this show (maybe) dragged, it had a better overall entertainment value than the lot of them. So we got then news (probably mid-season) that 6th was going to be its last season. And I was relieved. Creators and writers and all others involved, made a decision to preserve an image in the minds of the viewers that was different from that of every other successful show I know. And the image was
.Not to crash and burn, but gracefully conclude this modern classic. I know critics look at this show and roll their eyes, nitpicking things that are just miniature compared to the overall impact of this fine piece of entertainment.
Coming back, sixth season started with a bang, and never took its eyes off the prize. Finding at least two worthy foes, who were as charismatic as Raylan .. it's difficult to find anything wrong with this line of thinking. But anyway, in the finale, show skipped a couple of years, to show a time that was simpler (I presume) and they DID leave Harlan alive, and then it ended with simple line. I know, I should have been shedding tears, to see my most beloved show end, and end at such emotional note .. but I somehow tilted towards smiles, that stretched from ear to ear. How clichéd I would sound to say that I wasn't sad that it was over, but rather glad that It happened .. but there .. I said it, I meant it and am here to represent it (while clichés are open and puns are intended). I wish I could have time to analyze each and every episode. I wish that I could repeat every crisp dialog to remind myself of those good times. I wish I could discuss the score, the cinematography, the acting, the spontaneity of plot and tons of other things .. but I can't. All I want to say is ..THANK YOU, to the creators of this wonderful show and every person involved, and now that I have watched Justified, I know I won't be able to enjoy anything else that easily. My sense of morality is even more screwed up after watching this piece of art, but I am better for it. I will re-watch justified till cows come home and I will keep thinking how on earth this marvelous show was created, sustained and concluded, maintaining a level of entertainment that I never find even in the best of show and movies. This just goes to show that something as simple as nice story telling can go a long way. If you haven't watched Justified yet, then please go ahead and give it a try. If it proves to be your cup of tea, you will have the experience of a lifetime watching a simple yet elegant TV show.
Coming back, sixth season started with a bang, and never took its eyes off the prize. Finding at least two worthy foes, who were as charismatic as Raylan .. it's difficult to find anything wrong with this line of thinking. But anyway, in the finale, show skipped a couple of years, to show a time that was simpler (I presume) and they DID leave Harlan alive, and then it ended with simple line. I know, I should have been shedding tears, to see my most beloved show end, and end at such emotional note .. but I somehow tilted towards smiles, that stretched from ear to ear. How clichéd I would sound to say that I wasn't sad that it was over, but rather glad that It happened .. but there .. I said it, I meant it and am here to represent it (while clichés are open and puns are intended). I wish I could have time to analyze each and every episode. I wish that I could repeat every crisp dialog to remind myself of those good times. I wish I could discuss the score, the cinematography, the acting, the spontaneity of plot and tons of other things .. but I can't. All I want to say is ..THANK YOU, to the creators of this wonderful show and every person involved, and now that I have watched Justified, I know I won't be able to enjoy anything else that easily. My sense of morality is even more screwed up after watching this piece of art, but I am better for it. I will re-watch justified till cows come home and I will keep thinking how on earth this marvelous show was created, sustained and concluded, maintaining a level of entertainment that I never find even in the best of show and movies. This just goes to show that something as simple as nice story telling can go a long way. If you haven't watched Justified yet, then please go ahead and give it a try. If it proves to be your cup of tea, you will have the experience of a lifetime watching a simple yet elegant TV show.
one of the best
bsw19641 September 2011
This remarkable police-series is one of a special brand!
They have not picked an actor with a stranger name for this unusual drama. Timothy Olyphant play US Marshall Gibons who, having killed a head mobster in Miami, is for disciplinary reasons transfered to his birthplace surroundings in Kentucky.
Coming back to his past he encounters the people who he left behind for his new life in Miami. The father which he hasn't seen for years, his longing for crime old friends and the ex-wife, they all paint the screen for the atmosphere in this show.
It's full of tongue in cheek conversations, even the criminals are characters where you can have feelings for, plenty of action that's not over the top. If you like "Dexter", you're gonna like this one I guess.
About Olyphant, he reminds me of a young Clint Eastwood. Dry humor, involved, direct and also that mysterious look.
They have not picked an actor with a stranger name for this unusual drama. Timothy Olyphant play US Marshall Gibons who, having killed a head mobster in Miami, is for disciplinary reasons transfered to his birthplace surroundings in Kentucky.
Coming back to his past he encounters the people who he left behind for his new life in Miami. The father which he hasn't seen for years, his longing for crime old friends and the ex-wife, they all paint the screen for the atmosphere in this show.
It's full of tongue in cheek conversations, even the criminals are characters where you can have feelings for, plenty of action that's not over the top. If you like "Dexter", you're gonna like this one I guess.
About Olyphant, he reminds me of a young Clint Eastwood. Dry humor, involved, direct and also that mysterious look.
Polished but flawed
tonykeith-4179427 June 2019
Contrived, unconvincing, predictable and flat. Did not care for the characters, feeble plot lines and implausible scenarios. I bought the box set having enjoyed previous Olyphant shows so took the gamble. I soon met that decision with regret, being unable to push past the first series. I can understand why some like it, top quality production and presented faultlessly but unfortunately for me it was all too polished and unbelievable. More hard work than entertainment.
Almost Justified
lou-4124 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Needs work. The lead character "Timothy Olyphant" is charismatic, but he's not believable. When entering a dangerous situation, he acts like "I'm the star of the show so I know I'm not going to die". There's no sense of a threat to his life. It's like the writers believe this must be how cool people act. I don't seem to care to much about the supporting cast. The bad guy needs to be killed off. I couldn't believe he survived the gunshot to the chest from 8 feet away! I thought, "Oh no. Not another show were we get an ongoing, up and down, life experience of a criminal". I'll probably give it one more episode. Then go back to going to sleep early.
Cant get enough
jstepp-7291919 February 2020
Just watched it for the third time all the way through. It is so good. Tim and Walton did so good...their growing rivalry mixed with their respect for each other is amazing. Walton just delivers an unparalleled witty performance. Probably watch it again sooner than later
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