Lots of interesting stuff in FX’s announcement of its 2010 schedule. Yes, I’m looking forward to the new season of Damages (Jan. 25). Yes, I’m hoping that the superb stand-up comic Louis C.K. will finally find a good TV starring vehicle for himself in Louie, especially given the fine work he’s been doing on Parks and Recreation. And yes, I think you should check out the grown-up cartoon Archer (Jan. 10): I’ve seen the pilot, and it is a smart spoof with sharp sarcasm.
But based on its cast, a brief clip, and its source material, Justified is the show I’m all-in on: I’ll bet the contemporary drama starring Timothy Olyphant as a sheriff tracking down badguys will be one of the best new shows of the upcoming year.
Justified was originally called Lawman. While I suppose the obvious reason for the title-change is that Steven Seagal just debuted a series with the same name. But I’d also wager that when FX saw that title and pictures of Olyphant in ten-gallon hat, they got the jitters that people would peg it a Western and they’d lose some of the female audience and most of their young demo. In business terms, these fears are, I suppose… justified.
No matter what you call it, though, this drama would seem to have both quality and fun on its side. And by “fun” I mean Olyphant as a laconic lawman (sorry, FX: I’ll still use the term) who cracks skulls while speaking rueful, terse Elmore Leonardesque dialogue. That’s partly because the hero is based on an Elmore Leonard creation, Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who’s popped up in a few of Leonard’s novels and short stories. Check out a bit of it here:
Justified's pilot was directed by Michael Dinner, who helped make the short-lived, Elmore Leonard-derived, Carla Gugino-starring series Karen Sisco so good during its appallingly short 2003-2004 run. One of its producers is Graham Yost, who worked most notably on Boomtown.
If you thought Olyphant was cool/sexy/smart/intriguing in Damages and Deadwood, you'll want to see him in Justified.
Wanna bet?
I’m totally in after this preview!
huge Olyphant fan. He is always brings some charisma to his roles and makes every scene he’s in exciting. “A Perfect Getaway” was a over the top and fun, especially when Olyphant was on screen.
That’s one of my all time favorite movies. I could watch it over and over again. I can’t say that I really love too many movies, but that was great. I just watched the season finale of Justified last night. Wow! The actors in this show are great. Loved the whole season. Hopefully, Boyd won’t get killed off too soon. He’s really good. Olyphant is exceptional in this role.
Emily
I love Timothy Olyphant and can’t wait to see this!
I think timothy olyphant is hot in cowboy outfit!!!!!!!!!!!
Saw the preview when it was called “Lawman” and have been waiting with bated breath.
I think I first took notice of Olyphant in “Go.” He’s been a solid actor and was brilliant in “Deadwood.” This may sound weird, but he got these monstrously huge caps put in and they’re unbelievably distracting. Now he’s just not the same — every time I watch him all I see are those big teeth.
i didn’t notice the caps. it’s too bad, but he’s still crazy hot. i miss deadwood…
I also noticed Olyphant in “Go” and was attracted by charisma. He was excellent in “Deadwood” and good in “Damages.” I will try and look past the caps. The show looks promising. I hope Olyphant finds success with this show.
I’m thankful that the name was changed to “Justified.” It rings better than “Lawman.”
I’m guessing they changed the name because they don’t want to be linked with the new Steven Seagal reality show. Can’t wait for this show!!
Timothy Olyphant is one of my favorite (and most under-rated) actors. Anything he is in is worth watching.
I haven’t seen Deadwood but I’ve seen “Die Hard 4″, “Hitman”, and “Gone in 60 Seconds”. He was good in all of those. “Justified” isn’t a bad rename as titles go. I too saw this preview months ago and I’m waiting on baited breath to see this show! Come on FX! How about a January premiere date?
Oof… do yourself a favor and start watching Deadwood instead of that drivel.
HAH, absolutely, damn right, just drop everything and buy all 3 seasons of Deadwood, now, right now, The whole cast is amazing in Deadwood, and olyphant kicks ass in every way, by far the best show ive ever seen
The show is great, wonderful script, great acting, one of the best since NBC took Life off the air. Idiots
You’ve got to see him in the movie, “A Perfect Getaway” Sexy is an understatement for him in that role. It makes me smile just to think about it.
Emily
He’s one of those rare actors where I’ll see everything he’s done simply because he’s in it. Him, Ben Foster, Rosario Dawson… love it.
I’d really like to see him in something WITH Rosario Dawson. Don’t you think they’d make a good pair?
I’m so excited to see this show, but what even got me more amped up than Timothy Olyphant (who I freaking LOVE) was seeing Walton Goggins in the preview! I have missed hating him since The Shield ended, taking Shane Vendrell away from me.
I saw the preview for this show during Sons of Anarchy las night and I tell ya, seeing Timothy Olyphant all decked out in western gear (albeit modern day) almost brought me to tears. I miss Deadwood but am all geeked for TO’s return!
Olyphant is great though his choice of material can be uneven. I’ve been looking forward to this show for a while because I was such a fan of Deadwood and Olyphant was so fantastic as Sheriff Bulock. FX has an excellent track record for character driven dramas so I have high hopes for Justified (though I like the original title “Lawman” better).
I heart him, even though the only thing I’ve ever seen him in was the weak-ish Catch and Release. Still, he’s delicious. I’ll definitely check it out.
Tim Olyphant is at his best in The Girl Next Door. Don’t believe me, watch that movie. He redeems the entire thing.
Timothy Olyphant has been a favorite of mine for a long time and I agree with Devon, he is awesome in The Girl Next Door. I think everyone did a great job in that, but every scene he is in is just so much better. He makes the movie and he’s not even the lead actor.
YUM!!!